1. ENERGY-
keep it easy that day as much as possible. Yoga/meditate before... if you're into that. ;) yesssssssssss. The power of the Breath, Inhale, and exhale. I know some of you are rolling your eyes reading this, but trust me I stand behind this 10000x infinity%. Yes. Powerful words... I know! ;)
2. BE PREPARED -
Bring outfit options, and prep the night before. If you’re unsure of how it’ll look. Take pictures of you in all potential outfits. Compare and choose the best ones. :) ****
3. POWER POSE -
I spoke about this before in my other tips post- THE MAGICAL POWER POSE!
4. DON'T MAKE DRASTIC CHANGES AROUND THE PHOTO-SHOOT DAY -
AVOID changing something visually about yourself the Day of photos. Generally this would be a haircut,hair color, polar opposite Makeup than what you're used to. It's totally fine to change up your look and get freshened up for your photos. However its best to give yourself time to adjust to these changes. Simply because it can make you feel unsure or not confident, and that is important to have in your photos. You also don't want to change something about yourself so drastic like BLONDE to BLACK hair - unless you're completely used to both looks on you. It comes from a psychological place, and I could elaborate more about this if you are interested.
5. Feel, Be POSITIVE & CONFIDENT !
This is probably the most important rule, because you want these photos to reflect your BEST self. So coming in the session with a positive attitude, it truly changes the end results. Regardless if you're excited or not, just try your best. I of course will do my best to make you feel confident and comfortable, but it's great to combine it with double teaming confidence! 📷:
Your perspective on the session is really important, you should go in feeling great, and leave feeling even better! That's my goal, at least! 📷:)
6. MAKE-UP/HAIR :
I am a makeup artist as well, so I have A LOT of tips in this category, so let me know if you want me to share that in the future.
If you don't wear makeup, don't feel obligated to do so, if you want you can wear a tinted chap-stick, and maybe a CC creme.
If you do wear makeup - Make sure you blend and choose your correct foundation color, and skin type. I do photo retouching(unless requested otherwise) so don't worry TOO much. Just do your best! 📷:)
Avoid heavy foundation, and wearing too much Powder. You want your skin to have a bit of a glow to it, not too matte.
If you have very oily skin, than you can powder but even so, very little amounts. It's better to bring Blotting sheets to get the access oils off of your skin.
EYES, and LIPS are key.
Eyes: I suggest a little heavier and more dramatic for photos, because it will not show up quite as much as it does in person. LIPS: line your lips with 1 shade darker than lipstick color to define them. BROWS, also SLIGHTLY darker than normal to show up.
Don’t over do it, unless you’re a beautician perhaps. But actually if you wear too heavy of foundation for ex, it is much more likely to be shown in the HD photo (maybe not your phone)
Slightly more eye makeup
Avoid glitter/shimmer - possibly a dab on the center of the eye lid to bring in a little highlight.
Apply bronzer before foundation to have it blend more easily and look natural
SKINCARE - face mask before to get radiance
skin care before makeup- let the products absorb before moving to next step. What I do is apply serum first, go to eyes, and when skin is absorbed the serum apply cream, continue with eyes, and then face tint or makeup.
Hair-
If you can have your hair trimmed, try to have it done approximately 3-7 days or more before session ( for a clean polished look)
And if you keep your facial hair tamed usually, do so also a day or more before session.
If you do it the day of, I don’t suggest it...but make sure to take a shower to get all the fall out hair out. (look at the ears , they do show in the photo so pay attention to it.
Up, down, styled or not- depends on who you are and what you’re going for.
Senior photos-
IF you’re doing a 2 part /day package- I’d suggest doing you hair Curly one day, and straight in another. Basic something different that you like on yourself. Variety is fun.
-IF you're having it up, make sure its smoothly done where you don’t have lumps, frizziness kinks.
If you have Blonde/light color hair - be aware of wearing dark clothing - the contrast will highlight split ends. But it can also be a pretty contrast.
Dark hair- if you have any obvious amount of gray/white hair you want to not show- a tip is to use Henna dye, or just use makeup to cover it. I highly recommend a tinted dry shampoo to add a bit of volume and highlight the hair color.(it may or many not show, just a preventative thing.
7. WARDROBE: It depends
,
for Head-shots -
BLAZERS are ideal dep
ending on your Career, over all you want your shoulders and potentially arms to be covered.
Other: PORTRAITS
Make sure your clothes are not wrinkly, and use a lint roller to get any fuzzies off. Making sure your clothes fit properly, especially a blazer.
AVOID WHITE, you can wear it possibly if you are wearing another color blazer over it . The reason why, is our eyes go to the lightest point naturally, so it brings the attention to the clothing more so than your AWESOME FACE! We don't want that! 📷;)Also, it can be difficult to get a proper exposure on your face when wearing white.
Be conscious of your color scheme- if we are photographing a GREEN background- don't wear green. ( You can, if you want it will still be fine)
8. HAVE FUN!
try not to worry so much, and remember to reflect who you are and what you want people to see of you in this world.
9. PINTEREST BOARD-
This is so fun, why not? It helps you get all hyped up for your photos and you and the photographer will have more understanding of what you’re looking for. Get on the same page y’know?
Please bring:
Hairspray and spray before you leave (or gel) just to tam the frizzies
Glasses-
Contacts -
Props
COLOR choices for clothing
Depends on what type of session of course -
Generally NEUTRALS are the way to go , adding a bit of color in more settle ways like- lipstick, accessories, shoes, etc.
Black is good but beware of LINT. (or just bring a lint roller)
AVOID : White( it brings the eyes directly to that part of the image , we want the attention on your beautiful eyes not your shirt. ) If you must wear white, textured, or off white is best. Also avoid colors like- Green, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow.Muted neutrals are great. I know that's all the colors pretty much… OK so I love color, but the reason is because the color sitting on your skin - will alter your over all complexion , its settle and totally workable - but just something to keep in mind. If you do decide a color to wear listed, try laying the color on your skin and see if you notice a change.
Pastels are flattering.