The Session Guide
The Session Guide
Welcome, friend! If you made it here, that means you must be trusting lil ‘ole me with your photos! I can’t freaking wait. This guide is your one-stop shop to prepare for your photoshoot...
Showing up to the same location at an agreed upon time is just not enough to create photos that you’re going to swoooon over! And I want you swooning!
So, grab your boo, get comfy, and take 10 minutes to intentionally walk thought this guide together! I promise you, it will be every bit worth it!
THE VISION
We could absolutely go to the nearest “pretty location” and take a bunch of pretty photos at sunset with you looking at the camera like models. And hey - if that’s your vibe, let’s do it! But if that doesn’t represent who you are, or your story, let’s go deeper.
I want to take an intentional and collaborative approach to these photos. From the location, to what you wear, any themes, and beyond. The more vision and ideas you can give me, the better. If you have a go-to date night that you love to do together, tell me!
And even if you don’t think that your idea is “photo-worthy”, ask me first! What makes photos meaningful is not the beauty/vanity, but the story they tell.
Need Location Ideas?
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Introduce your brand
OUTFITS
OUTFITS
What you wear can make or break your photos! Take my word for it
Imagine that we're painting a picture... the scene has been painted, and we're about to paint you into it! What you wear is like the quality of paint you use to create a piece of art. Poor quality, and the art suffers!
Take into account the location you are shooting at and the season you are shooting in. The location has its own vibe, colors, textures, and theme. Back to the painting analogy, think about your location as a painting that is already painted, and now we have to paint YOU into the picture.
What are we going to have you wearing? What will look best against the backdrop? What makes most sense in that scene?
ChOOsing YOur COlOURS
You want to stand out from your surroundings, but still look like you belong and fit there.
That’s why I always recommend neutrals, whites, creams, and earthy-toned colors that visually fit into the natural/earthy surroundings we are shooting in!
You want to avoid the highly-manufactured / bright / aggressive colors and tones that just don’t look like they belong in a natural setting, because they will stand out like a sore thumb, and will end up looking out of place in the photo.
That said, One or two pops of earthy colors pair nicely with neutrals everywhere else. For example, If you do have a pop of color in the outfits, it’s nice to not overcrowd that color (or 2) with other ones. On the right are some recommended neutrals and colors!
Make sure your outfits...
...have movement!
Make sure you can move in your outfit very easily, and it's a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well! TRY: Flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, etc... AVOID: Stiff, crisp, business, startchy, etc...
..are timeless.
Look for a something you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could still wear it!
...feel like you.
Make sure it has that classic, trademark, YOU Stamp on it! Whether it's something old or new!
Avoid: crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted sports/athletic wear, big logos, and any trendy patterns.
LET’S MAKE SOME MEMORIES
FAQs
What if our shoot gets rained out or has bad weather?
I absolutely want you to be excited about your weather conditions, so I always keep in touch with clients in the days preceding our shoot if the weather looks yucky. Anything from cloudy to sunny is not something I reschedule for, but intense rain or unsafe weather is something I am happy to reschedule with no extra fees.
What if I just do not know what to wear at all?
Let me know that! I have so many ideas, don’t worry. Try to follow the guidelines in this guide, as well as the Pinterest boards with inspo. Message me photos, and bring options to your shoot! We’ll make sure you look amazing. :)
How soon will we get back photos?
My promise is that you will have preview photos within 24 hours, and the full final gallery and slideshow within 3-4 weeks from our shoot date. :) A rush turnaround gallery option is available for an extra $150 add-on fee.
What’s the best way to contact you?
Through your email is ideal (just email me back from any of the emails I’ve sent to you). A week out from your shoot, I’ll send you my phone number so we can iron out final details over text!
Do you offer photo retouching?
I do not. I believe that natural and real is the most beautiful and authentic way to be photographed, and it’s for that reason that I don’t offer heavy retouching and editing. I spot edit temporary blemishes and smooth out skin texture, but professional retouching is something that perpetuates a false standard of beauty, so I choose not to do it.