HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SHOOT:

Although I provide as much instruction & direction as desired during a shoot, it is a significant help if the person being photographed has an understanding of what their body looks like in different positions and to also understand how their face feels when they're making different expressions.

I recommend that all first-time models, and anyone relatively new to modeling, practice posing and making different facial expressions in front of a mirror. It may feel silly to practice such things in front of a mirror, but it is a great way to prepare for what it will be like in front of a camera and should actually make doing your shoot easier and more comfortable.

Although interpretations of different expressions & looks may vary, please practice a variety of different looks so that you are at least somewhat prepared should you be asked for a specific expression, such as: "sexy", "intense", "serious", and "pouty". Again, I will provide as much direction as necessary to get the look & expression desired, but the more prepared you are, the better.

If you have a tendency to show a lot of your gumline while smiling, you should also practice smiling without showing as much of your gums. Don't worry, we'll get plenty of photos with your beautiful & natural smile, but the tendency in professional photography is to limit exposure of the gumline.

Some of the best reference guides for posing are fashion catalogs and magazines. Study them. Pay close attention to the position of hands, the different angles the body makes (including the tilt of the head, arms, torso, thighs, and legs), and facial expressions.

Depending on your primary interest, I'd suggest requesting catalogs from companies such as: Newport News, Chadwick's, Delia's, and Victoria's Secret. If you can't wait for a catalogue to arrive, then simply peruse your local magazine stand to find one that contains poses that reflect a look you would like to achieve.

Be sure to take care of all hair removal prior to a shoot, but leave at least 2-3 days between when you wax/shave any sensitive areas (such as your bikini line) and your shoot date. This time is necessary to allow for any irritation to disappear before your shoot.

Take care of your nails. Be sure that your nails are neat and well maintained. Short nails are preferred. A natural, non-colored, or French manicure look is preferable. If you plan on posing barefoot, be sure your feet and toes are in good condition.

If you plan on showing your smile, be sure that your teeth are ready for prime-time. If your teeth are discolored, you may want to consider having them cleaned/whitened.

Be sure you have worked out all the necessary details about your shoot. You should know where you're supposed to go, the easiest & fastest way to get there, and what you need to do to prepare for your shoot.

Be sure that you know how to get to the studio or location where you are shooting. If you are working with a make-up artist, please be sure that they are aware of these directions as well.

You should also have a good idea of what items you are going to bring to your shoot.

Please call me (916) 765-0795) to confirm your photo shoot appointment.
Use this opportunity to ask any last minute questions you may have.

Eat healthy. Drink plenty of water. Avoid fatty, greasy, and salty foods prior to shooting. Please avoid alcohol or anything that will make you puffy or bloated. Also avoid anything that may stain your teeth.

If you have not yet called me to confirm your appointment, please do so.

Pack up what you'll need at least the night prior to your appointment so you are not rushing around in the time before leaving for your shoot.

Check your nails. You may not be the type who likes to keep their nails long and well manicured, which is fine, so long as they are ready for their close-up. However, damaged nails, beat up nail polish, and nails that have been bitten down to the tips of your fingers will not add to the look of your photos.

If your nails are not ready for pictures, you are encouraged to purchase temporary press-on nails. They may not feel "real" to you, but they can help save a photo or two.

It is also important that you get a good night's sleep. You will not only feel better, but you will look better if you are well rested and energetic on the day of your shoot. Dark circles and bags under one's eyes is not attractive.

Please call me (916) 765-0795) to confirm your departure and please arrive on time.

Please note that appointments are made to fit within allotted time slots. In order to maximize your time to shoot, arriving and being ready on time is important. Unless otherwise arranged, clients are encouraged to arrive up to, but no more than, 20 minutes early.

If bringing a make-up artist, you may arrange to arrive up to 45 mins early in order to begin the make-up process early and maximize your shooting time. However, please let us know if you intend to arrive early with a make-up artist so that we are expecting & prepared for your arrival.

Please note that showing up late does does not mean your appointment will get pushed beyond its allotted time slot and clients are billed from when their shoot was scheduled to begin, not from their time of arrival.

In some cases shooting beyond your allotted time slot may be possible, if the time beyond your appointment is not booked.

In the event that something unexpected happens and you are going to be late, please call me (916) 765-0795) to provide an update and estimated arrival time.

Please eat a light meal before you leave. Food is fuel and if you skip your meals before shooting, chances are you'll run out of energy, lose focus, or become irritable. None of which will improve your photos.

Please bring bottled water, snacks, and anything else necessary to keep you going, but avoid bringing anything that will stain your teeth. Additional items you may want to consider bringing to the shoot are listed here.

To avoid squinting due to bright studio lights or sunlight, please do not wear sunglasses prior to your shoot.