Preparing for your session

here is a suggested timeline to help you make the most of your session:

7 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR SESSION

Fully plan and organize your shooting wardrobe and accessories.
Look for stains, missing buttons, anything that needs to be mended and fix!
Do Laundry. Remove lint, iron and press.
Refresh your haircut
If you dye your hair, this would be the right time to do so.
FOR WOMEN: Plan for the appropriate underpinnings: black bras look best under dark clothing, and nude bras are always better than white.

3 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR SESSION

If you dye your hair, touch up your roots if needed.
FOR MEN: If you are looking for that 3-Day-Beard look, well! Now is the time to shave!

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Tweeze eyebrows and treat other facial hair
Gently exfoliate your face and lips - Follow with a moisturiser and lip balm.
Clean your glasses, wedding ring and jewels if you wear any
Cut and clean your nails
Gather your clothes and accessories and inspect for wrinkles. Iron if needed.
FOR WOMEN: If you have thick hair, wash and blow dry your hair the day before your photo shoot. You can tie it up in a loose bun overnight for more volume.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION

Come hydrated and after a good night of sleep.
Moisturise your skin with a light, water based moisturiser
If your employer provides hair and makeup services, arrive with clean and dry hair and with as little makeup as possible, otherwise style yourself in a manner that feels natural and authentic to you while being neat and camera friendly (a little mascara goes a long way, so does lip gloss and little hot iron, to tame frizzy hair)
FOR MEN: Ensure your hair is clean and dry. If you shave your beard in the morning, be extra careful!

As a rule of thumb, fitted clothes are more photogenic than loose, baggy ones.
Avoid thin black and white stripes as they tend to create “moirés” or psychedelic optical patterns.
Even finely weaved monochrome fabric can create moirés. See example below.
Make sure your clothes are pressed, not wrinkled. The Photographer usually carries a small handheld iron for touch-ups as well as a lint brush but it can take away some precious time and disrupt a tight shooting schedule.
FOR EMPLOYERS: clearly communicate any dress code with your employees. Should men be wearing ties? Is there a specific colour scheme you would like your staff to abide to?
FOR MEN: if a tie is required, please ensure it is properly tied when you arrive for your session.
FOR WOMEN: Bring all necessary underpinnings. Black bras look best under dark clothing, and nude bras are always better than white.