How do I prep for my photoshoot?

There is definitely preparation before a photo session in order for your session to be the best you want it to be. But, where do you start? From deciding on outfits to choosing which beautification steps to do, there are a few things outlined here to consider--a WEEK BEFORE your session. Remember, these tips are here to help you think of ideas for preparing for your shoot, but are definitely not required, or even necessary for everyone. Just choose what fits in with your budget, lifestyle, and current beauty regimen, and go from there! 

• HAIR – If you’re a female getting a hair cut/color/style for your shoot, we advise to do it approximately two weeks beforehand, just in case it goes wrong – you just never know. For men and young kids, a fresh cut a couple of days before the shoot is fine.
• HAIR ACCESSORIES – If your session is outdoors, be ready to put your hair up and make it look nice in case of a windy day. Bring bobby pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favorite accessories.
• GLASSES – If folks wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, you will want to wear glasses during your session – however, the glare on glasses can detract from your eyes in photos. You can have your lenses removed from your frames for your shoot (don’t worry, it’s what Hollywood does to avoid glare in movies).
• LIPS – You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so bring fresh lip gloss or lipstick to do touch-up. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your smoochers look their best.
• TEETH – If you want to brighten your smile, start your whitening treatments about two weeks before your shoot.
• BREAKOUTS – Start using an acne regime for at least a week in advance of your shoot to help reduce and limit blemishes. Equally important, don’t cake on a lot of make-up to try to hide blemishes...it just makes it worse. 
• MAKE-UP – A subtle application of make-up can really soften your skin and accent your facial features. But make sure it matches your skin tone, or your face may look orange compared to the rest of your body.
• FACIAL HAIR – Men should be freshly shaved with a new razor, shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness. Trim your beard, sideburns, mustache/goatee, especially looking for wiry stray hairs. Ladies, even if you have some light facial hair (particularly around your lip or chin), indulge in a waxing in advance of your shoot – even barely-there light facial hair will be noticeable in your photos. Men and women both, pluck and clean up those eyebrows.
• MOISTURIZER – Dry skin is not good. Start moisturizing nightly a week in advance of your shoot. When you get out of the shower, dry off until lightly damp, and slather on moisturizer. Focus on your arms, shoulders, neck, face, hands, anywhere you’ll be exposed to the camera. This includes your legs if you’re shooting in shorts or a skirt. A good exfoliation couldn't hurt either!
• NAILS – A fresh coat of nail polish or nicely done nails is a must. Pick a neutral color that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits. Freshen the morning of the shoot, then be careful not to scuff it while prepping. Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a fresh manicure, but if you can’t go to the salon, make sure your nails look tidy and clean, including the cuticles.
• BLOATING – Ladies, avoid high salt and high fat foods for two to three days in advance of your shoot. Being bloated will zap your confidence and comfort in front of the camera.
• UNDER GARMENTS – Bra straps and/or underwear lines are tacky! Please dress appropriately.
• SUNBURNS & TAN LINES – If your shoot is booked for Saturday, don’t go to the beach on Friday. If you plan to tan before your shoot, do so at least a week beforehand and don’t get burned. Be mindful of clothing tan lines, sunglasses tan lines, hat tan lines, etc.
• IRONING – Iron the night before and then hang the clothes for your shoot. If you’re wearing something that wrinkles easily, don’t wear it in the car on the way to the shoot – just change at the location.
• SHOES – Ladies, can’t go wrong in heels or wedges. Men, clean’em up! Dress shoes are best or boots (here in the South). Clean shoes are MUST!!

Remember...This is only general advice for clients to get the most out of their photo shoot.