Pre-Shoot Suggestions

By Lori B. Johnson, Your Best Image

Having your picture taken can be a nerve-wracking experience. Much of the reason we dread getting in front of the camera is because we don’t like the results we see. Follow these suggestions and you will have a pleasant photo experience and pictures you will be proud of.

Lori will have all the products needed to do your makeup and touch up your hairstyle at the shoot location. She will help with wardrobe and accessory suggestions and assist with the entire process.

You may want to schedule a pre shoot consultation with Lori. She will come to your home and help you make the right wardrobe, accessory and hairstyle choices for your photo shoot. Call 866.286.5405 to schedule an appointment.

What To Wear

Wardrobe

Wardrobe choices should be appropriate for all seasons. Trendy or season specific items will date the pictures. For example, a turtleneck sweater would be worn only in the winter. Simple collars like v-neck, round-neck and shirt neck work well. Long sleeves are best. Choose clean lines, well-tailored styles, and monochromatic wardrobe pieces. Styles should be current but not trendy. Avoid excessive fabric and multiple layers; the bulk will add weight.

Fabric

Crisp, smooth fabrics with no shine and no wrinkles will produce the best results. Do the "crunch test"; crumple the fabric in your hand and let go, if the wrinkles fall out in a short time, the fabric will work. Texture, loose weaves, large knits or busy patterns and fabrics with nap all add weight. Choose crepe, cotton spandex blends, tight woven knits, Tencel™ and fine wool blends. Avoid 100% cotton, linen, tweed, stripes, bulky knits, busy prints, shiny silk, satin and shantung.

Accessories

Keep it simple. One simple piece that expresses your personality, image and who you are may be all you need. Remember, less is more when choosing accessories. Large shiny metals or busy patterns will not work well with the camera. Long, dangling earrings and necklaces will draw the face down. Fancy buttons should also be considered an accessory. Choose brushed metals, pearls, wood or fabric pieces. Avoid clutter and excessive accessories; they will draw attention away from your face.

Color

Colors that complement your skin-tone, hair color and eyes are always the best choices. If you do not know what those colors are, ask someone you can trust. You may want to have a professional color analysis done. Lori can do this analysis before your shoot. If your photos will be black and white try to incorporate contrasting colors to create depth and interest. Choose simple, solid, medium range colors. Avoid black, white, light blue, and extremely bright or dark colors.

Hair

Have your hair cut one week before your have your picture taken. If you are not good at styling your own hair, have a professional do it on the day of your shoot. Facial hair needs to be in check. You may need to use an electric shaver an hour before the photo session begins. Choose neat, clean, smooth hairstyles. Avoid styles that have wispy ends or hide your face. Don’t drastically change your hairstyle for the photo session. Lori will touch up your hair before the shoot but will not do any major styling. She can give you style suggestions during the pre shoot consultation.

Makeup

Makeup for Photography is more intense than everyday makeup. The lighting and flash washes the color from the face. Lori will have all the makeup necessary and is trained in application techniques for camera. Come with a clean, moisturized face. If you would prefer to apply your makeup yourself, come with your makeup on, Lori will "adjust" it to accommodate the camera.

Skincare

Start a good skincare routine long before the day of your photograph. Cleanse with a non-drying facial cleanser and then use a toner to remove impurities. To finish, apply moisturizer to give the skin its best appearance. Use an exfoliating scrub a day before the shoot to give your skin a fresh look. Drink lots of water to hydrate your system. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes; they dry the skin and cause yellowing and wrinkles. Try to get a good night’s sleep before your photo shoot. Lori has a great skin care line. If you would like suggestions on a system customized to your skin type give her a call.

What To Bring With You

Props

Props can help tell your story. Is there something that defines you? A piece of jewelry or clothing, a tool of your profession, a book, a hat, a scarf, etc. can add interest to a photo. Choose items that will identify you but not take away from your appearance. Avoid offensive or silly items. The picture is about you, not the prop.

Options

Bring options for wardrobe, accessories and props. Choose a few appropriate items from each category. Avoid bringing too much to cause stress in making choices. If you’re not sure what to bring, Lori can help you make your choices with a pre-shoot consultation.

Enjoy The Shoot

The stress of having your picture taken sometimes shows in your face. The trick is to look natural in the finished product. Bring things that will help you relax during the shoot. We can play your favorite music on CD or burn your favorite soothing scented candle while your photo is being taken. Avoid anything that will cause stress during the shoot, such as your cell phone ringing, young children, a pet or arriving late to your photo session.