Don't You Dare

SPRAY TAN BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

We know you think that you look better with a tan...but we assure you, even if you don’t see the streaks and unevenness with your naked eye, the camera will pick them up. You will photograph a lot more tan than you think you look (especially given that our specialty is low-key lighting and black and white imagery), and spray tans will photograph orange in color images. Trust us on this!! On that same note, no tinted lotions or bronzers on your body. Even after this warning, we get a lot of women who message us to say that they’ve been spray tanning for years and they cannot fathom not doing so before a photo shoot. Of course, we will still photograph you, but unfortunately, our standard retouch will not account for spray tan correction, so just keep that in mind.

BRING A CONSTRUCTION HAT (or other props)

If you have jewelry that has sentimental value, absolutely bring it! But avoid jerseys, military apparel, weapons (yes, really), sports equipment, masks, etc etc etc.

PARTY THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

If you’re nervous, try a bubble bath and a yoga class. Hangovers aren’t sexy. Lawwwwd do we know it.

DRINK RED WINE TO CALM YOUR NERVES

Don’t drink a bottle of red wine right before you show up in efforts to calm your nerves! #1-It will stain your teeth and lips. #2--Drunk doesn’t photograph pretty either. HOWEVER, we’re admittedly advocates of a little bit of booze to soothe anxiety if you are super nervous. SO, we set a firm 2 drink maximum limit for our clients on the day of their shoot. Champagne or white wine is a good option because it won’t stain your mouth and will still calm you down a little. You’re welcome to bring a small bottle with you to the studio. We have non-alcoholic refreshments to offer you.

FORGET TO STRETCH

Many of these poses, while they look effortless, are quite unnatural feeling. Take a few minutes on the morning of your shoot to stretch your arms, legs, hips, and especially your back. People are surprised to see how sore their muscles get after something as silly as a photo shoot, so any extra flexibility you can add by a quick yoga flow will only benefit you.

GET A NEW HAIRCUT / COLOR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

Now isn’t the time to experiment with a whole new look.

TALK SMACK ON YOURSELF

We don’t want to hear about how you hate your hips. We want to hear about how you LOVE your legs. A great attitude will go a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience! HOWEVER...if you really feel the need to discuss the thing that bothers you the most about your body, just let us know by saying “I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___”. We will be extra careful to play down your “flaws”...but we will ALSO make it our challenge to take the best damn image featuring your ____ so you have a new-found appreciation for it ;)