HELLO, BEAUTIFUL!
I'm so excited to photograph you!
Get ready for a great experience and to see some of the prettiest pictures of yourself that you've ever seen!
RE-VISIT THE THIS PAGE AS OFTEN AS YOU NEED WHEN PREPARING FOR YOUR SHOOT!
Simply bring yourself and your stuff and we'll take care of the rest!
Professional hair and makeup services and a wide variety of looks will be achieved at your photoshoot!
My stylist is not only one of the best that I've worked with, but she was also a client before she was my stylist, so she knows exactly how it feels to be in your shoes! She can not only can she give you the perfect look you want, but she's also trained to do 'camera makeup' for the particular lighting and retouching techniques I use.
We'll help you with outfit selection and even have a few things in the Studio Closet that you can use for your shoot if you'd like!
I will use flattering lighting, pretty posing down to your fingertips, and skin retouching to make you look your best! As you can see, there's nothing to worry about.. we've got you covered!
Rest assured.. with an all-female staff, you're in good hands!
We can't wait for your shoot!
PLAN AHEAD
Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photoshoot like feeling rushed or late! You should plan for traffic and to arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled start time... there's no need to be very early because we will likely be preparing for your shoot or finishing up with another client.
PAMPER YOURSELF
Use this as an opportunity to pamper yourself! Get a mani/pedi.. plan a night out... SOMETHING! After your session, you might be a little tired, but you'll look and feel fabulous, so take advantage of your makeover and treat yourself!
BRING EXTRA WARDROBE OPTIONS
Don't stress about having enough or too many! We'll shoot 3-5 different looks, so bring some different options and a couple of pairs of shoes (we'll also do some barefoot!), and accessories like jewelry, scarves, hats, etc (if you usually wear them.. don't feel like you have to bring things that aren't 'you'!).
We may not use everything, but it never hurts to have options. Often clients will bring a smattering of wardrobe options and I’ll just style up some different looks that they maybe weren’t thinking and they end up loving them... and don't forget, you can also use items from the Studio Wardrobe as well!
LATHER ON THE LOTION
Be sure to moisturize twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot to make your skin look shiny and healthy!
On the day of your shoot, you can use a non-bronzer illuminizing lotion, but if you're having a hard time finding an illuminizing lotion without color, you can absolutely just go with an oil-based lotion like Argan Oil Moisturizer or Coconut Oil Moisturizer.
The hardest thing to deal with in Photoshop is 'orange hands and streaks' from applying self-tanner, so please don't use tinted lotions or anything with color. If you're feeling the need to look a little more 'tropical' for your shoot, hire a professional to spray your skin and I can also give you a little bump of color with the magic of Photoshop!
MAKEUP
The first thing you'll do is step into the hair and makeup area where my amazing stylist will be ready to create the perfect look for you!
Arrive with a clean, moisturized face and if you have a certain style or look in mind, bring a few photos or a Pinterest board of inspirations
and she'll help you achieve the look you love!
HAIR
Having freshly trimmed hair will make you feel like a supermodel during your session, but be sure to do it a week or two prior to your shoot so it isn't still 'new' to you.. especially if you're wanting a new color or cut!
If you want curls, it’s usually best to arrive with ‘day old’ hair,
If you want it straightened, arrive with clean, dry hair!
If you’re not sure what you want, arrive with clean, dry hair and the two of you can chat about it and she’ll whip up your perfect hairstyle!
HANDS AND FEET
Your hands and feet will show in many of your images, so make sure they're looking their best too! You don't have to get a mani/pedi, but you'll at least want to make sure you don't have chipped polish!
WARDROBE TIPS
Honestly, and I’m not even close to exaggerating here.... Don't stress about your wardrobe!
Please, please, please don’t feel the need to run out and buy all new things. I can do a completely versatile and awesome shoot with simple items. Truly. Don’t stress about it!
Here are some wardrobe tips to calm your nerves and help you decide what to bring:
Avoid tiny busy patterns & neon colors. They are often harsh on camera and a bit unflattering, so try to avoid them.
The number one wardrobe rule is: Don’t bring outfits that you don’t love! I can’t tell you how many ladies have said “I really don’t like this one, but….”. If you don’t like the outfit, it’s likely that you won't like photos of you in it!
Structured and/or statement pieces always work great! Your favorite blazer or jacket, a cocktail dress with an interesting neckline, or just a bodysuit and jeans... I want you to look and feel like yourself (just enhanced)!
When in doubt, bring several of your favorites and let me style them for you… It’s part of the service and I’m happy to do it!
Form-fitting is usually better than flowy! Form-fitting doesn't automatically mean 'tight', it just means that they actually 'fit'! Many ladies have brought in big, flowy blouses but weren't a big fan of how they look in the photos.
You're encouraged to bring any clothing, jewelry, and especially items that are sentimental that you'd like to incorporate.
Feel free to bring a slip /cami / tanktop to layer underneath other items as needed, especially If you’re very modest.
Solid colors, dark colors, neutrals and jewel tones always look great!
Textures always look better than patterns because patterns can distract… but textures always add interest!
IF YOU WANT TO DO BOUDOIR
If wearing thigh-highs, buy them 1-2 sizes too big according to the size chart on the back. Buying them in a size that supposedly “fits” according to the package size chart will likely result in the stockings giving a bit of thigh muffin top ;) We can get them to stay up for each “pose”, or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.
Have yourself properly fitted for lingerie. I recommend going to a lingerie boutique to be properly fitted. Recommendations can be found at the bottom of the page or if you’re interested in online ordering, True & Co. has a really amazingly helpful website and quiz that will help you to determine what styles and sizes will work best for you.
Try to incorporate a variety of pieces into your wardrobe selections. Having 5 different bra and panty sets won’t allow for much variety in your photos. Rather, try to think of your items as a ‘theme’ - formal, casual, textured, fun, modest, sleek, sexy... you get the idea.
It doesn’t have to be complicated... in fact, we welcome simplicity! We love to work with pretty scarves, sheets, solid colored button-down shirts, jackets, coats, or anything you love.
GET CREATIVE!
A solid colored, one-piece swimsuit or bodysuit can actually photograph beautifully!
(I have several at the studio that you're welcome to use!)
Cropped or over-sized sweaters or graphic tees also work great with a thong or cheeky bottoms for a relaxed, sexy feel.
A pretty bra can go perfectly with a pair of jeans and your favorite tank top can be paired pretty panties.
A sheet can be used for an insinuated nude.
LET’S GO SHOPPING!
ONLINE
HIPS AND CURVES | www.hipsandcurves.com
TRUE&CO. | www.trueandco.com
ADORE ME | www.adoreme.com
YANDY | www.yandy.com
BHLDN | www.bhldn.com
AGENT PROVOCATEUR | www.agentprovocateur.com
BELLA BELLA BOUTIQUE | www.bellabellaboutique.com
VISIT
PLEASURES | 4008 University Drive, Huntsville
ENCHANTASY'S | 2203 University Drive, Huntsville
SULTRY COMPANY | 11531 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville
VICTORIA'S SECRET | Bridge Street & Parkway Place, Huntsville
BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY | 6275 University Drive, Huntsville
LANE BRYANT | Parkway Place & 6275 University Drive, Huntsville
DILLARD'S | Parkway Place, Huntsville
BELK | Bridge Street, Huntsville
FOREVER 21 Parkway Place, Huntsville
INSPIRATION
It’s not required, but I always suggest making a Pinterest board with makeup, hair, outfit, posing and styling ideas that you like!
If you don’t have a Pinterest account, imagine it like ripping pages from magazines… but much easier!
To start your own, simply visit the link(s) above and sign up for a free account. Then pin anything you like.. this will help me to see what’s in your head rather than having to describe what you like!
When we start planning your shoot, we'll decide which poses and looks will be best for your bodytype / wardrobe.
POSING
I have photographed many sessions with overjoyed clients so I take pride in knowing how to pose you down to your fingertips to make you look your best!
Don't worry about losing those extra few pounds... seriously! I'll pose you in positions that will make you look fantastic!
I have several years of training to ensure that you are always posed in the most flattering ways and under the most flattering lighting. At your shoot, you'll be asked to do simple things such as: "bring that shoulder towards me, bring your chin forward a bit, now look up at me with your eyes, relax your fingers, etc. " It's super simple and you don't need to do anything to prepare for it.
You don't need to worry about a thing, simply show up for your session and we'll handle the rest!
THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT
SHOOT TIMELINE
Plan to spend 3-4 hours with us!
60 -90 minutes for hair & makeup
90 -120 minutes for the session
AFTER THE SHOOT
You have the option to have your photos Portrait Reveal & Order Session on the same day or we can schedule a time if you can't dedicate more time to see them the same day. After your order is placed, you should receive it within 6 weeks.
(If you have a specific date that you need your portrait order, let us know ahead of time so we can try our hardest to make that happen for you!)
RETOUCHING
You can rest at ease knowing that I've been in business since 2009 and my clients love how we retouch! (We, meaning myself and my photo editor.) My clients love it because we're not overly heavy-handed… we're definitely not going for 'plastic doll skin’ and we're not going to make you look like something or someone you're not.
We want your portrait to look like your already beautiful self... just enhanced a bit!
BEFORE & AFTER
Each portrait you order will be delivered with your skin retouched.
We’re happy to remove blemishes, scars, cellulite, stretch marks, etc. but we won't make you look ‘plastic’ or change anything you don’t ask for!
YOUR REVEAL & ORDER APPOINTMENT
This appointment can be held immediately following your shoot or on a seperate day… but we will discuss it beforehand so you’ll know how much time to allow on the day of your shoot.
The photos will be 'soft proofed', which means they will be made ready ‘enough’ for you to choose your favorite poses, but the actual retouching and editing comes after you’ve chosen the ones you want to order.
I’ll help you narrow down to your favorites and to figure out which products are best for you and your home!