HAVING PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS TAKEN CAN BE A STRESSFUL EXPERIENCE,– I GET IT!
TO MAKE YOUR PHOTO SESSION A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE, HERE ARE SOME
TIPS & TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR PHOTOS SHINE.
AVOID WHITE
Try to avoid wearing white clothes in your photos.
White always wins the eye, and it also tends to overexpose,
so the eye will be stolen by a white shirt or dress instead of the person wearing it.
BLOATING
Avoid high-salt and high-fat foods for two to three days in advance of your shoot.
I’ve also found that staying well hydrated helps thin out your face.
Being bloated will sap your confidence and comfort in front of the camera.
COMFORT
Comfort is key!
Photo sessions aren’t designed to be torturous — I want you to have fun!
If you don’t feel comfortable in them, there’s no need to wear overly formal dresses or suits,
or skin-tight outfits (similarly, avoid overly baggy clothing — the camera won’t add 10 lbs,
but ill-fitting clothes will!)
DRY SKIN
Dry skin can really detract from a great photo shoot.
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.
TIP
For dry skin on your face, especially around your nose, use a sugar scrub.
Mix a cup of sugar with about a quarter cup of olive oil, or just until it looks like wet sand.
Scrub your face with it anywhere you have flaky skin, wash it off, then wash with soap to remove
the oil. The sugar paste shouldn’t be oily, just wet enough to moisten the sugar.
Also, be sure on your face to use a facial moisturizer, not a thick body moisturizer,
or you could break out.
NO, EVERYONE DOES NOT HAVE TO MATCH
The biggest misconception I get for portraits is that everyone in the picture should be matching.
This isn’t true! Your entire family doesn’t walk around the kitchen wearing white shirts and
khaki pants, so why should you do that in your pictures?
Instead, try choosing a color family (for instance, all warm colors such as red, brown, and gold)
and then add some variety within that color family. It’s okay to mix patterns and fabrics
as long as the colors tie everything together. For more advice and examples of what
to wear for your family portraits, scroll down!
FACIAL HAIR
Men, please shave with a new razor, shaving cream, and a moisturizing after-shave lotion
to avoid bumps and redness. Trim up your beard, sideburns, moustache or 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.
EVERYONE: please clean up your eyebrows!
GLASSES
If people wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, then wear glasses in your shoot!
However, lens glare 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), ask your eye doctor to loan you
a pair of similar frames, or try to buy a suitable pair of duplicate frames on the cheap.
HAIR
Ladies, if you’re getting a hair cut for your shoot, do so about 2 weeks beforehand,
just in case it goes wrong - you just never know!
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 and don’t forget to
remove hair elastics from your wrist before the session! Gentlemen, a fresh cut a couple of
days before the shoot is fine.
IRONING
Iron your clothes and hang them the night before 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.
JEANS
Jeans are my favorite go-to piece of clothing because they’re comfortable and casual.
They work well for every type of portrait—families, seniors, head shots, etc.
When in doubt, bring a great-fitting pair of jeans.
OPPOSITES
People with lighter skin tones should avoid light colors, like white.
Similarly, people with darker skin tones should avoid dark colors such as navy, dark purple,
dark brown, or black. Portraits look best when there’s significant contrast between
skin and clothing.
PROPS
Bringing personal items can help make your session more meaningful.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED
NEWBORNS
Hats, headbands, woven baskets, sentimental items like the quilt that Grandma made for the baby, or a baby blanket from your own childhood.
KIDS
Jump rope, chalk, bubbles, balloons, giant lollipops, costumes, sunglasses, Radio Flyer wagons
ENGAGEMENT
Something that shows off your relationship or interests!
Bikes, headphones, books, coffee mugs, etc. Bring a blanket if we’re shooting in a field.
“Save the Date” or “Thank You” signs for future card designs are also cute!
SENIORS
Musical instruments, sports gear, letter jacket, college t-shirt
MATERNITY
Ultrasound printout, alphabet blocks that spell your baby’s name, stuffed animals, flowers
***
TRY TO TAME YOUR PARTY SIDE
Not to be your mom, but please avoid smoking and drinking a few days before yoursession as it will help you look your best. In general, be nice to your body. Sleep is always helpful too :)
... and in case you can't sleep because you're so excited, VISINE is your friend.
SHOES
Ladies, you can’t go wrong in heels or wedges.
Gentlemen, dress shoes are best. Avoid wearing running shoes.
And of course, bare feet are always welcome :)
KEEP CLOTHES SIMPLE
Avoid logos, busy patterns, and anything that will detract attention away from your face.
LIPS
You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so bring fresh lip gloss
or lipstick for touch- ups. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your smooches look their best.
MAKE UP
Ladies, you might consider hiring a professional makeup artist for your photos - it can really make all the difference! If you choose toapply your makeup yourself, make sure your foundation exactly matches your skin tone, and highlight your most important features
(eyes & cheekbones) by adding a little extra just for your shoot.
NAILS
Add a fresh coat of polish before your shoot!
Pick a neutral color that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits.
Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a manicure :)
TAN
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, sunglass tan lines, hat tan lines, etc.
If you accidentally burn before your shoot, slather on tons of aloe vera
- speaking from experience, it will help prevent peeling in a few days!
STRAPS
Bring a set of bras and strap-adjusting accessories to work with any outfit you want to shoot in.
Make sure to keep your straps well-hidden. Also think about underwear lines -
you never know when they might show up in your pictures!
WHITENING
If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments about two weeks before your session.
BRING EXTRA CLOTHES
Okay, the letter “X” was a stretch, but please bring LOTS OF WARDROBE OPTIONS with you
if you’re unsure about what to wear. Just pack your trunk full, and I’ll help you choose at your session.
PIMPLES
Start using acne treatment for at least a week prior to your shoot to help reduce
and limit pimples and blemishes. Equally important, don’t cake on a lot of make-up to try to hide blemishes - it’s almost always easier to Photoshop away pimples than to clean up
overdone make-up.
VARIETY IS FUN!
If you’re planning on wearing multiple outfits, change up your looks!
Try one formal outfit (for example, a prom dress for senior girls), one casual outfit (jeans & a tee), & something in- between- perhaps a cute sundress for girls, or jeans and dress shoes for guys.
... AND FINALLY, HAVE FUN! IT'S YOUR JOB.
If this list stresses you out too much, then IGNORE it.
All you have to do is show up to your session.
I promise to make you look your best!
See you soon!
K
Try to avoid wearing white clothes in your photos.
White always wins the eye, and it also tends to overexpose,
so the eye will be stolen by a white shirt or dress instead of the person wearing it.
BLOATING
Avoid high-salt and high-fat foods for two to three days in advance of your shoot.
I’ve also found that staying well hydrated helps thin out your face.
Being bloated will sap your confidence and comfort in front of the camera.
COMFORT
Comfort is key!
Photo sessions aren’t designed to be torturous — I want you to have fun!
If you don’t feel comfortable in them, there’s no need to wear overly formal dresses or suits,
or skin-tight outfits (similarly, avoid overly baggy clothing — the camera won’t add 10 lbs,
but ill-fitting clothes will!)
DRY SKIN
Dry skin can really detract from a great photo shoot.
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.
TIP
For dry skin on your face, especially around your nose, use a sugar scrub.
Mix a cup of sugar with about a quarter cup of olive oil, or just until it looks like wet sand.
Scrub your face with it anywhere you have flaky skin, wash it off, then wash with soap to remove
the oil. The sugar paste shouldn’t be oily, just wet enough to moisten the sugar.
Also, be sure on your face to use a facial moisturizer, not a thick body moisturizer,
or you could break out.
NO, EVERYONE DOES NOT HAVE TO MATCH
The biggest misconception I get for portraits is that everyone in the picture should be matching.
This isn’t true! Your entire family doesn’t walk around the kitchen wearing white shirts and
khaki pants, so why should you do that in your pictures?
Instead, try choosing a color family (for instance, all warm colors such as red, brown, and gold)
and then add some variety within that color family. It’s okay to mix patterns and fabrics
as long as the colors tie everything together. For more advice and examples of what
to wear for your family portraits, scroll down!
FACIAL HAIR
Men, please shave with a new razor, shaving cream, and a moisturizing after-shave lotion
to avoid bumps and redness. Trim up your beard, sideburns, moustache or 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.
EVERYONE: please clean up your eyebrows!
GLASSES
If people wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, then wear glasses in your shoot!
However, lens glare 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), ask your eye doctor to loan you
a pair of similar frames, or try to buy a suitable pair of duplicate frames on the cheap.
HAIR
Ladies, if you’re getting a hair cut for your shoot, do so about 2 weeks beforehand,
just in case it goes wrong - you just never know!
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 and don’t forget to
remove hair elastics from your wrist before the session! Gentlemen, a fresh cut a couple of
days before the shoot is fine.
IRONING
Iron your clothes and hang them the night before 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.
JEANS
Jeans are my favorite go-to piece of clothing because they’re comfortable and casual.
They work well for every type of portrait—families, seniors, head shots, etc.
When in doubt, bring a great-fitting pair of jeans.
OPPOSITES
People with lighter skin tones should avoid light colors, like white.
Similarly, people with darker skin tones should avoid dark colors such as navy, dark purple,
dark brown, or black. Portraits look best when there’s significant contrast between
skin and clothing.
PROPS
Bringing personal items can help make your session more meaningful.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED
NEWBORNS
Hats, headbands, woven baskets, sentimental items like the quilt that Grandma made for the baby, or a baby blanket from your own childhood.
KIDS
Jump rope, chalk, bubbles, balloons, giant lollipops, costumes, sunglasses, Radio Flyer wagons
ENGAGEMENT
Something that shows off your relationship or interests!
Bikes, headphones, books, coffee mugs, etc. Bring a blanket if we’re shooting in a field.
“Save the Date” or “Thank You” signs for future card designs are also cute!
SENIORS
Musical instruments, sports gear, letter jacket, college t-shirt
MATERNITY
Ultrasound printout, alphabet blocks that spell your baby’s name, stuffed animals, flowers
***
TRY TO TAME YOUR PARTY SIDE
Not to be your mom, but please avoid smoking and drinking a few days before yoursession as it will help you look your best. In general, be nice to your body. Sleep is always helpful too :)
... and in case you can't sleep because you're so excited, VISINE is your friend.
SHOES
Ladies, you can’t go wrong in heels or wedges.
Gentlemen, dress shoes are best. Avoid wearing running shoes.
And of course, bare feet are always welcome :)
KEEP CLOTHES SIMPLE
Avoid logos, busy patterns, and anything that will detract attention away from your face.
LIPS
You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so bring fresh lip gloss
or lipstick for touch- ups. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your smooches look their best.
MAKE UP
Ladies, you might consider hiring a professional makeup artist for your photos - it can really make all the difference! If you choose toapply your makeup yourself, make sure your foundation exactly matches your skin tone, and highlight your most important features
(eyes & cheekbones) by adding a little extra just for your shoot.
NAILS
Add a fresh coat of polish before your shoot!
Pick a neutral color that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits.
Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a manicure :)
TAN
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, sunglass tan lines, hat tan lines, etc.
If you accidentally burn before your shoot, slather on tons of aloe vera
- speaking from experience, it will help prevent peeling in a few days!
STRAPS
Bring a set of bras and strap-adjusting accessories to work with any outfit you want to shoot in.
Make sure to keep your straps well-hidden. Also think about underwear lines -
you never know when they might show up in your pictures!
WHITENING
If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments about two weeks before your session.
BRING EXTRA CLOTHES
Okay, the letter “X” was a stretch, but please bring LOTS OF WARDROBE OPTIONS with you
if you’re unsure about what to wear. Just pack your trunk full, and I’ll help you choose at your session.
PIMPLES
Start using acne treatment for at least a week prior to your shoot to help reduce
and limit pimples and blemishes. Equally important, don’t cake on a lot of make-up to try to hide blemishes - it’s almost always easier to Photoshop away pimples than to clean up
overdone make-up.
VARIETY IS FUN!
If you’re planning on wearing multiple outfits, change up your looks!
Try one formal outfit (for example, a prom dress for senior girls), one casual outfit (jeans & a tee), & something in- between- perhaps a cute sundress for girls, or jeans and dress shoes for guys.
... AND FINALLY, HAVE FUN! IT'S YOUR JOB.
If this list stresses you out too much, then IGNORE it.
All you have to do is show up to your session.
I promise to make you look your best!
See you soon!
K
