Ladies, I strongly suggest you have your hair + makeup done by my stylist ($100). Paige is amazing! And for the best experience and results, I suggest having her there for your entire shoot ($150). It’s totally worth it, and a lot of fun!
It’s very important that your hair and skin look fresh and vibrant throughout the shoot. Paige Poling (Divinity Salon in Jackson) is the bomb! 517-740-9122. You only have your senior photos done once if your life --- you deserve to look your very best. If you choose not to use a stylist, please bring a hair tie, in case it's a breezy day, or just to change your look up a bit. Bring tissues for blotting perspiration, and a pocket mirror, lipstick, and anything else that will help to keep you looking fresh and vibrant throughout your session. Since shoots are outdoors, you will most likely be doing touch-ups on the fly.
Grooming: Guys, if you get a haircut, it’s best to get it 1 week before your shoot. This looks much better than a fresh cut, and you won’t have tan lines. Use a little hair product. Bring some along with you. Grooming creams, and pomades are best because they keep your hair manageable, and fixable. I like American Crew. If you don’t use product, maybe consider this once for the session. Take your time shaving! And if you get razorbumps from shaving... shave the evening before your shoot. Trim those nose hairs! Check for boogers! Bring tissues for blotting perspiration. Don’t stress over blemishes. They’ll be gone after editing!
What to wear: Guy + Gals
• Dress comfortably, and classic. The perfect outfit is you on your very best day. Be yourself and comfortable in your outfit choices so you can focus on the shoot, not fixing your clothes, throughout the session. Bring along YOUR favorite outfits, whether they are very casual, or exceptionally neat and dressy. We’ll decide what will work best as we shoot.
• Make sure your outfits look good on you when you are standing, sitting, moving, and leaning forward. Starchy, pressed button-down shirts may seem like a good idea, but consider a softer option.
• Avoid logos, "busy" patterns, and exceptionally bright colors. Avoid patterns that are too distracting. Avoid wearing stark white.
• How do you know what is the best color for you? Stand in front of the mirror, hold outfits of different colors in front of you, the colors that make your eyes, skin and smile stand out are perfect! If you feel good in your outfits, you will look amazing!
• Choose flattering fits, styles, and fabrics that complement your natural shape from all angles. Bracelets, rings, scarves, and other accessories are great, especially if they’re part of your everyday look.
• Ladies, sleeveless looks great, but stay away from strapless and spaghetti straps. They are not flattering in photos.
• Check out Pinterest, current magazines, and fashion ads (ie; J Crew, Abercrombie, etc.) for fresh + hip clothing ideas.
• Research the colors that will best bring out your eye color. I tend to shoot close. Your eyes will be the focus of most of your photos. Wear a top that will make your eyes pop!
Weather: Don’t worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But dark skies, wind, or falling rain are all an issue, and we will have to reschedule. Rescheduling happens all the time. Not a big deal at all. I will try to contact you first, but please call or text me at 773-332-9516 if you have any doubts or concerns. Also, there's a good chance it's gonna be hot and humid if we are shooting in July, August, or September. This is why I strongly recommend ladies have airbrush makeup done by a professional!
Practice in the mirror! Do you know why models + celebrities look so great in photos? It's not just because they're naturally easy on the eyes. It's because they know how to work the camera! They have that and look of confidence down to a science! Do some google or pinterest searches of the top actors/actresses. You'll see what I'm talking about... the "alluring gaze". Practice your expressions in the mirror. It will give you a bit of an edge when coming into your shoot :)
