TIPS FOR YOUR SHOOT

GIRLS

There are certain things girls should be aware of and watch for in their presentation:

ARRIVE EARLY
If you show up late or not ready, you will have 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 for your own school logo.

Vary the style, all one look (like tanks) 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 sessions let you do unlimited looks within your time period. This means if you change fast, you get more variety. Spend all day in the dressing room, you get less time in front of the camera. Most people can get 3-4 looks per hour. More if you are quick and work easy. We suggest you bring double what you think we will do so we have more to pick from.

Some shots are close, 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. Group your outfits together ON HANGERS. It is amazing how many people come with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled!

CLOTHING STYLES
Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller. Wild to mild. We don’t really tell you what you can and can not wear. A little sexy is OK, but don’t make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person.

MAKEUP
Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. So if your mascara is old and clumpy, replace it first. Avoid makeup with “sparkles” in it. When you move, it makes a nice shimmer, but in a photo, where you are still, it creates a little white spot that almost looks like a zit. Also avoid makeup with an SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

GUYS:

ARRIVE EARLY
If you show up late or not ready, you will have 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. 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.

Bring a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts. A white shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb, so bring a black or gray.

Our sessions let you do unlimited looks within your time period. This means if you change fast, you get more variety. Spend all day in the dressing room , you get less time in front of the camera. Most people can get 3-4 looks per hour. More if you are quick and work easy. We suggest you bring double what you think we will do so we have more to pick from. Some shots are close, 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. Group your outfits together ON HANGERS. It is amazing how many people come with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled!

SHAVING
Please make sure you are clean shaven, Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave. Got a goatee that mom hates, but you love? Do your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and go to the restroom and shave it off for mom’s formals. Everyone is happy that way!

GENERAL TIPS

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 make it quick or you lose camera time. Artificially bleached hair is often not best, in 10 years you might say “What was I thinking??” Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be.

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

SUNBURN/TANNING
Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top or use a tanning bed to minimize any tan marks. Remember to not overdo your tanning, skin that looks like dark leather is not the most attractive. 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.

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