SESSION PREP GUIDE
It's always helpful to be prepared and look your best that day, and with so much to think about already,
I want to help take the guessing out of the getting ready!
THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT
When you arrive at the studio, go ahead and bring everything inside! Before we start shooting, we'll chat about the outfits and overall look of the session, confirm the 'game plan' for the shoot to make sure nothing has been forgotten, gather props and furniture, etc.. This will help us use our time wisely!
Get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of water and be sure to eat
so you’re refreshed and ready!
WARDROBE
FIT IS EVERYTHING!
Be sure to try on ALL your outfits before your shoot so you know everything fits properly. I’m happy to ‘help/fix’ a few things in Photoshop, but it’s really hard to get a ‘busted can of biscuits in a button-up’ to look good if you know what I mean! lol
BRING A VARIETY
Feel free to bring along several different things and I can help you narrow down to the best of the best! You can also include clothes for different seasons…. Don't think that just because it's Summer you can't bring a great Winter sweater that looks fabulous on you!
CLOTHING COLORS
Darker, earthy colors will show your faces the best - especially in the studio.
Bright colors are fun and can bring a lot of life and fun to your images.
I certainly don't mind patterns, but be sure to consider that big patterns are harder to coordinate with backgrounds and since they're usually busy, they take away from your amazing faces! (Notice how Kaylee’s floral pattern works here because the background isn’t busy.)
HOWEVER…
OUTFITS NEED TO BE YOUR STYLE!
It's good to bring different types of clothes so you have plenty of variety in your images and the tips above are true… but be true to yourself!
If you ALWAYS wear bold patterns or colors, bring it on! Don’t let the typical “do’s and don’ts scare you… be yourself!
DON'T BE AFRAID!
If you always wear one style or color, consider trying something completely opposite for one of your looks!
Maybe try a fun vintage look, a formal dress or suit, classy & dark, blazer & jeans, colorful & bold, funky or trendy, etc!
I had just put added this dress to the studio closet and Destiny was willing to try it..
turns out, she loves this image and it wasn’t even planned!
ACCESSORIES AND PROPS CAN “MAKE” THE LOOK!
If you’re not accustomed to wearing jewelry, please don’t feel forced to wear something you don’t love….
BUT…
There is nothing that expresses a put-together style like adding in the perfect accessories!
Things like jewelry, scarves, hats, the perfect shoe or even your glasses can take your image from average to AWESOME!
Be creative and give your photos that extra punch!
WHAT TO AVOID
FASHIONABLE
vs
PHOTOGRAPHABLE
Just because something is in style right now, doesn't mean it’s a good choice for photographs.
For example, remember when the ‘chevron pattern’ was all the rage??
Yeah… looking back at photos during that time makes me want to poke my eyes out… so trust me when I say CLASSIC beats TRENDY every single time!
Certain patterns, colors and items that will go out of style next year can be super distracting.
(By the way, neon colors will reflect onto your skin.. and trust me, it's not good to have a neon pink, yellow or green neck!)
WRINKLES
Wrinkles in your clothing simply don't make you look good..
they make you look as if you didn't care - and maybe you don't right now,
but these photos will last the rest of your lifetime, so make sure you look your best!
Also, it could cost extra to edit them out (if it's even possible)
so it's a good idea to bring your clothes on hangers after they have been pressed or steamed.
Pleeeeeeease don't bring your clothes stuffed in a bag!
If you don’t have an iron or steamer, don’t obsess over it because I have a steamer at the studio!
INSECURITIES
Don't hide inside a ‘too big’ shirt or stress about zits and yellow teeth!
There are several ways to combat your insecurities, just let me know what they are so we can find ways to work around them and focus on your favorite features!
I use several ‘secret weapons’ to help my client’s look their best! Every client is obviously different,
so I use clothing clamps, strategic posing or even a some Photoshop magic when needed...
but rest assured, I’ll do my best to help you squash those nasty insecurities!!
These aren’t my pictures.. because my clients are amazing!
SKIN & GROOMING
FACE
It's very important to prep your skin for at least a week before your session.
Your images will be retouched in Photoshop to remove blemishes, wrinkles, etc… but the better shape your skin is in on picture day, the better it will look when it's retouched!
So on the days and weeks leading up to your shoot….
Cleanse your face daily.
Use a facial scrub a couple of times a week.
Moisturize with a non-SPF moisturizer every night (Organic Castor Oil is AMAZING!)
Well-groomed brows, nose, and facial hair are a must!
Your lips are very important too! Use a scrub a couple of days a week to keep them from chapping and peeling.
BODY
Shave or pluck any hair that you don’t want to show in your photos!
Use moisturizer multiple times a day and especially the day before and day of your session.
TANS & SUNBURNS
I do not recommend tanning lotions!! Not only will it obviously affect how your skin tone will photograph, it usually looks too orange and stains parts of your body that wouldn’t normally be tanned naturally by the sun.
Exception: Spray tans done by an experienced professional (However, notice I used the word “experienced”!)
Pretty please with sugar on top…. Avoid getting a sunburn before your session!
PLEASE NOTE:
There is an extra charge for advanced retouching of skin that has been badly sunburned or discolored from tanning lotions because it affects every.single.image. and is a very time-consuming and frustrating process.
Also, if your skin color has been so affected that it’s not even close to your natural tone, it may not even be possible because there won’t be a reference point.
If you are reading this just a few days before your session and you’ve already been burned… We might need to reschedule. Not only will the above things be an issue, but you may not be able to pose or do some of the actions needed for the photos we’ll be taking.
HAIR & MAKEUP
IF YOU’RE DOING YOUR OWN
Your scheduled session time is when we'll begin your session, so please arrive ready to shoot!
Don’t go overboard on your makeup!
One of the hardest things to ‘fix’ is makeup when its been overdone.
Don’t use glitter, crazy long fake lashes or anything that’s 'trendy’… classic and natural is always best!
You can still request my stylist’s services, but please let me know as soon as possible so we can get on her schedule!
IF YOU BOOKED MY STYLIST
Make sure your face is clean and only use moisturizer (no sunscreen) on the day of your shoot.
Arrive in something comfortable... a button-up or large-necked shirt and shorts/ leggings work great! You'll be in her chair for about an hour, then you’ll change into your first outfit!
Bring screenshots or a Pinterest board of what you like
We should have everything that's needed, but feel free to bring your own products if you have favorites, sensitivities or allergies!
If you're wanting curls but your hair doesn't usually hold curl well, show up with 'day old' hair... if you're wanting it straightened, but you have naturally curly/wavy hair, show up with 'clean' hair!
STYLE INSPIRATION
PROPS
This image wouldn’t be as “magical” without the props!
Start thinking of things you may want to do or incorporate!
Simplicity is best on a photoshoot because having too much ‘stuff’ usually means the focus isn’t where it needs to be… on YOU!
Buuuuuut… sometimes props are needed!
Hats, Jewelry, Glasses/Sunglasses, Themed Outfits, Shoes,
Flowers, Instruments, Books, Sentimental items,
Hobbies that you enjoy…
Signature sessions can even include lingerie and intimates!
By the way… my favorite ‘prop’ is a FURBABY!
If you want to bring your pet, let me know and I’ll send
a specific session prep guide for animals!
LOCATION IDEAS
IN-STUDIO SETS
The KNP studio offers something different for every couple! I'll match everything to your personality, style and wardrobe with the backdrops, furniture, and props so you’ll shine!
We can do high fashion, casual, formal & dramatic, fun & silly, hobbies & interests, and pretty much anything in between!
OFF-SITE LOCATIONS
The best advice is to consider your style and personalities! If you’re a downtown kind of couple, there's no sense in going to a barn!
One thing that I'm really big on is -AUTHENTICITY-
I want you to be you, look like you, act like you,
and dress like you…
so that means we’ll go to places you love!
WEATHER
If we’re shooting in the studio, the weather doesn’t matter unless it’s looking dangerous… in that case we’ll likely reschedule.
If we’re doing photos outside, we obviously need to consider the weather so if there's anything that will look gloomy, melt the makeup off your face, give you red eyes and runny noses, or give you troll hair in your pictures… we'll need to reschedule.
Don’t worry, I’ll be watching the weather and will let you know if we need to reschedule
so in the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed for a pretty day!
*Please verify your reservation to know whether you chose a session with the option for an outdoor location and distance.
LAST,
BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST…
A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE…
Try it on!
Put on everything as if we are about to start the session… even the undergarments!- Does everything fit/work properly?
- Did you forget something?
- Do you need accessories?
- Do your shoes/garments need to be cleaned?
Check your skin, hair, nails and grooming!
Is everything good to go or do you need to make an
emergency appointment?
Do you have your props ready?
If you’re bringing a pet, make sure to consult the
Animal Session Prep Guide!
Pack it up and don’t stress!
It’s much better to be prepared a couple of days before
rather than running around on the morning of your shoot!
SEND ME YOUR INSPIRATION!
If we didn’t meet for a pre-shoot consultation and you haven’t answered your Questionnaire yet, please take a minute to fill it out because it helps me tailor the session to your preferences!
Also be sure to take a stroll through Pinterest, Instagram or my social media and website for ideas! Check out the KNP Pinterest account and make your own board so I can see what you like!
PRACTICE
This one may sound a little crazy, but practicing facial expressions and body language for different emotions in the mirror will help you feel more relaxed and less stressed when the camera is on you!
BREAKS/LUNCH
We will take short breaks to change clothes, poses, backgrounds, etc but they won’t last long, so feel free to bring a few snacks if you usually eat several times a day or tend to get hangry!
RELAX
All of this may be overwhelming or have your head spinning.. but the main thing is to have fun with it!
Don’t stress.. it will all come together! And I’m just a text, phone call or email away so feel free to contact me with any questions!!