5 things to consider when preparing for a photo session

You have booked a photo session, you are all excited and can't wait for the day to come. There is just one BUT. Ok, not just one. These are the 5 things you want to consider when preparing for a photo shoot.

The Wardrobe √ The Mood √ The Location √

Wardrobe

I can not stress enough how important this part is. If you want your day to be special then make it special. Plan what you are going to wear, think about the colours, the style you are going for. If you hesitate and don't know where to start then just ask your photographer for an advice (preferably always!). Clothes are a powerful communication tool which represents and reveals so many things about us: the culture we were raised in, our sexuality, our mood, our creativeness, even the social status. What message do you want to send, what mood do you want to create? Such sayings as: "I'll see what I'll find in my closet" don't work for me. And I guarantee it will not work for you either once you see the results. We may shoot in the most beautiful location but if you are going to wear those yoga pants with Gucci t-shirt and Adidas sneakers (well, unless this would be intentionally planned) then don't expect to be wowed by the final result.

The Make Up

The make up is another powerful asset to a beautiful photograph but only if it is done correctly and by a professional. You don't want to look shinier than that midday sun! If you can't arrange a professional make up artist to do your make up, then don't do it at all. To be honest, in most cases, less is more! No make up only adds to the natural overall look that I am always after. So if you decide not to cover those gorgeous freckles and the lines of wisdom- then it is truly really honestly fine by me! Just choose one or the other – don't experiment by yourself!

The Mood

The Mood √ The Location √ The Wardrobe √

So you look stunning (because you planned your wardrobe and did your professional make up) but something is missing. Oh right – it's your mood! I am a very cheerful and a positive person but I won't be able to light that spark in you if you brought your husband to the session by forcing him or if your children are tired and hungry. You will be able to feel that tension in the air! So if you feel like the whole family can't get along and it is not going to work then let me know as soon as possible and we will reschedule! The mood is like the weather, sometimes you can not predict it! What you can do though is to talk to your partner beforehand and explain him/her how important this day is to you and how much you would appreciate if he/she was a part of it. Don't ever start your conversation about the photo session like this: "You better go with us or I...". No, we will be rescheduling forever then! And children. Make sure they are fed and rested, otherwise your photo session might turn into a daycare centre. A little bribery might also work the magic.

The Location

Another thing to plan is the location. In most cases, the park behind your house, where you walk your dog daily, won't work (unless it is really something beautiful). Normally I suggest the location myself, so that I would be familiar with the area. All you need to do is to stay open minded and to be willing to travel outside your town (if necessary). It is all about the final result, so let's put that little extra effort into it.

Peeking

And the last, but not least – don't ask me to have a peek at my camera. What you see in the camera is not what you are going to get. Even the minor adjustments such as colour correction and acne removal does a huge difference. You chose me by the photos that represent my brand and that is what I want you to see – the final processed image.

If you have read my listed advice/ranting – thank you! It wasn't written to scare you off but to become more considerate to my advice when helping you to plan your photo session. The bottom line – you have me. I will guide you through the whole preparation and photo shoot process if you only let me to do so. At the end of the day you chose me to create those unforgettable memories, so simply trust in me! They are already beautiful!

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