I have scheduled a photo shoot... Now what do I need to know?

Preparing for your photo shoot

What to know for when getting ready for your individual session

Photography is this wonderful thing that allows people to express themselves.   There are people out there who love to get their picture taken and others who shy away from the camera but everyone can look good on film.  What's important is to relax, have fun, and come prepared.

A few days before your session 

1. Get a good night's sleep and stay healthy. If you're tired, it will reflect on your face, your overall appearance and your attitude. Try not to stress your body and mind a few days before the shoot. No alcohol, sweets, physical stress, or heavy eating either! Continue with your daily exercising on a regular basis. Drink fluids sparingly.
2. Shave or wax your legs and armpits a few days before a session. If you're modeling lingerie or open swimwear, take care of the bikini line. If you shave right before the shoot, the skin irritation will negatively impact the outcome, especially with digital photography.
3. Your hair. If you need some trimming, a couple of days before the shoot is the right time. Any coloring should be done at least 5 days before your shoot.
4. If you don't hire a make up artist, put a base makeup before coming to a shoot and don't forget your own make up kit. Don't use any gels or special hair treatments to keep it healthy during the shoot.
5. Get your outfits and props ready. Avoid bright whites, stripes or any other patterns unless specifically requested. Solid colors are the best choice. Careful with choosing V-necks. Be prepared a day before to avoid last minute runs. Bring the props that match your outfits in color, texture or by theme.       

    
Here are several things that are important to consider when preparing for a photo shoot.

1. GUYS - For the more traditional portraits, a suit or sport coat with a tie is good. Medium to dark sweaters photograph well. For the casual and outdoor photos, comfort is the rule - jeans, khakis and shorts look great.
2. GIRLS - Bring the colors and outfits you feel best in. Dresses and sweaters are good for a more traditional look. Bright colors, skirts, jeans, or shorts look good for your casual portraits. If there will be outfit changes, bring at least one dark and one bright color outfit. Avoid busy prints and patterns as they distract from the most important part of the portrait - you!
3. SHOES - Shoes may show, so they should compliment your clothing.
4. HAIR - Your portrait session is not the time to experiment with new hair styles or colors. If you do cut your hair, please do so at least a couple of weeks before the session so you are used to styling it.
5. MAKEUP - Makeup for photographs should be slightly heavier than normal. However, too much makeup tends to give you a painted look and too little might not show off your features. A translucent powder is helpful to eliminate shine, especially for oily skin. Since most portraits concentrate on the eyes, great care should be taken to make them look their best.
6. NAILS - Please do not forget the importance of your hands in your portraits. Whether you choose to do your nails yourself or have them manicured, keep them clean and use coordinating colors. Photographs often show your feet as well.
7. FACIAL HAIR - Make sure that you are clean-shaven before your session. Retouching can hide blemishes, but not razor stubble.
8. GLASSES - If you wear glasses most of the time, you will want to wear them in your portraits. To eliminate glare or reflections, bring empty frames or remove the lenses from your glasses.
9. PROPS - You can use items (including pets, vehicles, sports equipment, favorite books, and musical instruments) that show what you enjoy doing at this time in your life. If you have something special in mind, just let us know.
10. SUNTANS - Do not overdo the sun for a portrait. It looks great, but in moderation. Sunburn can be an expensive problem. It causes facial shine, red noses and cheeks, strap marks, hat lines and peeling, which are fixable but at an additional cost.

How to prepare for a Glamour Shoot     

MODEL / FASHION / GLAMOUR PHOTO SHOOT

Before you even schedule your photo session there are some things that will make you look amazing on film.

1. Practice! Get in front of the mirror and search for expressions and poses. This is not a one minute run just for fun. You have to study your body. Learn how your facial expressions actually feel when you laugh, smile, frown or relax. Try to feel each muscle. You should develop your own methods of controlling yourself to produce a desired expression "on demand". Practice when you are alone, have time to concentrate and calm enough to listen to yourself. Can you feel a perfect smile without seeing yourself in the mirror?
2. Search for body poses in front of a mirror without any clothing on. Why? Because without wearing anything to cover your body with, you will suddenly find that it is a challenge to find an attractive and natural position using only what was given to you by mother nature. With clothing on, you have pockets, textures and colors that distract you from the main object - your body. Once you master that, you will feel much more confident about virtually any modeling assignment!
3. Look at modeling shots from the fashion and glamour magazines and pay a close attention to poses, arms and legs placements and facial expressions. Analyze those separately and as a complete composition. Bring the shots you like with you.