So youve finally done it!! Youve booked a professional photographer for your portraits! Kudos! I know its an investment but its one that will last you a lifetime of memories.
So now that youve booked, how do you prepare? Well, to start its always best to lay out a few outfits the night before and choose your favorite. Remember comfort! If you dont wear 9 inch heels on a daily basis, you may not want to start now. If youre uncomfortable, it will show in your images.
If its a family shoot, you do not all need to have the exact same identical outfits. But its nice to keep the color in the same family.
Notice how the boys shirts pull colors right out of moms dress.
Now, im no fashionista so thats about all the advice I can give on what to wear. I can also say... for fall.. layers and bold colors and funky accessories on kids is just GREAT. If the kids can look like they stepped out of a Childrens Place flyer, id be tickled pink!...lol.
And Sometimes.. wearing NOTHING is just as fun!!!
Some helpful Do's...
- Get your hair and makeup done. This is a great one! Who doesn't want to be pampered. No better reason than now. If you can do it on your own.. even better. Just be sure to have your best face on and hair looking gorgeous. You're putting a lot into these images, you want to look your absolute best when a 30x40 family photo is hanging in your living room.
- Get a mani/pedi! Yes, more pampering! (Don't worry guys.. I wont tell her to get a massage next... but you can get that for her to make it extra special if you wish.) But you'll want your nails to look great... you never know when ill be taking a shot of hands or feet. Especially on the beach!
- Bug spray!!! If its summer and youre shooting outdoors, wear it! (I wish I followed my own advice here...lol)
- For sessions on the beach, bring baby powder. Best way to get sand of in a instant!
- Bribery! Yes, I said it. Bring a small bribery snack for any child who may have a hard time. It will be the last resort but it may help get the shot. Just don't make it an entire sandwich as that would not be ideal....lol. M&M's, Gerber puffs, cheerios and other small snacks are best.
Important Don't's!
- Dont be late. Your photographers time is valuable and they may have a session right after you. So if your shoot is from 6-7 and you get there at 6:45, be prepared for a 15 minute shoot. And its always great to call if youre running late as most of the time they may be able to accommodate you.
- Dont bring hungry children. Kids cooperate much better with full tummies AND after naps. So be sure that theyre full and rested.
- If a child is not cooperating, please do not get upset at the child. It will only make the mood worse and chances are the photographer is getting the shots they need anyhow.
- Please be sure not to take any photos during the session with cell phones or any other cameras. Not only will it be confusing for the child but chances are the very second the photographer gets the child to LOOK at him/her, they will be looking at the other camera instead.
- Dont show up in old t-shirts. It seems this would be a given but a lot of time is being put into the session even if it was a gift from someone else, so be sure to dress nicely.
Now, I may have left some things out so any photographers that would like to add to this, please leave a comment with your DO or DON'T below.
Now go make some memories!
This is an awesome start to some great advice. I do not have anything to add at this time. Good job covering most of what will make a great photo shoot.
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