tips for a smooth photoshoot
Selfcare & Prep...
Moisturize the night before for smooth, glowy skin. Lay out all your clothes and any props you plan to bring with you for the photoshoot. (Don't forget to use the lint roller and steam the clothes to get all the wrinkles out!) Set aside what makeup you're using or pieces of jewelry you plan on wearing. Having everything prepped and ready to go the night before can help alleviate any nervousness you may be feeling towards being in front of a camera soon.
Getting Ready...
Consider getting your hair and makeup done professionally to feel your best and get the most out of the photoshoot (and ask if they can supply some things for touch ups). Bring dry shampoo, hairspray, setting powder, the makeup you used to get ready for any potential touch ups needed throughout the shoot.
The Outfit....
What you wear to your shoot can completely change the mood, tone, and quality of the photos. Busy patterns, clashing colors, or the wrong fit can distract from your face and the story we're trying to tell. Simple, well-coordinated outfits help keep the focus where it should be, on you. It helps to think of the location of the photoshoot and what colors will complement the scenery.
The Weather...
Don't let any potential sudden weather changes ruin the photoshoot for you! It's completely out of our control, but we can still get some amazing shots out of it. It can be SO fun embracing the wind and rain to create some dramatic, moody images!
However, if you're truly not feeling it and don't want to shoot in the less-than-ideal weather conditions, we can definitely reschedule for a sunnier day.
*Keep in mind that certain outdoor locations tend to have consistent bad weather, especially in the mountains later in the day.
"But I'm awkward in front of a camera..."
No professional photographer expects their client to be an expert at posing in front of a camera! Trust me, we know how nerve-racking it can be to stand in front of the lens suddenly not knowing how to function or move. It's our job to guide you every step of the way to get the best photos!
I personally prefer to direct my clients through a prompt that creates movement rather than a stiff, frozen pose. It creates a much more natural-looking, pleasing photo.
I don't know if my kids will behave...
Totally valid concern! The kiddos might not understand at the moment just how important these photos will be to you or even to them when they get older. I am 100% down to embrace whatever fun chaos will come out of their endless energy and creativity. If they feel the need to run and burn off that energy, we'll make a game of it! If they're shy, we'll give them a prompt to distract them from the fact that there's a camera pointed at them.
I think capturing all of their emotions can be so adorable, too, though. For instance, when someone gets upset that they can't go swim in the geese's 'booty-water' AKA the dirty pond at the park during the photoshoot hehe
Such a cute moment and a memory to talk about forever!
Rest...
Set aside time to relax and get a good night's sleep! Lack of rest can make you more anxious & stressed out before/during the session. Have faith that everything will go perfectly during the session, because your photographer has your back! It's our job to make sure you're comfortable and having a fun time in front of the camera.
