1. Get to Know your photographer
Have a chat with them about the session. How do you want to look, what are you worried about? This may be hard to do at first but your portrait photographer can't read minds!
Do you want to look super tall and strong? Want to look slimmer? More confident? I can help you pick out the right outfit so you feel like 1 million bucks! That confidence will shine through in your photos.
2. Be Prepared
Pick your outfit(s) at least a week before your portrait session date. Try it out and hang it up with all the accessories you're planning to wear with it.
The day before your session, have a reminder on your phone or set an alarm for when you need to get up to get ready, leave a little early if you are driving far because sometimes you get stuck in traffic.
3. DON'T do a new hairstyle or makeup look the day of the session
If you want to try a new look I recommend hiring a make up artist or hair stylist.
If you want to do your own hair and makeup I recommend practicing it several times before your session day. Also, -especially if you tend to have allergies- make sure you aren't trying any new products or routines within a week of your session.
Set out the products you are going to use so you aren't spending your morning searching for that special makeup palette or liquid eyeliner. It will remove a lot of stress the day of if you have your beauty routine down.
4. Go to bed early -
I know you're probably excited or nervous but try to get some sleep and don't go out partying the night before. Pair this with making sure you drink enough water.
5. Get up with enough time to get ready so you aren't rushing.
If you are like me, you will most likely forget something or spill something. (I actually spilled an entire venti coffee all over my kitchen once) so I always prepare a backup outfit.
I am the person that always sits in ketchup or trips and scuffs my shoes. But knowing that, I can prepare and don't have to worry. I also give myself extra time to get ready in case my cat pounces me while I'm using my liquid eyeliner and I have to redo my look. It seems like a lot but really it's an extra 30 minutes or so and if nothing happens then I have extra time to relax! It's much better to get up 30 minutes early than to arrive and realize you forgot that special necklace you wanted to wear for your portrait session.
When it comes down to it don't worry! If you DO get something on your shirt and really don't have another I can photoshop it out, it'll just take a little longer to get your photos back. I have removed people, benches, light posts, and more from photos! I'll make sure you look good so trust me when I say to tuck your shirt a certain way or turn and drop your shoulder a certain way. It may feel weird and different to pose in certain ways but know that I am guiding you to looking amazing!
You're going to love your photos and we're going to have a really fun session. So go pick out your outfit (and backup if needed) and go relax! I'll be getting my camera charged, cleaning my lenses and preparing too.
You're not the only one who gets nervous! I am over here making shot list, picking my outfit, deciding which lenses to use, checking the weather and looking up the location for scenes.
People show up on social media, for work, for going to the mall, dressed up, with makeup and showing their best side. So if you're feeling bad because of a crazy hair day, a pimple, or wrinkled clothes, DON'T! No one looks perfect all of the time.
You are beautiful! Let me show you what everyone else already sees.
Wash your hair and condition it, do your nightly skin routine (yes I know that spot is there but IGNORE it trust me. It's like a 2 second removal in photoshop.), and throw that shirt in the dryer or steam it for wrinkles. I'll take care of the rest.
The MOST important thing in a portrait is how you feel. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your eyes. I can remove mustard spots, coffee marks on teeth (even a person with pure white teeth will have darkened teeth for a bit after eating or drinking foods that stain teeth) so smile, relax, and let's have some fun!
Together, we're going to make an awesome session and you'll have photos you, your friends and family will love! I am so excited for you!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Renee
Foxy by Design Photography
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