Yay! Your photo shoot is just around the corner! I know that preparing for a session can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. What should I wear? Did I forget anything? Will the kids behave? Take a deep breath—I’ve got you covered.
To help you look and feel your absolute best, I’ve put together a quick, foolproof checklist for the 24 hours leading up to your shoot - just follow these simple steps, and you’ll arrive feeling relaxed, confident, and ready to shine!
Your outfits are picked out, but let’s do a final pass to ensure they are camera-ready.
Give it an iron: Camera sensors and studio lights pick up wrinkles incredibly easily. Give your outfits a good steam or iron the night before, and place them on hangers so they stay crisp.
The "Sit Test": Try your outfit on and sit down in front of a mirror. Do you feel comfortable? Do you like how it looks from different angles? Comfort translates to confidence on camera!
Check your undergarments: Double-check that your undergarments match your outfit. Ensure there are no visible straps, and opt for nude colors under light fabrics.
Wardrobe Check
The camera catches the little things, so a tiny bit of prep goes a long way.
Hands & Nails: Your hands will definitely be in the shots—whether you're holding a child’s hand or resting them on a shoulder. Make sure nails are clean. A neutral nail or a fresh coat of polish makes a world of difference!
Hair & Makeup: Stay hydrated the day before! If you’re doing your own makeup, apply it slightly heavier than your everyday look, as studio and outdoor lighting can soften its appearance.
Love your lips: Pop a lip balm or your favorite lipstick into your bag for quick touch-ups during the session.
Timing your lotion: Lotion keeps your skin looking fresh and glowy, but try to apply it about 2 hours before the pictures. This gives it time to absorb so you look radiant, not greasy or shiny.
Grooming & Details
Remember to clean the bottoms of your shoes! If you plan to go barefoot for a cozy look, a quick pedicure (even just clear polish or neatly trimmed nails) is great.
Location prep for any location!
Studio sessions...
Please don't stress about a deep clean! I want to capture your real life. Just do a quick clutter-clear: empty off the nightstands in the master bedroom and the coffee table in the living room.
Sessions in your home...
Keep an eye on the weather. If it looks chilly, bring a stylish cardigan, scarf, or jacket that matches your outfit. Also, bring comfortable walking shoes for moving between spots—you can always swap into your photo shoes right before we shoot.
Outdoor sessions...
Bring a snack: Nobody likes being "hangry" during a shoot—especially kids! Have a small, non-messy snack before you arrive so everyone's energy is high and bring some with just in case anyone needs a little pick me up!
Arrive 5–10 minutes early: If we are shooting outdoors, we are chasing the beautiful "Golden Hour" light. Arriving a few minutes early ensures we don't miss a single second of that gorgeous glow.
And of course, relax! You don't need to be a professional model. All you need to do is show up, relax, and be yourselves.
A few last tips...
