Your photo shoot can be as simple- or as involved- as you like. You can use this as an excuse to get your hair done or buy a new outfit- but you absolutely don't have to! Please read on to learn about some things to think through before we begin:
It can sometimes be difficult to articulate what you would like to capture–after all, most of my clients haven't been professionally photographed in many years, if ever! Complicating matters even further is the fact that words often mean something slightly different to different people–when someone says they want something "natural" for example, that can mean something entirely different to them than it does to me.
I've found the best way to cut through these issues is to have clients find visuals that represent what they would like to capture. Note this doesn't necessarily mean an image you want to recreate (though it could) but something that reflects your style.
There are two ways to do this. The first is to find images on the Internet and send them to me. The second is to create a board on Pinterest. The studio has several inspiration boards to help you get started. I encourage you to make your own board & share it with me! Just make sure you put your last name in the board's name so I know it's yours.
You will receive an email with details of how to access your Zoom consultation. We will go over all of the details of your session during the call, including the style, location, and wardrobe for your session.
In order to make the most of your consultation, it's helpful to have thought through what you're hoping to create ahead of time. Think about whether you would prefer a studio session or something outdoors. Also think through how you hope to use the images- are you hoping to capture a new headshot or are these strictly for personal use? One great way to identify your style is to look at inspiration photos on the Internet (Pinterest works great for this!). Click here for more information on how to do this.
Your wardrobe starts to bring your style to life! Our wardrobe specialist will reach out to you to discuss your clothing in detail, but our best advice is to bring clothes you feel great in (this is the time for the suit or dress you always get compliments on)! Plan to bring 4-5 different looks with you. Here are a few tips:
- Form-fitted clothes generally photograph better
- Wear something that highlights your eye color
- Simple is better- avoid large logos and detailed patterns
- Generally, the tighter the neckline, the more formal it is
- Bring a variety so we have options, including a more casual look
- Accessories should compliment, but not overpower
- Avoid auto-tint glasses as they darken in the studio lights
- The studio's wardrobe is available for in-studio sessions
Think of your photo shoot like a special event. If you would normally have your hair cut or colored for an event, then go for it! If you would get a facial or a manicure, then now is the time! That said, if you wouldn't normally do those things, now is not the time to start. Also, this isn't usually a good time to go for an entirely new look. Please make sure any appointments are scheduled at least a week prior to your session so the look has time to settle a bit. Click here for our list of locally-recommended spas & salons!
Important: Please double-check that your wardrobe selections are clean and ready prior to your session.
* Note: The only thing along those lines that we would not recommend is artificial tanning. Please don't artificially tan as it generally ends up looking orange on camera.
I'd always rather have something we didn't use than be wishing we had something. I've had clients show up with multiple suitcases- no judgement! Please bring the clothes you would like to be photographed wearing, along with the following:
- 3-5 outfits for your session
- Ties or accessories
- Extra glasses if you have auto-tint glasses
- Appropriate undergarments
(women- always bring a nude-colored strapless bra)
- Shoes to match the different looks
- Any makeup or hair products you love
From thinking about what you want to convey to thinking about how your wardrobe can help with that, the more thought you put into planning, the more customized and personal your photographs will be.
From cutting or coloring your hair to getting a manicure or a facial, prepare for this as you would a special event because it absolutely IS a special event!
I would much rather you bring more than you need than to have you standing in the studio saying, "I wish I'd brought that..." When in doubt, bring it with you!
Still have questions? Here are a few of those asked most frequently!
Click to get in touch!
Of course! The vast majority of our clients are regular people and very few people are comfortable posing in front of the camera. We will guide you in everything from facial expression to body positioning and what to do with your hands.
Our stylists are there to give you a polished look- not to change your appearance (unless that's what you want). They are true professionals who know how to style clients in a way that works with the camera and, most importantly, the lights we use.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you have allergies we need to be aware of- whether that's to specific foods or products. Also please let us know if you have any injuries we should be aware of when posing you.
We have an extensive collection of makeup & styling products. That said, you know what works best for you! If you have products that you love because they work well with your hair or skin- or the color is perfect, yes! Bring it with you!
Almost all of our clients come in with either a suitcase or a garment bag- this isn't only all right, we very much encourage you to do so!
Absolutely! The studio is on the first floor and extremely accessible via the main door. That said, we are more than happy to come out and help you carry things in! Just give us a call when you arrive and we'll find you in the parking lot.
The best way for me to answer your questions, give you an estimate & for us to get started is to fill in the form below. I will do my best to get back to you within one business day. I look forward to hearing from you!