Photoshoot Prep: Body & Mind
Ever wonder why my clients look so good?
One of the biggest secrets is they are well educated on all the little ways they can best prepare for their upcoming photos. This is one way I make them feel relaxed and confident - which makes for amazing photos! I created this general guide for you to help you prepare for your next photoshoot. Get a peek at what I tell all of my clients to help them look and feel their best on photoshoot day.
Skincare
Now is not the time to go hardcore on your skin or get experimental with products or treatments. 2 -3 weeks prior to your shoot is the time to get your hydrafacial and dermaplaning. Avoid harsh facials or scrubs at least two weeks before your photoshoot. No face picking either.
Also MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE.
Hydrate
This one is obvious but so important. Drink more water. Upping your water intake in the weeks leading up to your shoot gives your skin a glow like nothing else. And it makes you feel better!
Mindset
Journal about the person you want to meet in your portraits. This will set the tone for your session, to help ensure you'll love your images. It may even change the kind of clothes you end up shopping for. If you have any hangups about seeing yourself in photos, let’s talk about it! This is more normal than you may realize, we all have parts of our body we love and parts that maybe not so much. And that’s ok! Don’t let it hold you back. You are amazing the way your are and are more than deserving to be in photos - just ask anyone that loves you. Most importantly RELAX - one of the reasons my clients book me is because they KNOW they are going to look and feel incredible.
Tanning
If you get regular spray tans done by a professional - that is one thing. Schedule your session in advance so the tan has time to settle in. If this is not part of your normal routine - DO NOT START NOW. And please for the love of all things, do not try to self-tan by yourself for the first time ever the day before your photoshoot.
Also note that you may want to avoid the sun the week leading up to your photoshoot. A healthy glow is one thing, but pink sunburns are another story and not to mention uncomfortable.
Dentist
If you have enough planning time, consider scheduling your cleaning or whitening 2 or 3 weeks prior to your photoshoot.
Nails
If you get your nails done, schedule your mani/ pedi for the week of your photoshoot. Nails should be trimmed and with no chipped polish. Consider nail color as well. We want to lean towards timeless and not trendy. French manicure style, nude, red or black all look great. Same with toes.
Hair Salon Appointments
Plan to get a trim or to refresh your color or refresh your hairstyle 1-2 weeks prior to your photoshoot. This gives your hair a chance to naturalize before you are photographed. Again this is not the time to experiment with a new color, style or even stylist. Other appointments you may consider making are deep conditioning treatments or eyelash fills. One of the best appointments to make is a professional blowout the day before your photoshoot. Make sure to pull your hair up loosely when you go to bed to preserve the volume and style.
Other Day Before Tips
Clean and polish any jewelry and shoes you will be wearing.
Steam or iron any outfits
Shave & tweeze
Have a light nutritious dinner - something that will not cause bloating or any discomfort and also plan for a light, healthy breakfast prior to your photoshoot.
The Morning Of
When you wake, have a moment of gratitude. You’re alive, healthy and beautiful. Set your intention to having a great day and showing up fully and confidently to your photoshoot. Drink plenty of water. Eat something light and healthy. Moisturize head to toe. Hopefully you have gathered your items the night before so that the morning of your photos is slow and easy allowing you to be present and mindful.
