Arrive Early

The more time you spend getting ready the less time you have in front of the camera. You are welcome to get ready at our studio (hair, makeup etc.) but if your appointment time is 3:30 pm the clock starts ticking then whether you are here, ready or not.

Clothing

Avoid stripes and plaids at all cost!!!! Solids are always more appealing. Also think COLOR. Bring varieties of style and color. Too many tank tops = boring. Also remember that we will take shots from close up to full length… if you don’t want your tennis shoes in the images… make sure to bring other to match your attire. Also think variety in styles of clothing. We invite you to bring everything from jeans to your prom dress! We think that the best way to make sure you get the most out of your clothing changes is to meet with us for a senior styling session before the session date. At this session we will plan everything from clothes, shoes, makeup, and hair to accessories. Remember the styling sessions are free with your session reservation.

Organizing your outfits

Group your outfits together with accessories to maximize your time. Layering is another great way to save time. If we are going to a location that requires driving think of an outfit change that could be done in the car. Most of all make sure your clothing is best for you! If you are paranoid of your arms then a tank top may not be the best choice. When choosing shoes, hats, jewelry etc for your looks think about putting these pieces in a plastic baggie and tying it onto the hanger with the outfit. This helps to make your session move quicker and ensure more time for you in front of the camera!

What is your flavor?

Hot, Medium, Mild. Its okay to be HOT. Bring that outfit that makes you feel sexy but also remember that mom and dad may like to see you in something a little more tame. Show a little skin.. but remember that these are images that will follow you for the rest of your life!

Accessories

Keep it simple. Large flashy piece take attention away from YOU and put it on the bling! Keep this in mind when planning your attire.

Props

Bring them!! What defines you? Instruments, sports equipment / uniforms, activities, vehicles, pets, friends. Would you die if you didn’t have your skateboard? Would you cry if you broke a guitar string? Whatever it is that makes you – YOU. We want to see it! Feel free to ask us anything! We have ample locations that can accommodate almost any prop from pets to planes!

Glasses

Glasses do glare. We will try our best to eliminate it from your images but the best thing you can do is talk to your optometrist. Most will loan you a pair of frames without lenses or will even remove your lenses for your session. This is the only true way to eliminate glare!

Complexion

All of our images are retouched to remove blemishes. Don’t freak out if you wake up the morning of your session with a blemish in the middle of your forehead.

Pets

If you are bringing your pet with you remember that your pet will need a sitter. Think about having dad or mom bring them and then take them home when we are done. If your pet needs to remain with you during the session remember to bring water, treats, and a carrier or leash. All pets must be housebroken.

Friends / Parents

You are always more than welcome to bring your mom or best friend with you to your session. They can be a great help in organizing your clothing, helping with hair or makeup, or just making you feel at ease. If you would like a couple of shots with your best friend, parent, or sibling please feel free to let us know! If we feel that your “posse” is slowing us down or distracting you… we will kindly suggest that they head to Starbucks to pick us all up a drink!!!

Weather

As much as we would like to be able to control the weather, we are not God. If it is pouring buckets there is no reason to be upset… we will simply reschedule. Please call the studio if you are questioning the weather and we will be happy to get a plan together with you!

Tattoos, Scars, Braces

Totally your preference. Let us know if you want these things to show. We usually do not remove scars unless specifically requested. Braces can be removed. Do not stop smiling just because you are afraid of your braces showing! We can always fix that!

For the Ladies…

Tanning

AVOID sunburn… spray on tans or over fake baked is just not pretty. You do not want that “i tried to get a fast tan” orangey glow that often occurs. And while we know that your super cute halter bikini is your favorite swimsuit… think about the repercussions… any very noticeable tans lines may not be cute in your pictures. Keep in mind tanning evenly during the summer. If you have a fall or winter session and your tan has faded … its okay to hit the tanning bed. Just don’t over do it.

Makeup

Style your makeup as you would for a night on the town… a little more than day makeup is best. Avoid makeup with sparkles and mascara with clumps… these things can look more like blemishes than makeup issues. That is something you definitely do not want! Bring a loose powder or blotting paper with you to touch up shine as the session progresses.

Hair

Bring any hair products or tools with you. Show up in rollers if you need to. Remember that drastic changes made to your hair before your portrait session may result in a “what was I thinking” moment in days month or years from now! Natural hair is best. Extremely colored or bleached hair does not photograph well. Just be you… if you are ponytail kind of girl… then go for it! Because we do not see you everyday we have no idea what your hair normally looks like. We trust that you want what is best for your portraits and will style your hair accordingly. Extreme updos are not recommended.

Undergarments

Please bring appropriate foundation pieces. Flowers under white pants or a black strappy bra tucked into a strapless dress does not look good. We will not retouch “lines” left by lacey underpinnings so be sure to plan them accordingly. If you are planning to “trash your prom dress” or think you might want to get in the fountains, creek, etc… remember that you will probably get wet all the way through. Bring extras along with a towel or two to dry off afterward.

Nails

Nails WILL show your in your images. If the paint is chipped and cruddy looking then you will not be happy. Also think in terms of a neutral polish. French tips or a standard red or pink is always safe. If you have lime green toes with your hot pink prom dress you can only imagine how out of place your piggies will look!

For the Fellas…

Shaving

A clean shave is always best. Retouching stubble costs extra and never looks as good as a clean shave. Love your goatee? Take your casual shots first then bring a razor with you and shave it off so that mom can get those formal images she is looking for.