PORTRAIT PREP GUIDE
As long as you show up, it’s going to be AMAZING! That’s it. That’s all you have to do. I’ve got the rest. I can’t wait to give you this experience.
-Judith
HELLO, BEAUTIFUL!
I am so excited to be photographing you! I tend to share A LOT of information with my clients so they know exactly how to prepare and exactly
what to expect throughout the whole process. I hope you don’t mind.
FEEL FREE TO REVISIT THIS PREP GUIDE AS OFTEN AS YOU’D LIKE. IT’S LOOOOONG.
PLANNING
My sessions are all about building your confidence and celebrating your life. The MOST POPULAR type of session is the COMBO SESSION. What exactly is a combo session? It is a photoshoot experience where you express all the ways you show up in the world. With 3-5 outfit changes, you can bring in outfits that express: a casual everyday look, a boudoir look for sensual intimate portraits, a business look for an updated headshot, a cocktail hour/ edgy look like something you would wear out on the town or full-on glam.
Your session can also be dedicated to only ONE STYLE of session, such as only Boudoir, only Maternity; or only personal branding. You could also do a group session such as Best Friends having a girl’s day out, Mother/Daughter, Generations, and Family.
The question for you to consider here: exactly what kind of images are you hoping to walk away from your session with? Do you find yourself drawn to Portraits, or anonymous images that show off the body? Editorial style? Have absolutely no idea? It can be very difficult to articulate your own style, so we don’t ask you to do that. Instead, the first thing that I ask clients to do is to create a “secret” Pinterest board for their photo session. If you are not a Pinterest user, you can also just send me some photos, but I find that the secret board on Pinterest is the best way for you and I to get a good visual of the concept we’re going for.
Once that’s done, I want you to create a Pinterest board titled “ (YOUR NAME) Photoshoot” (it’s very important that you name your board with your name because otherwise I’ll have a hundred “MY PHOTO SHOOT” boards and won’t know who is who) and, without thinking too much about it, I want you to PIN anything that speaks to you and your style.
Try to turn off your fear and over-thinking at this point. Don’t say things like “OHH that’s so beautiful, but I would NEVER be able to pull that off!” or “I WISH I could look like that!”. That’s not the point of this exercise. After pinning 25 or so images, I will very easily be able to get a visual of your style and the type of images you are interested in. Do you like sweet, bright, and bubbly? Do you like dark, moody, and seductive? Do you like shots that capture the entire body? Do you like close-up teaser shots of body parts? Do you prefer more modest portraits? We’ll find out together! The purpose of this is NOT to find photos to replicate! It is meant for inspiration. Once we both know the kind of images you really like, it will be easier to deliver a set of photos that is YOUR STYLE, as long as it syncs well with my style.
STYLE OF IMAGES
What style of images do you like? You might be thinking, huh? I don’t expect you to know exactly the style of images that you love. Because of that, we have provided a list and explaination below. Just click on any style below to learn more about that specific style of image. We typically shoot a variety of the list below. It might help to get familiar with what you might like for your session.
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Our standard style is “authentic, cool, and confident with soul” because you will feel like the best version of yourself and look authentically confident and cool. It’s our specialty. There are lots of different types of image categories to work with so allow me to break it down for you. Of course you can get an updated headshot in this session which is pretty straight forward. So let us breakdown the types of shots you may be less familiar with.
What are your favorites?
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This is the classic Portrait that you see in most of my work. It can be taken with or without clothes, these images include your face and body. We have black, charcoal, light gray, golden brown, and white backdrop options for different aesthetics.
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These types of shots are quite a bit more curated, posed, and polished. These images will be magazine ready like what you see in Vanity Fair or Vogue. Ideal wardrobe for this would be stylish pants, long skirts, gowns with excess fabric, jeweled lingerie, and statement pieces. This is glamor at its finest.
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Simple. No props. Authentic poses. This is more about bringing out and capturing the essence of the person. These images are shot on a solid or textured backdrop.
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Showcasing the beautiful bits that grace the female form. Collarbones, shoulders, arms, spines…these types of shots are perfect for a wall art display and to add visual balance to your collection.
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Also known as candid shots. These shots capture someone in their environment and seem less posed.
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If you’re here for the skin, we’ve got you covered. Our boudoir style is elevated, effortless looking, and a beautiful celebration of the female form. These styles of images are shot in lingerie while wearing sheets, or minimal clothing.
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These bold, high-contrast statement images will leave you breathless. Mostly silhouetted, these types of shots look best in levels of undress…very sheer tops and slips leave just enough to the imagination.
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We do not shoot nudes in the studio, but we do love the implied nude. And it is exactly what you think, you are not nude but it is implied. Small strings can be removed in photoshop. :)
WARDROBE TIPS
Here are some wardrobe tips to calm your nerves and help you decide what to bring:
The number one wardrobe rule is:
Do not bring outfits that you don’t love! I can’t tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt them to say “I really don’t like the way I look in this one, but I’ll leave it up to you!”. If you don’t like the outfit, it’s likely that you won’t like photos of yourself in the outfit. Leave it at home.
Bring 3-5 Outfits
We can go through them together before your shoot to determine what will photograph best. With the chance to wear several different outfits, we can showcase the variety of ways you show up in the world. You’re multi-faceted. Let’s capture that. Here are a few ideas:
My Shoot Style can make anything work! I got you.
Below is a list of colors, styles, and fit for wardrobe as well as things to remember to bring with you. Just click on any of the items below to learn more about that specific style of clothing and why it photographs well. We will also be going over wardrobe at your Wardrobe and Design Consultation.
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Bring something in a soft shade of blush, gray, nude, cream, or white.
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Black, chocolate, charcoal, or dark, rich jewel tones will all work well.
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Put together an ensemble (or two) that’s timeless and chic. Whether you need images for business, want to keep things casual, are aiming for something a touch dressy and ladylike - or even all three.
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Sexiness can mean wearing a backless gown or beautiful lingerie. Even a sweater can feel sensual when worn off-the-shoulder, and a slip-dress nods to lingerie while still feeling dressed up.
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A photoshoot is a perfect opportunity to dress like a movie star, (and a great excuse to go shopping). You might even rent, borrow, or custom-make your dream outfit. Give yourself permission to go all out.
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Fitted clothing which shows your shape works best for photographs. This applies to any body type. Outfits should hug your curves, especially along your top half. (Loose, flowing skirts, or wide-leg pants are fabulous as long as your bodice or top is snug.) Skip the kimono sleeves and dolman style tops, and always choose tailored over loose or boxy.
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Love your arms? Show them off with a strapless dress or sleeveless top. Not a fan of your arms? Pass on anything with cap sleeves, which emphasize the widest part of the arm. Either way, bring (at least) one outfit with long sleeves.
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Always consider the undergarments you’ll need for each outfit. I’ve had to loan my own bra from time to time. Now that is customer service! You may need a strapless bra or nude thong. Pair a black bra with dark clothing, and stick with nude bras under light clothes. Shapewear is awesome for concealing any wobbly bits.
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Bring jewelry, hair accessories, and scarves or wraps to complete each outfit. Choose timeless over trendy.
If you have an amazing pair of shoes, feel free to bring them. Otherwise, don’t worry about your feet - the only time we’ll see them is if we’re specifically trying to show them off.
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Look great on camera. Luxurious fabrics and textures add tactile richness and depth to your photos. Think lace, beadwork, embroidery, crotchet, leather, velvet, draped satin, chiffon, and chunky knits.
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Limiting each outfit to one color palette is a great way to create a long, lean body line in your portraits. When pairing separates, keep light with light, and dark with dark. However, your top doesn’t have to be an exact match to the bottoms, (like dark-wash jeans with a black top).
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That looks great on everyone. Think little black dress, metallics, beadwork, and shades of blush and nudes.
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A gorgeous all-black ensemble with interesting textures, especially around your face and sleeves, is always a timeless, classic look. Tip: Have a favorite LBD in your closet that no longer fits? Bring it in! We can always clamp a loose outfit in the back to tighten it up, or even leave dresses that are too small unzipped while we shoot.
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Add some shimmer to your portraits with metallic fabrics, sequins, or beadwork. While this look may seem extremely dressy in person, the sparkling effect is much more subtle in images. Look for silver, gunmetal, bronze, gold, or rose gold, or even skip the true metals and bring any color of draped, lustrous, satin - which is a sophisticated variation of this style.
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Dressing in shades of nude and blush in a portrait creates a feeling of the clothes disappearing, and the image being all about the woman, and not the wardrobe. Whether you opt for a cuddly sweater, a slinky slip, a gown, or a full tulle skirt, these subtle neutral shades will give a soft, ultra-feminine mood.
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They are distracting and often harsh on-camera and a bit unflattering so try to avoid them. A small pattern is fine but no big plaid patterns, please.
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We love to work with pretty scarves, sheets, white button-down shirts, jackets, coats, or anything you love.
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Make sure your wardrobe selections aren’t wrinkled and cut all the tags off of your sheer items before arriving.
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Unless it’s your second shoot with us, or unless you’re super crazy confident and comfortable! Props and uncertainty go together like…awkward school portraits. ;)
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Apply the same dress code that we have for women to yourself You have an everyday look, a dressy look and something in between. Most of the time, men will bring outfits like jeans and a button shirt and t-shirt, fitted sweater, jeans with shirt and a blazer, suit and no time or suit with a tie. It’s meant to reflect who you are and how you show up in the world. Some mean have even done a sexy look. It’s entirely up to you.
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The key is to not be matchy, matchy but to be in the same color tones that accommodate each other. The other thing to decide is what type of family portrait are you wanting, casual or dressy or both. Outfits are also limited here due to the number of people. Here you will get 2-3 looks depending on the number of people. We always get individual images of everyone, and then we get all the various groupings. If doing family portraits with men and toddlers, they come at the end for the last 45 minutes to get that epic family photo and maybe an updated headshot for dad. The women and older daughters come in first for hair and makeup and the ultimate girl’s day out!
SPECIFIC TO BOUDOIR
Below is a list of things you can incorporate or plan to wear for your Boudoir session or Boudoir outfit. We have also provided helpful wardrobe styles for all body types. Just click on any of the headings below to learn more about that specific style of outfit.
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Don’t be afraid to get creative! For a boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh high fish nets would go great with a cropped sweater or graphic tee. A gorgeous bra can be paired with a long flowing skirt. Your favorite tank top can be paired with no pants. A sheet can be used for everything. Your 20 year old favorite tee shirt paired with cheeky bottoms will get the job done just perfectly. This is about you and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren’t.
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Having 5 different bra and panty sets won’t allow for a whole lot of variety in your photos. Rather, have something formal, something casual, something super textured and fun, something more modest to something black and sleek...you get the idea.
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Buying them in a size that supposedly “fits” according to the package size chart will likely result in the stockings giving a bit of thigh muffin top ;) We can get them to stay up for each “pose”, or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.
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I recommend going to a local lingerie boutique to have yourself properly fitted. Recommendations can be found at the bottom of the page. OR if you’re interested in online ordering, True & Co. has a really amazingly helpful website and quiz that will help you to determine what styles and sizes work best for you. https://trueandco.com/quiz/intro
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For a super easy, low maintenance, and FREE wardrobe option. I wrote a whole blog on this HERE. Go read!
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BRING ON THE FORM-FITTING ITEMS! I adore bodysuits, tight dresses, and nothing at all….especially for voluptuous bombshells. We often see curvy women trying to cover up more, but often that has the opposite effect they think it will. Allowing me to pose you so that we can see your figure and celebrate it is the way to go!
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Thongs tend to make a butt look fuller than full-coverage bottoms or g-strings. Play around in the mirror with different styles to see what you like best. And don’t worry, I’m a PRO at creating curves in posing where there aren’t any otherwise! I can get a killer booty shot with any level of curve (or lack thereof).
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High heels with a THIN heel rather than chunky! Avoid shoes with thick ankle straps or a square toe. Nude shoes naturally elongate the legs.
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That’s all in the posing-girl! Form-fitting options and nothing at all work great as I pose the heck out of you to make you look and feel bodacious.
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Underwires and balconettes are lovely, as well as NO BRA AT ALL (my personal favorite for small chested women!) And also, small boobs rock. So please don’t feel the NEED to create extra “oomph” unless it’s something that really concerns you.
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If your breasts are a bit lower or “floppier” than you’d like them to be because you birthed another human being, just be sure to snag a bra with some support, or form fitting bodysuits that will keep them at bay. Posing will play a huge role here, and I’m really good at that. So…bring your mom boobs my way and we’ll embrace the hell out of them!
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My personal belief is that scars tell a story. I have one that is the length of my toros. So I get it, sometimes clients wish they didn’t have to be permanently reminded of that story, and other times, clients embrace their scars and say they’re a part of them. For this reason, I will never edit out a scar or stretch mark unless a client specifically requests it….and if they do, in fact, request that retouching, I will happily do that at no additional charge. This is a VERY personal topic and it’s not my decision to make. I welcome scars and stretch marks, but I also support your preference.
FLATTERING FOR ALL FIGURES
Below are the helpful wardrobe styles for all body types. Just click on any of the headings below to learn more about that specific style of outfit.
GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP. SERIOUSLY! PHOTOSHOP CANNOT FIX TIRED.
PLAN AHEAD
Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photo shoot like feeling rushed or late! You should plan for traffic and arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled start time.
PAMPER YOURSELF
Use this as an opportunity to pamper yourself. Go a few days before your shoot and get a manicure and pedicure! This will give you a finished, polished look. Chipped polish can be distracting. Also, consider an Esthetician appointment for glowy skin and polished eyebrows or a blowout for flawless hair. Always clean your jewelry.
HAVE EXTRA WARDROBE OPTIONS
Bring at least 4-5 different outfits and accessories only if you usually wear them. We may not use it all, but it never hurts to have options. Often clients will bring a smattering of wardrobe options and I’ll just style up some different looks that they maybe weren’t thinking and they end up loving them.
LATHER ON THE LOTION (Specific to Boudoir)
Supple is key for beautiful skin! Be sure to moisturize twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. On the day of your shoot, use a non-bronzer illuminizing lotion. If you’re having a hard time finding an illuminizing lotion without color, you can absolutely just go with an oil-based lotion like Argan Oil Moisturizer or Coconut Oil Moisturizer. Don’t use tinted lotions or anything with color. We will have some moisturizer at the studio for you to use if you don’t have a lotion you love.
MAKE A PLAYLIST
Music will really help you get into the supermodel zone!! Try to select music that matches the concept of your shoot. We have a BlueTooth speaker at the studio to stream your tunes if you bring them! We also have a pretty kickass set of photoshoot playlists that tend to jive well with most people.
TRUST ME
I won’t make you do anything that is going to make you look bad. I’m a pro. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I know how to make a woman look good with killer poses, strategic lighting, and appropriate camera angles. I’ve photographed thousands of women for more than a decade and have quite literally worked with EVERY body type and insecurity. I’ve got you covered. Don’t stress. (Easier said than done, I understand.)
DON’T YOU DARE
SPRAY TAN BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
I know you think that you look better with a tan...but I assure you, even if you don’t see the streaks and unevenness with your naked eye, the camera will pick them up. You will photograph a lot more tan than you think you look, and spray tans will photograph orange in color images. Trust me on this!! On that same note, no tinted lotions or bronzers on your body. Even after this warning, I get a lot of women who message me to say that they’ve been spray tanning for years and they cannot fathom not doing so before a photo shoot. Of course, I will still photograph you, but unfortunately, our standard retouch will not account for spray tan correction, so just keep that in mind.
BRING A CONSTRUCTION HAT (or other props)
If you have jewelry that has sentimental value, absolutely bring it! But avoid jerseys, military apparel, weapons (yes, really), sports equipment, masks, etc etc etc.
PARTY THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
If you’re nervous, try a bubble bath and a yoga class. Hangovers aren’t sexy. Lawwwwd do I know it.
DRINK RED WINE TO CALM YOUR NERVES
Don’t drink a bottle of red wine right before you show up in effort to calm your nerves! #1-It will stain your teeth and lips. #2--Drunk doesn’t photograph pretty either. HOWEVER, I’m admittedly an advocate of a little bit of booze to soothe anxiety if you are super nervous. SO, I set a firm 2-drink maximum limit for my clients on the day of their shoot. Champagne or white wine is a good option because it won’t stain your mouth and will still calm you down a little. You’re welcome to bring a small bottle with you to the studio. I also keep small bottles of champagne and we have non-alcoholic refreshments to offer you.
FORGET TO STRETCH
Many of these poses, while they look effortless, are quite unnatural feeling. Take a few minutes on the morning of your shoot to stretch your arms, legs, hips, and especially your back. People are surprised to see how sore their muscles get after something as silly as a photo shoot, so any extra flexibility you can add by a quick yoga flow will only benefit you.
GET A NEW HAIRCUT / COLOR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
Now is not the time to experiment with a whole new look. This is also NOT the time to try a new hairstyle. I’ve had clients do this and then not like their photos because they are not used to seeing their hair like that.
TALK SMACK ON YOURSELF
I don’t want to hear about how you hate your hips or your arms or you smile or fill in the blank. I want to hear about how you LOVE your legs, etc. A great attitude will go a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience! HOWEVER...if you really feel the need to discuss the thing that bothers you the most about your body, just let me know by saying “I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___”. I will be extra careful to play down your perceived flaws...but I will ALSO make it my challenge to take the best damn image featuring your ____ so you have a new-found appreciation for it. ;)
STUDIO PHILOSOPHY
ONE MORE TIME, YOU ARE AMAZING TODAY NOT 15 LBS FROM NOW, NOT POST-PLASTIC SURGERY. YOU ARE AMAZING TODAY AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW YOU!
WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT?
It happens all the time…a client’s photo shoot is a few days away and she begins to panic. I get a terrified e-mail in the middle of the night begging for me to talk them off the ledge. They want to cancel, they just haven’t had the time to prepare, you name the excuse, I’ve heard it. So let me be proactive here and tackle the most common trepidations I hear, so that maybe you won’t be hyperventilating in the middle of the night on the day before your session. This will be easy and fun! All you have to do is mirror me. I guide you through the entire process.
STRESS ACNE
Yeah, it happens. Pimples suck. If you think for one second that every woman you see pictured on my website was magically pimple-free on the day of their session, you’re taking crazy pills. We retouch blemishes and bruises with ease on every photo you see. No problem. No stress. Let that pimple try it’s hardest to ruin your day, but your photos will not be a permanent reminder of it.
POSE ANXIETY
This one’s easy. You don’t have to know how to pose…not even a little bit. I will walk you through every step of the way. I will get into the poses myself and have you mirror me. If we didn’t get it right on the first try, I’ll gently redirect you. It’s not YOUR job to take amazing photos, it’s mine. And I’m pretty competitive about taking amazing photos.
I’M NOT PHOTOGENIC
If you’re thinking that all of the women featured on the pages of my website and social media are models, you’re sorely mistaken. I have NEVER….EVER had a client who didn’t love their photos. You don’t have to love EVERY SINGLE ONE of them, but you will love most of them. And you will be shocked that you could love photos of yourself this much. Photogenic just means you are comfortable in front of the camera. This is my job and it is my superpower. So trust me, show up and I will show you that being photogenic is a mindset and that posing, camera angles and good lighting take you a long way. I’ve never met a person who I couldn’t capture beautifully. That includes you.
BODY IMAGE ISSUES
I long for the day that women are comfortable in their skin at all stages, for the day that women embrace their wobbly bits and beautiful side creases. When we learn to worship our bodies. That said, I know women well enough to be realistic and understand that many women struggle with self love and no matter how much I tell them they are beautiful, they wish they would have lost just a few more pounds before their session. If that is you, I can assure you, that this ain’t my first rodeo. The majority of the women that come in to see me are working on loving themselves, but struggle. They don’t approve of the size of their thighs, their belly pooch, or their dimples. I take women’s feelings very seriously and never want to make anyone uncomfortable. While this is a body positive studio, I will also light and pose you in the most flattering possible way while I shoot you from the best possible angles.
I’ve spent the last decade photographing all kinds of women, all extraordinary in their own way. I’ve learned all the tricks to ensure that I am featuring the attributes that women most love about themselves, while paying special care to downplay areas of concern. While I’m going to make it my very best effort to change your mind on what you consider to be your “flaws”, I don’t expect every woman to be ready for that yet.
RETOUCHING POLICY
We retouch to enhance your already natural beauty. We will do the basic touch ups on blemishes, teeth, eyes, hair, etc. We will also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, if you want. We aim to keep everyone looking natural and like themselves. So no worries. You can let me know how much retouching your prefer.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE YOU SHOOT, you can expect to get a confirmation from me, just making sure we are on the same page about your makeup start time, shoot start and end time, and location...and I’ll also ask if you have any last minute questions!
ON THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT, your hair and makeup will be done by a member of our glam squad unless you’ve requested a natural beauty shoot. You should have your face clean and moisturized, and your hair dry and ready to be heat styled when you arrive. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing or a lightweight robe while getting makeup done and let us know in advance if you have any skin allergies at all. While you’re getting lovely, I will take a peek at your wardrobe selections and start putting together looks so we can hit the ground running when you’re done with your hair and makeup. Once you’re done with makeup, you can get into your first look.
ONCE THE SHOOT BEGINS, you can expect me to give you tons of encouragement and direction. I will not expect you to supermodel pose throughout your shoot. I will show you what to do, and encourage improvising whenever you feel comfortable. I will say things to elicit laughter whenever possible, too...so be prepared (or, actually, don’t. It’s better that way.)
The poses generally aren’t very comfortable and your shoot will give you more of a workout than you anticipate. But I assure you, I know what I’m doing. Get a good stretch in the morning of your session, and the evening after your session. A couple of ibuprofen might need to happen for those lower back aches, but it will all be worth it!
YOUR SHOOT TIME will FLY by. That’s a good thing!! That means it wasn’t awkward or boring. Just the right amount of fun! We do run a tight ship at the studio in regard to our schedule, so you’ll most definitely be out on time but never early.
AT THE END OF YOUR SHOOT, we will help you pack up your things, we’ll get you scheduled for your photo reveal appointment so you know exactly when you’ll be seeing your images. We’ll also give you a high five because, GIRL, you nailed it.
WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS of your shoot, you will have your photo reveal and ordering appointment with me so that you can see all of your images and order anything you’d like. You should be prepared to place your full order on the day of your photo reveal and ordering appointment. Most clients find themselves upgrading to a Collection, and also purchasing a piece of wall art.
AT YOUR PHOTO REVEAL appointment, we’ll relax upstairs in the loft and show a slideshow of your images and then we will dive into viewing your entire collection of at least 40 images but typically closer to 60+. You’ll have the opportunity to see all of our available products. If your package included studio credit, we’ll explain your options to use the exact credit or to apply your credit towards your desired products. We know you’re going to love your images, and these reveal appointments are so much fun. We can’t wait to share your photos with you!
WITHIN 1 MONTH of your photo reveal appointment, all of your purchased products will be ready for pickup, and sometimes sooner! We’ll send you an email letting you know when your products are ready for pickup, or with your tracking number if you live out of the area and we are shipping to you.
HOMEWORK
AHH, I bet you didn’t think you’d ever have to do homework again, did you? Think again, beautiful!
CREATE A SECRET PINTEREST BOARD
I want you to head on over to Pinterest and create a secret board called “(YOUR NAME) Photoshoot”. Follow me, and then invite me to join your board that you’ve named “YOUR NAME PHOTO SHOOT”, and I want you to spend some time pinning images that speak to you. See my tip on this up above in the “Planning” suggestions. Don’t put too much thought into your pins, I just want to get a general idea of the aesthetic style you’re drawn to.
If you don’t have a Pinterest account and don’t feel like creating one, then just email me a sampling of at least 20 different images you’ve found online that you like.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help! If you have more questions or need more guidance you can book a zoom or call below.
