ARRIVE ON TIME

We have other clients booked for the same day as your session,
if you arrive late....you get less time in front of the camera.

CLOTHING

First of all AVOID STRIPES AND PLAID!! Solids photograph much better! Also bring a variety of color, don't bring 4 blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Avoid clothing that has wording on it except maybe your school logo. Vary the style, all one look gets boring. Vary the dress level, bring some dressy, some medium and some casual. Remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the stuff YOU like.

Our new “Safari Session” is on location and changes are done in a small pop-up tent. If this doesn’t sound like fun.... don’t get this session. We have great indoor &outdoor areas at the studio. Spend all day in the dressing room, you get less time in front of the camera. Keep changes simple, and bring extra clothes so we have more to pick from.

Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length formal in your suit if all you brought was big old tennis shoes.

Also remember, as a general rule, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds and darker clothes look better on darker backgrounds. So if you prefer dark, bring dark, if you prefer some of both, bring some of both.

Group your outfits together ON HANGARS. It is amazing how many people come in with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed. Although we have an iron for touch ups, we don't want to waste your time on ironing.

HAIR

Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but keep it simple & easy so you don’t loose camera time. " Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. It IS ok to show up early in curlers if you need to.
Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility.

JEWELRY

Best tip here, keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hangar with that outfit.

PROPS

BRING THEM!! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: Sports equipment (soccer ball, football, hockey stick, hurdle, whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments (from school tuba to rock guitar), activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!, vehicles motorcycles, cars !)
.................. BRING PROPS !!!!!

GLASSES

Most glasses glare! Some prescriptions more than others. Your best bet is to check with your optometrist. Most will "loan" you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session.

SUNBURN/TANNING

AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! Tan, yes, burn, no. If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don't overdue it so you look too fake-and-bake.

COMPLEXION

We retouch blemishes on request when needed, (at a slight additional charge ) so don't worry about minor breakouts.

PETS

Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone bring a pet, then leave with them after. Or bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to hold a dogs attention.

FRIENDS & PARENTS

Friends or parents are welcome. They can be a help. HOWEVER, if they distract you, it is best to have them wait in the gallery. You can have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend or sibling at no extra charge.

WEATHER FOR OUTDOOR PORTRAITS

Let's face it, we are at the mercy of mother nature. If it rains, no fretting will do anything about it, we simply have to reschedule. Don't worry about clouds, they actually HELP! But rain falling IS a problem. If the weather is questionable, simply call the studio.

TATTOOS, SCARS and BRACES

Just let me know during the session if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at your request. Extensive work will have a extra charge.