Photoshoot Preparation Guides:
Babies
Children
Senior Girls and Guys
Adults
Babies
Morning sessions are usually best for photographing babies. Schedule a time when the baby will be well-fed and happy.
Parents MUST be on hand at all times during the photoshoot session so please keep this in mind when scheduling the session.
If your child is sick or unusually grumpy please contact us as soon as possible to reschedule the shoot. We want happy and healthy babies in our photo memories!
Do you have special or meaningful items such as favorite toys or heirloom items you want incorporated into the images? For example, does Mom have family jewelry (especially pearls that may one day be passed down) to use in images of her little princess? If so, please let us know.
Clothing for the session should be solid-colored in pastel, muted or neutral colors for traditional looks and bolder colors for more trendy portraits. If parent(s) are to be photographed with the baby, their clothing should be similar in color and simplicity to match the baby’s outfit.
Avoid using powder after bath prior to shoot. We want to see natural skin color in all its precious glory.
Put loose-fitting clothing and diaper on child several hours before the scheduled session to avoid red lines and creases that may be left by clothing and diaper.
I have a bag/ottoman to place the baby on and a couple of clean blankets/afghans to be used. Baby may also be photographed in their bedroom/crib or on parents’ bed. Please be sure to look carefully around to make sure there is no clutter or distractions that might appear in the background. If you have any special blankets you would like used, please let us know.
Have pacifier or lovey in case it is needed to calm the baby during the shoot.
For safety, a parent must be close to the baby at all times during the shoot.
Children
Please let me know if your child has special needs.
Avoid giving the children colorful drinks, candy or other foods that might stain their teeth, face or hands within 24 hours of the scheduled shoot.
Clothing should be solid-colored. If you want a traditional type of portrait, all subjects should be in similar colors but it is fine to have each person in a different color as well as long as the colors used do not clash if you are looking for a more trendy type of portrait.
Your choice of clothing should not be a distraction from the most important part of the portrait – your family. If you choose fancier clothes, such as lacy vintage dresses with bows and flowers, then make sure the clothing is a neutral or muted color. If you choose brightly colored clothes, they should be simple, like jeans and t-shirts. The exception, of course, would be obvious costumes.
If your child routinely takes naps, please have them nap before the session.
If the shoot is to be somewhere other than your own home, please make sure the children have eaten, washed their faces and gone to the potty before leaving the house.
Feel free to bring bribes to the photoshoot. Make sure, however, that the snacks are not messy and colorful. It is helpful too if the snacks/candy are small pieces so that the snack (bribe) can be used throughout the shoot as necessary.
Have wipes and water available for cleaning hands and faces during the shoot. Also, have water or clear liquids for them to drink.
Please have available any favorite toys or any other items that may be used for props that you may wish to be photographed with your child. This may include sunglasses, balloons, chalk, jump rope, bubbles, wagon, tricycle, hat, etc. You may also include a colorful giant lollipop that makes for a very cute photo but this series will be photographed last! Again, please let us know if you intend to have any of these types of things so that we can plan accordingly.
If adults are to be included in these portraits, please make everyone aware that it is important that the adults keep their perfect smile because the shot will be taken when the child(ren) give us that precious smile we want to capture in our photo memories.
Senior Girls and Guys
Do you have ideas or scenarios you want to have photographed? This would be a great time to borrow things from your friends too! Bring pictures of samples to show us. In the meantime, you can practice the poses and the look before the photoshoot to have them perfected. We want you to enjoy yourself today and feel great about the portraits for a lifetime. Please share your ideas with us. If you can send us sample pictures at least a few days in advance of the shoot we can plan for them.
If you would like certain props used, bring them with you to the shoot. This may include musical instruments, skate boards, balloons, hats, bubbles, etc. Please be sure to let us know what you intend to bring so that we can plan the shoot accordingly.
If the shoot is at a location of your choosing it may be necessary to have a release signed by the property owner. It is your responsibility to obtain that signed document prior to the date of the shoot. The form will be provided to you if deemed necessary.
If you decide to get a haircut for the photoshoot, girls should have that done about two weeks prior and guys should have that done about 3 days prior.
Do not get sunburned a few days before the shoot! Also try to avoid tan lines, sunglasses paleface and hat lines.
Please use a moisturizer on your exposed skin for at least two days prior to the shoot. Fingernails should be clean and freshly painted or polished. If toes or feet will be showing with the shoes you choose to wear or if you will be barefoot, please be sure to also moisturize your feet and paint the toenails as well.
Guys – If we will be taking sports images, please bring a body oil and a cloth to apply it and a towel to remove it. Facial hair should be freshly shaved or trimmed. Add clothing that might surprise everyone, like formal wear to really impress (and don’t forget the socks). Remember to remove wallets, keys and phones from your pockets.
Girls – Use a lip balm for a few days prior to make your lips soft and smooth. Makeup should look natural and not overdone. You may choose to have your hair and makeup professionally done prior to the shoot. This is not a service we provide but you may enjoy the extra pampering and would be beneficial. If you choose to do your own makeup be sure to ask for our Makeup Guide as soon as possible so that you can try your new look over the course of several days to be sure you’re happy with it. Makeup should be fresh and smooth and please bring it with you in case it needs to be reapplied. Use natural or light-colored lipstick. If you want to add that bright red lipstick to match the sassy red dress we can photograph that last. Likewise with any unusual looks you may want photographed. Legs should be freshly shaved and moisturized if you will not be wearing hose. Bring bobby pins, hair spray and a brush in case it is windy and touchups are needed for your hair. Make sure bra straps don’t show with the clothing you choose for the photoshoot. You may want to refer to the website shopyourshape.com to determine the best clothing styles for your body shape before selecting your photoshoot wardrobe.
Clothing should be clean and pressed. They should also fit properly and have no bulges or broken zippers, etc. The clothing should be form fitting, not loose, but not too tight. Try them on early in the planning process to ensure they look as good as you would like. Solid-colored, dark clothing photographs much better than prints because patterns distract from the subject (YOU). Layers and textures are great. For high school seniors, colors that pop are wonderful as long as they are not too bright (like highlighter green or fluorescent pink). Rich colors like emerald, royal blue, deep purple, plum and cranberry are traditional favorites. Think about colors that everyone tells you look great on you or something that complements the color of your eyes. Provided there is a place to change clothes, more than one outfit is permissible. Please try to remember that your portraits will be around for a long time so avoid the latest trends in clothing. This dates the images and years from now you may be embarrassed by those trendy clothes. Choose outfits that fit your personal style but are more traditional or classic to give longevity to your portraits. This does not mean you must be boring – jeans are fine, just maybe not the ones with holes and torn strips for example. Again, we can save the trendy or unusual looks to photograph last if time permits.
Be prepared for standing, sitting or possibly even lying on the ground for some of the images. We are looking to show the unique you as well as the expected!
Make a list of everything you need to bring to the shoot and pack everything in a suitcase in advance when possible. Go through your checklist several times prior to the shoot.
Get plenty of sleep the night before the shoot.
Before dressing for the photoshoot wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid having red lines and creases in the skin that can be caused by tight-fitting clothes. These may be visible in the photographs.
Arrive for the photoshoot clean with hair washed, dry and styled.
You may have one attendant for your comfort. They may watch and assist you. Please make sure they know, however, that they are not to interfere or distract anyone during the session and must not be conversing on their phone. They may be asked to help with some simple things and we hope they are willing to do so. A parent or good (but quiet) friend would make a good choice.
If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The shoot will not begin if they do not arrive with you and they must remain for the entirety of the photo session. If they leave, the shoot is complete. Photo ID for both the subject and parent/guardian may be required and may be photographed.
If we suspect the subject, attendant or parent is in any way impaired by alcohol, drugs or otherwise, the shoot will not proceed. It is imperative the photoshoot be fun and safe for everyone involved.
Please be prompt for the scheduled session. If you find you will be delayed, please let us know as soon as possible.
Please do not expect to make or receive calls or text messages during the photo shoot.
Adults
Do you have ideas or scenarios you want to have photographed? We want you to enjoy yourself today and feel great about the portraits for a lifetime. Please share your ideas with us. If you can send us sample pictures at least a few days in advance of the shoot we can plan for them.
If you would like certain props used, bring them with you to the shoot. This may include musical instruments, sports gear, balloons, hats, bubbles, etc. Please be sure to let us know what you intend to bring so that we can plan the shoot accordingly.
If the shoot is at a location of your choosing it may be necessary to have a release signed by the property owner. It is your responsibility to obtain that signed document prior to the date of the shoot. The form will be provided to you if deemed necessary.
If you decide to get a haircut for the photoshoot, ladies should have that done about two weeks prior and men should have that done about 3 days prior.
Do not get sunburned a few days before the shoot! Also try to avoid tan lines, sunglasses paleface and hat lines.
Please use a moisturizer on your exposed skin for at least two days prior to the shoot. Fingernails should be clean and freshly painted or polished. If toes or feet will be showing with the shoes you choose to wear or if you will be barefoot, please be sure to also moisturize your feet and paint the toenails as well.
Gentlemen – If we will be taking sports images, please bring a body oil and a cloth to apply it and a towel to remove it. Facial hair should be freshly shaved or trimmed. Add clothing that might surprise everyone, like formal wear to really impress (and don’t forget the socks). Remember to remove wallets, keys and phones from your pockets.
Ladies – Use a lip balm for a few days prior to make your lips soft and smooth. Makeup should look natural and not overdone. You may choose to have your hair and makeup professionally done prior to the shoot. This is not a service we provide but you may enjoy the extra pampering and would be beneficial. If you choose to do your own makeup be sure to ask for our Makeup Guide as soon as possible so that you can try your new look over the course of several days to be sure you’re happy with it. Makeup should be fresh and smooth and please bring it with you in case it needs to be reapplied. Use natural or light-colored lipstick. If you want to add that bright red lipstick to match the sassy red dress we can photograph that last. Likewise with any unusual looks you may want photographed. Legs should be freshly shaved and moisturized if you will not be wearing hose. Bring bobby pins, hair spray and a brush in case it is windy and touchups are needed for your hair. Make sure bra straps don’t show with the clothing you choose for the photoshoot. You may want to refer to the website shopyourshape.com to determine the best clothing styles for your body shape before selecting your photoshoot wardrobe.
Clothing should be clean and pressed. They should also fit properly and have no bulges or broken zippers, etc. The clothing should be form fitting, not loose, but not too tight. Try them on early in the planning process to ensure they look as good as you would like. Solid-colored, dark clothing photographs much better than prints because patterns distract from the subject (YOU). Layers and textures are great. Colors that pop are wonderful as long as they are not too bright (like highlighter green or fluorescent pink). Rich colors like emerald, royal blue, deep purple, plum and cranberry are traditional favorites. Think about colors that everyone tells you look great on you or something that complements the color of your eyes. Provided there is a place to change clothes, more than one outfit is permissible. Choose outfits that fit your personal style but are more traditional or classic to give longevity to your portraits. We can save the trendy or unusual looks to photograph last if time permits.
Be prepared for standing, sitting or possibly even lying on the ground for some of the images. We are looking to show the unique you as well as the expected!
Make a list of everything you need to bring to the shoot and pack everything in a suitcase in advance when possible. Go through your checklist several times prior to the shoot.
Get plenty of sleep the night before the shoot.
Before dressing for the photoshoot wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid having red lines and creases in the skin that can be caused by tight-fitting clothes. These may be visible in the photographs.
Arrive for the photoshoot clean with hair washed, dry and styled.
You may have one attendant for your comfort. They may watch and assist you. Please make sure they know, however, that they are not to interfere or distract anyone during the session and must not be conversing on their phone. They may be asked to help with some simple things and we hope they are willing to do so. A family member or good (but quiet) friend would make a good choice.
If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The shoot will not begin if they do not arrive with you and they must remain for the entirety of the photo session. If they leave, the shoot is complete. Photo ID for both the subject and parent/guardian may be required and may be photographed.
If we suspect the subject, attendant or parent is in any way impaired by alcohol, drugs or otherwise, the shoot will not proceed. It is imperative the photo shoot be fun and safe for everyone involved.
Please be prompt for the scheduled session. If you find you will be delayed, please let us know as soon as possible.
Please do not expect to make or receive calls or text messages during the photo shoot.