wardrobe

Work out your wardrobe well in advance. There’s nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about your outfit, so pick something you feel comfortable wearing & that covers undergarment bumps & bra straps. If you feel comfortable, you look comfortable. Make sure your little one has a diaper cover on that matches their outfit. You might think a dress would cover the diaper adequately, but add tickling, snuggling, & general toddler behavior to the mix & that diaper just might ruin your favorite image. Consider a second outfit or layers to add a second “look." Bringing a change of clothes is highly recommended for toddlers. It's best NOT to wear matching outfits with others in your photograph. Instead, wear colors in a complementary color palette, such as a couple of earth tones & neutrals mixed with a couple of colors, smaller prints for some people, solid for others. No tennis shoes, T-shirts, or shirts with writing on them! Texture & accent pieces like hats, scarves, jewelry, & jackets are good. They create visual interest & movement in photographs. Have everything you plan to wear Dry cleaned or ironed the day before the shoot & keep bulky items like phones & car keys out of pockets for photos, please.

MEN

Men generally look better if they get their haircut a week before their shoot. Hydrate, take care of your skin, clean up or shave the beard & avoid getting sunburned, or your face will look red & unnatural. Apply lotion to your hands, arms, & legs before your shoot; high-resolution cameras pick up everything, & nobody looks good ashy!

HAIR & MAKEUP

Schedule ample time for hair & make-up so you don’t arrive feeling rushed & flustered. Don’t try anything new on the day of your shoot. Style your hair, & makeup in a way that feels good to you. If you're applying your makeup, apply as usual, with a little more coverage than usual. Having your hair/makeup done professionally can give you a more polished look. Matte foundation photographs best. Either way, don't try anything new the day of or make any “major” hair changes before your photo session. Moisturize your hands, arms, & legs before arriving. High-definition cameras capture every detail, and we want your skin looking perfectly smooth!

gROUPS

Don't feel the need to force anything. When in doubt, stand close together, smile, & look at someone in the group. It's okay & often more interesting if everyone's not looking at the camera. I like to encourage dads to focus their attention on their partner or kids. Feeling good goes a long way in creating beautiful images, so come rested. Eat well, don't come hungry. If you want to bring snacks, bring them! Nothing messy or that will stain lips & fingers, of course. When you're feeling good, it shows!

Dogs

Consider your dog's temperament before bringing them to a shoot. If you include your dog, please have a friend or dog walker available to collect them once I have taken their portrait.