How To Prep For Your Photoshoot: 

Checklist Style!

It's no secret that having a photo shoot can bring on anxiety and stress, but there's definitely ways to help make your life easier! Here are 10 ways to simplify and destress your next shoot!

1. Communication is KEY! Making sure that you are on the same page as your photographer! Whether this is what is expected from your photographer, what is covered in your package, what type of outfits correspond with what location you choose or if your photographer has a client closet for you to choose from! Talk, talk, talk! If you have a question, ask it!

• 1A: Just because you need photos done doesn't mean that any photographer is going to be right for you. Finding a photographer that fits your personality, your style, and overall budget and desired outcome is IMPORTANT!! For example, my clients are outgoing and extra and appreciate my attention to detail and bold style. However, some people might like dark and moody, some people love bright and airy. Find someone who speaks to you and makes you say "I want mine done like that!" In a non-creepy way, stalked the photographers website, galleries, Instagram and their Facebook, reach out to them and see if you vibe with them! 

2. Pick out your outfits as early as possible! I would be lying to you if I said that I did this myself every time. I have procrastinated one too many times to know first hand the stress that comes of not having the perfect outfit the day of the shoot! You will be thankful you did! Also, I will try to stick with nude underwear or low profile underwear! Even though I am very experienced in Photoshop, editing out bra straps and panty lines are very difficult and often times are time consuming

• Dress according to what your weather is supposed to be!
• Try to opt for matching with complementary colors instead of entirely matching!
• No tennis shoes, or shirts/tshirts with writing on them! Trust me!
• Opt for accessories, but keep it light!
• Clean nails are great! Whether they are bare or freshly manicured, make sure you keep your nails free from chipped nail polish or any distracting colors prior to your photo shoot.

3. Shave the day/night before! I know this seems weird, but I have had so many clients show up and forget to shave because they were running late and didn't have time! Get it out of the way, because being self conscious over that will hinder your overall confidence. Also, we want to try to eliminate irritated skin, so shaving the night before will give your skin a chance to recoup and reduce the redness/shaving bumps!

4. Gather props early! If your shoot requires props whether its sonograms and wittle shoes, or chairs and various decorations for a theme, set it aside the night before somewhere thats by the door so its ready to go when you are! If anything needs to be crafted, try to finish earlier to eliminate any extra stress! 

5. Hair and Makeup! For those of you who will be getting your hair and make up done professionally, it's a good thing to be in tune with your personal style. Make sure that you either have a practice run or you have a very clear expectation with who you're working with. Nothing is worse than not liking your hair and make up on your photo shoot day. I HAVE BEEN THERE, it sucks. If you are doing it yourself, be sure to practice and know what you are doing beforehand!

6. Pre-Hydrate!  Drink lots of water the night before, although we all should be drinking water around the clock, right? Drinking lots of water will hydrate your body and have your skin feel its best! You want to rehydrate the night before that way you don't have to extra hydrate right before your shoot which can make you feel bloated and could cause bathroom breaks! Not to mention, we dont want you to feel lightheaded from dehydration. So drink up!

7.  Get a good nights sleep!  Are any of your mothers right now rolling your eyes at this? I know I did when I typed it being a mom myself and not being able to sleep through the night with my youngest. But get as much sleep as you can. Having a crappy night, can lead to lots of problems that will just landslide. We want happy clients!! 

8. Dont Pick! Acne... We all struggle with it. But if for some reason if you have a pimple that decides to grace your face with its presence the day of your photo shoot. Please don't worry, it is very easy for me to edit out pimples. Once you start picking at it, it can cause extreme redness, crustiness and will be an overall confidence killer! Refrain, I got you! 

 9. Get Into Character!  Let's be real here, I will be the first to say that I have had "disagreements" with my husband on my way to our own photo shoots and it kills the mood. Anyone else been there? I'm just going to raise my hand... These photos are an investment, having a bad attitude during them will just put a damper on the overall experience. Even if you have to fake it to make it, put on a good face and enjoy why you are shooting in the first place. Have a big family, maternity, how are your children. Having a disgruntled spouse, chaotic children, annoying in-laws, and everything in between. It is life, and just remember that you are giving your kids a piece of you to remember a snapshot of what life was truly like in that moment picture life is crazy, just roll with it!

10. Bring Practical Items: if you have kids, I would definitely bring spare clothes, snacks and or bribes. They will do wonders! As for you ladies, in case your photo shoot location is off the beaten path, bring wearable shoes! You can always put on those cute heels or wedges when you get there. 

I hope these 10 items will help you on your next photo shoot!!! If you feel like you want to learn more about my shoots, contact me today to see if we are a good fit! If you enjoyed reading, go pursue other articles! ❤️