PHOTO SHOOT TIPS
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I've arranged some helpful tips below, depending on the type of photo shoot you are interested in. Please look them over prior to your scheduled appointment, and if you have any questions just let me know, I'm happy to help with any suggestions or ideas!
Professtional head shots:
Avoid busy patterns and logos.
Darker colors will draw more attention to your face and eyes.
Pay attention to all of your details, such as ties, jewelry, belts, etc.
Makeup will show lighter when photographed, so please apply a little heavier than normal, however try to avoid products with a lot of shimmer or shine.
Family portraits:
Wear something comfortable! If you don't, it will definately show in the photos.
As far as colors, matching colors tend blend families together, so try not to wear the exact same color. Instead, try mixing some solid & some simple patterns, in complimentary colors. For example, try pairing yellows & purples, reds & greens or blues & oranges. I've included a sample photo below.
Have either a fresh coat of nail polish on your nails that coordinates with your outfit or don’t have any nail polish on at all. You don’t want chipped nail polish.
Wear makeup even if you don’t normally. If you don’t usually wear makeup, use a tinted moisturizer and mascara. This will help even your skin tone and make your eyes pop a little bit. If you do normally wear makeup, I suggest going to your salon and getting professional makeup and hair done. It’s so fun to pamper yourself and know you will look even more amazing! For children and dads, they get off easy!
Make sure hair is done. If family members need a cut, do it a week before your session. That way you have time to get used to it and working with it.
Think about accessories! Shoes, jewelry, hats, scarves - anything you would like to see in your photos. Accessories can be one of the most eye-catching parts of the photo!
Don’t wear characters on clothing. Or logos. Or anything splashed all over the clothing that detracts from your family.
You are encouraged to bring props, something that defines you, your family or your child. Examples could be a musical instrument, sports equipment, etc.
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Mini Sessions:
Preparing for your Mini Session
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Scheduling
Mini Sessions are periodically held through out the year some have a holiday theme to them while others do not. A Mini Session is set on a certain date where several sessions are held back to back, its not something you can book randomly, check my Facebook page or website for current up coming Mini Session dates.
Try to book as soon as possible when the event Mini Session is announced as the prime time spot offer is usually taken very quickly, doing so will make it easier for you to get a good time spot for your family. Mini sessions are typically 15 to 20 minutes with pre set backgrounds and props.
What to bring
For a child’s session it is important to bring a few of their comfort and favorite things, along with snacks lots of snacks and treats.
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A few things I recommend you bring . . .
1. Anything you would like incorporated into your shoot. Special item to you and your family.
2. Depending on which Mini Session, their costume, a holiday outfit, christmas PJ’s
3. Snacks for you and your family
Preparing your Child
Make sure they get a good nights sleep the night before or a good nap if coming later in the day. Also make sure they have been fed at least an hour before the session so they are not hungry and grouchy.
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A few days before the session let them know you are doing a photo shoot so it is not a surprise and over whelming to them. One great way to get them excited about the session is to get an old camera and let them pose you and take pictures and then show them the pictures they took. This sometimes means they will want to see every picture I take of them during the shoot but I don’t mind doing that for them :-)
Preparing your family
If you have more than one child and are planning on having them photographed together and separately its a good idea to have 2 adults so that one can entertain the child not being photographed so they don’t get bored.
