Getting Ready : What To Do Before Your Shoot + My Fave Beauty Picks!

Let’s set the scene: We’ve discussed your photo shoot ideas, we’ve got the perfect location, you’re so excited!

These are going to be the best! You’re ready to print them on canvas and hang them in your living room before we’ve even started.

And then you show up, we take your pictures, and you’re not thrilled with the outcome. Your nails are chippy, I missed a bruise that could have been covered when editing because I was staring for hours at my screen trying to cover them all even though I tried my best, and you notice all the little things that could have been avoided before the shoot even started.

So let’s chat. What can you do before your session to make sure it’s everything you dreamed? Let me help you help me! Because I do minimal editing on skin smoothing (I firmly believe you should love yourself the way you are, and my goal is to help you do that!), there are some things that you can do beforehand to make your photos look like a dream...

   •   Shower the morning of.

This seems pretty self explanatory, but coming to a session with oily hair is not going to get us off to a good start, and there’s nothing I can do to edit that away!

   •   Invest in good primer and full coverage foundation.

Even models get a full face before they get in front of the camera. Nope, they don’t wake up looking like a magazine! The secret to smooth skin in your photos is easy - the correct make-up. Starting with a primer to fill in the pores, and a good concealer to cover up any redness and even out color.

A good foundation will cover up any tattoos you regret and don’t want showing, tacky hickies that will show in a low-cut top, and even bruises on your legs from being a little clumsy (it happens!). The only way to make sure they’ll get edited out is to make them invisible before hand!

   •   Shave and pluck.

Again, most people would go ahead and do this along with the shower. But I’ve had to battle body touch-ups with furry pits too many times. If it’s going to show, shave it or pluck! Legs, pits, lower back and belly, hairy facial moles...

I’m not body shaming. If it’s not going to bother you, it’s not going to bother me. But if it’s something you’re not going to be happy with in your photos, fix it before hand because chances are I will miss it or assume you’re okay with it and re-edits aren’t free! I spend a lot of time on your pictures making sure we will both be happy with them, let’s make it a little easier on both of us.

   •   Mani/Pedi.

I’m as guilty as the next person about forgetting about my nails! You get busy, you make sure your clothes and hair and perfect, and you walk out the door.... until your pictures come back and you think “oh no.” That’s why I like to make a to-do list the morning of to make sure I get everything checked off before I get in front of the camera. Whether you’re just going natural, painting your nails, or putting on falsies, just make sure your nails are clean, filed, and ready to go!

   •   Good mascara or falsies.

No matter the look you’re going for, faux eyelashes are always a good idea! They make your eyes look bigger and draw in the eye of the viewer. I recommend black eye glue to blend with your liner, too! But if falsies aren’t your thing, a good volumizing mascara is the way to go!

   •   Know what you’re signing up for!

If you’re ever in doubt, reach out! Knowing what a session involves is key! I offer different kinds of minis throughout the year: some for kids, high school seniors, families, and boudoir. If you sign up for a senior shoot, know you’re going to get a senior shoot, not a high fashion or sexy shoot. If you sign up for a boudoir, know what’s involved and probably don’t wear granny panties and your worn out bra to a sexy sesh. You can always ask me for inspo pictures to know the direction a shoot is going to go before you jump in unprepared!

Bonus: Some of my favorite products for successful photo sessions:

**Links to products below, but no, I'm not getting any revenue so don't worry about me pushing for sales. ;) Informational purposes only!

Primer Picks:

   •    Smashbox - Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer

   •   Benefit Cosmetics - The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer

Foundation Pick:

•   IT Cosmetics - CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

Concealer Pick:

•   IT Cosmetics - Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer

False lash picks:

•   Big but natural lashes: Kiss - Lash Couture Triple Push-Up, Teddy

•   Dramatic lashes: Kiss - Lash Couture Matte Black Faux Mink, Matte Velvet

Lash glue pick:

•   Kiss - Lash Couture Lash Adhesive, Black

  Setting spray, for keepsies on your fab face:

•   NYX Professional Makeup - Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray