ARRIVE EARLY - around 10 minutes

If you are late to your appointment or not ready, you'll camera time.

CLOTHING

AVOID STRIPES & PLAID. Solid colors look much better in photographs. Bring a variety of colors, don't bring 5 green outfits even if it is your favorite color. Vary the clothing types because all one look (like tanktops) xan be boring. Vary the dress level. Remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the stuff YOU like. Casual to dressy casual works best for portraits.

Most sessions let you do unlimited looks within your time period. This means if you change fast, you get more variety. Spend all day changing clothes, you get less time in front of the camera. Most people can get 4-5 looks per hour. Bring about twice as many outfits as you rhink you'll need so we can pick out the best ones.

Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely.

Don't shove your clothes into a bag unless you want them to be wrinkled.

If you are doing an outdoor session, most locations do not have places to change. Be ready to change in your car. You'll have plenty of privacy.

CLOTHING STYLES

Make sure your clothing flatters you. Oversized, bulky clothes makes you look bulky.

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. Sexy is okay, but don't make all of your outfits that way. I've photographed everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. If you have any questions, just ask me.

MAKEUP

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Make sure your mascara isn't clumpy. Avoid makeup with "sparkles" in it. In photos it makes little white spots that almost looks like zits.

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. Although I can try to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair "is supposed to look like". Bring hairspray. You don't want to get the "frizzies" mid way through the shoot and not be able to tame it back down.

JEWELRY

Keep it simple. You want the attention on you, not on your jewelry. 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, skateboards, whatever), sports uniforms, vehicles, music instruments (from school tuba to rock guitar), activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!).

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.

PETS

Pets are fine to bring along. 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.

FRIENDS & PARENTS

Friends or parents are welcome. They can be a help. 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 it is a morning session, we will take your phone number home with us and call you if we need to cancel due to weather, otherwise, we are on! If it is a daytime and the weather is questionable, simply call the studio.

TATTOOS and SCARS

Just let me know 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.

FINGER & TOE NAILS

NAILS SHOW! If they have the paint all chipped off, it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don't forget about those toes! Avoid real bright colors. Natural or basic work best. We don't want to draw attention to your neon orange toe nails. And they may look really bad with your next outfit!