How to Prepare for Your Photoshoot
Photo by Akron portrait photographer Mara Robinson Photography
How to Prepare for Your Photo Session
Now that you've booked a photo session with Mara Robinson Photography, here are a few tips and tricks to help you prepare to look and feel your best. Following these will help you know exactly what to do, so you can have a smooth, stress-free session and better photographic results.
1. Nail your consultation
• Let me know if there's a certain side of your face you prefer to be shot on. If you're not sure which side is your "good side" I'm here to help you. This will help me begin visualizing images that flatter you.
• Let me know if there's a special location you want to shoot in, or look or vibe you want to achieve.
• Let me know whether your skin tone is cool, warm, neutral or olive. This will help with wardrobe, makeup, location and background choices. If you're not sure, see below for tips:
• Cool undertones: If your veins appear blue, your skin appears pink or bluish, and you look best in silver jewelry with blue, pink, purple or teal clothes, you're probably cool-toned.
• Warm undertones: If your veins appear green, your skin tone appears yellow or brown, and you look best in gold jewelry, with yellow, gold, orange or peach clothes, you're probably warm-toned.
• Neutral undertones: If your veins look both blue & green, your undertones are similar to your skin tone, and you look good in both gold & silver jewelry, with brown or gray plus both cool and warm toned clothes, you might be neutral.
• Olive: If your skin appears more ashen or gray, with both neutral and warm undertones along with green, then you could have a natural olive tone. If you have olive skin, you might find that earthy tones plus gold and green suit your skin, while warm colors might make your skin look too yellow.
• Let me know if there's a special location you want to shoot in, or look or vibe you want to achieve.
• Let me know whether your skin tone is cool, warm, neutral or olive. This will help with wardrobe, makeup, location and background choices. If you're not sure, see below for tips:
• Cool undertones: If your veins appear blue, your skin appears pink or bluish, and you look best in silver jewelry with blue, pink, purple or teal clothes, you're probably cool-toned.
• Warm undertones: If your veins appear green, your skin tone appears yellow or brown, and you look best in gold jewelry, with yellow, gold, orange or peach clothes, you're probably warm-toned.
• Neutral undertones: If your veins look both blue & green, your undertones are similar to your skin tone, and you look good in both gold & silver jewelry, with brown or gray plus both cool and warm toned clothes, you might be neutral.
• Olive: If your skin appears more ashen or gray, with both neutral and warm undertones along with green, then you could have a natural olive tone. If you have olive skin, you might find that earthy tones plus gold and green suit your skin, while warm colors might make your skin look too yellow.
2. Pick out clothes & accessories well in advance
• Now that we know your skin undertones, we can start talking about good wardrobe choices. We'll discuss the right colors for your skin tone and to complement the scene and background.
• For group photos, choose complementary colors and styles. You don't need to dress alike, but we'll help ensure pleasing images where you don't clash with each other or the background. Also ensure your styles match each other, instead of someone being very dressy while another is very casual.
• Wear clothes that fit well and make you feel confident.
• Solid colors are best and stand the test of time. Avoid patterns, logos and graphics, etc.
• Avoid white clothes unless we've specifically planned for a white outfit. White clothes can throw off the camera exposure needed to properly light you in the scene.
• Longer sleeves look best. Choose tops with 3/4-length sleeves or longer.
• Avoid turtlenecks and plunging necklines.
•.Ensure pants are the right length. Wear longer socks so no bare skin shows between pant cuffs and shoes. Crop pants and shorts with bare skin showing typically don't photograph well, because leg and arm skin is often noticeably paler than face and neck skin, causing photos with uneven skin tones.
• For the same reasons, if wearing a dress, avoid bare legs; cover them with pantyhose, tights, stockings, hosiery or leggings. Be sure all areas are covered, including ankles.
• Layers often look great, and add texture and dimension to your images.
• Ensure undergarments aren't bunching, bulging or visible through your clothes (black bra under a white shirt, or vice versa, for example). When in doubt, wear nude-toned undergarments.
• Choose jewelry that lays well and stays put. For example, avoid long or crooked necklaces that loop around your chest, and avoid earrings that converge with your shoulders, etc.
• The camera sees everything, so ensure clothes are clean and free of wrinkles, spots, stains, hair and lint, etc.
• If you're bringing a change of clothes to the session, bring them on hangers to avoid getting them dirty or wrinkled.
• For group photos, choose complementary colors and styles. You don't need to dress alike, but we'll help ensure pleasing images where you don't clash with each other or the background. Also ensure your styles match each other, instead of someone being very dressy while another is very casual.
• Wear clothes that fit well and make you feel confident.
• Solid colors are best and stand the test of time. Avoid patterns, logos and graphics, etc.
• Avoid white clothes unless we've specifically planned for a white outfit. White clothes can throw off the camera exposure needed to properly light you in the scene.
• Longer sleeves look best. Choose tops with 3/4-length sleeves or longer.
• Avoid turtlenecks and plunging necklines.
•.Ensure pants are the right length. Wear longer socks so no bare skin shows between pant cuffs and shoes. Crop pants and shorts with bare skin showing typically don't photograph well, because leg and arm skin is often noticeably paler than face and neck skin, causing photos with uneven skin tones.
• For the same reasons, if wearing a dress, avoid bare legs; cover them with pantyhose, tights, stockings, hosiery or leggings. Be sure all areas are covered, including ankles.
• Layers often look great, and add texture and dimension to your images.
• Ensure undergarments aren't bunching, bulging or visible through your clothes (black bra under a white shirt, or vice versa, for example). When in doubt, wear nude-toned undergarments.
• Choose jewelry that lays well and stays put. For example, avoid long or crooked necklaces that loop around your chest, and avoid earrings that converge with your shoulders, etc.
• The camera sees everything, so ensure clothes are clean and free of wrinkles, spots, stains, hair and lint, etc.
• If you're bringing a change of clothes to the session, bring them on hangers to avoid getting them dirty or wrinkled.
3. Practice hair & makeup in advance
• Most Mara Robinson Photography photo sessions give you the option to secure services from my professional hair and makeup artist (HMUA).
If you've scheduled natural-look touchup services from my hair and makeup artist (HMUA), arrive to your photoshoot with hair and makeup done to the best of your ability, and they will perform any necessary touchups.
If you ordered my HMUA's advanced or full-glam services, follow their instructions from your consultation and arrive accordingly.
If you don't wear makeup, HMUA services can still even out your skin tone, neutralize redness, and help your skin look its best on camera without looking like you're wearing makeup.
Remember that all HMUA services must be secured in advance.
• If you're getting hair and makeup done at a spa or doing it yourself, schedule at least one test run. Aim to do this at least a week or two in advance, so you have time to pivot if necessary.
• Choose hair and makeup that complement your skin tone and chosen outfit(s) in both color and style. For example, if you're dressing in jeans and a casual top, keep hair and makeup casual instead of elegant. Remember that simple, natural, timeless looks can age better than following changing beauty trends. It also helps keep the focus on you rather than your makeup or styling.
• Then put on the entire head-to-toe outfit you picked out for your session, including clothes, shoes, undergarments, jewelry & accessories. Take a closeup headshot selfie, as well as a full-length selfie. Make sure you're happy with how you look, so you'll be confident on the day of your shoot.
Text or email the unedited selfies to me at least 7-14 days before the shoot so I know what I'll be working with and can make any needed changes in advance.
If you've scheduled natural-look touchup services from my hair and makeup artist (HMUA), arrive to your photoshoot with hair and makeup done to the best of your ability, and they will perform any necessary touchups.
If you ordered my HMUA's advanced or full-glam services, follow their instructions from your consultation and arrive accordingly.
If you don't wear makeup, HMUA services can still even out your skin tone, neutralize redness, and help your skin look its best on camera without looking like you're wearing makeup.
Remember that all HMUA services must be secured in advance.
• If you're getting hair and makeup done at a spa or doing it yourself, schedule at least one test run. Aim to do this at least a week or two in advance, so you have time to pivot if necessary.
• Choose hair and makeup that complement your skin tone and chosen outfit(s) in both color and style. For example, if you're dressing in jeans and a casual top, keep hair and makeup casual instead of elegant. Remember that simple, natural, timeless looks can age better than following changing beauty trends. It also helps keep the focus on you rather than your makeup or styling.
• Then put on the entire head-to-toe outfit you picked out for your session, including clothes, shoes, undergarments, jewelry & accessories. Take a closeup headshot selfie, as well as a full-length selfie. Make sure you're happy with how you look, so you'll be confident on the day of your shoot.
Text or email the unedited selfies to me at least 7-14 days before the shoot so I know what I'll be working with and can make any needed changes in advance.
4. Get plenty of water, sleep & healthy food
• In the days and weeks before your photoshoot, make it a daily habit to drink plenty of water, eat healthy meals, and sleep sleep sleep. It's never too early to start, and makes a gigantic difference in how you feel and look in your photos.
• By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Dehydration leads to dry, wrinkly skin and generally not feeling well. Carry a water bottle and stay well-hydrated throughout each day in the days and weeks before your shoot.
• Get the optimum amount of sleep for your body to look & feel your best. Inadequate sleep can cause deeper fine lines and wrinkles; dark circles, red, puffy, swollen, wrinkled eyes; a droopy sad-looking mouth; and dry, dull, gray skin.
• Eat a healthy meal before your session. You'll look and feel better, and avoid the distractions of a hungry tummy. Just avoid large meals and rich, heavy foods that weigh you down and make you sleepy.
• By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Dehydration leads to dry, wrinkly skin and generally not feeling well. Carry a water bottle and stay well-hydrated throughout each day in the days and weeks before your shoot.
• Get the optimum amount of sleep for your body to look & feel your best. Inadequate sleep can cause deeper fine lines and wrinkles; dark circles, red, puffy, swollen, wrinkled eyes; a droopy sad-looking mouth; and dry, dull, gray skin.
• Eat a healthy meal before your session. You'll look and feel better, and avoid the distractions of a hungry tummy. Just avoid large meals and rich, heavy foods that weigh you down and make you sleepy.
5. Gather props in advance
At least a day or two before your session, gather any props you'll be bringing and set them by the door so you can easily load your car. It's important to be on time for your session, so having everything you need ready to go can help ease your mind and avoid running around hunting for lost or misplaced objects.
6. Shave the night before.
• Any and all shaving for any gender and body part should be done the night before to reduce skin redness, irritation, cuts and razor burn.
• Remember to moisturize.
• Remember to moisturize.
7. Shower/bathe the night before
• Face, body, grooming & spa treatments like exfoliating, steaming, plucking, tweezing, waxing, shaving, masks and scrubs should be done the night before your session.
• In short, avoid putting your skin through anything that makes it hot, tender, red or inflamed the day of your session.
• In short, avoid putting your skin through anything that makes it hot, tender, red or inflamed the day of your session.
8. Prep skin before the shoot
• Continue to use your normal skin care cleansing and moisturizing routine prior to the session. Now's not the time to experiment with new products that could react poorly.
• Most Mara Robinson Photography photo sessions give you the option to secure natural-look touchup services from my professional hair and makeup artist (HMUA). For these services, you'll arrive with your hair and makeup done to the best of your ability. When you arrive, your HMUA will work with you to make any tweaks.
If you ordered my HMUA's advanced or full-glam services, follow their instructions from your consultation and arrive accordingly.
If you don't wear makeup, HMUA services can still even out your skin tone, neutralize redness, and help your skin look its best on camera.
• Avoid using any retinol products the day of your session. If you use retinol at night, be sure to gently wash your face in the morning before using your usual daytime skin care.
• Avoid SPF products that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide prior to the shoot, as these can cause “flashback,” making your skin look white and unnatural.
• Absolutely, positively and for the love of Pete, do not pop any pimples or try to fix other unwanted skin conditions. Trust me, it'll make things worse. If you have any unwanted blemishes, I'll remove them in Photoshop. Don't cause further stress, damage and discoloration to your skin by picking at it before your shoot.
• In short, avoid putting your skin through anything that makes it hot, tender, red or inflamed the day of your session.
• Most Mara Robinson Photography photo sessions give you the option to secure natural-look touchup services from my professional hair and makeup artist (HMUA). For these services, you'll arrive with your hair and makeup done to the best of your ability. When you arrive, your HMUA will work with you to make any tweaks.
If you ordered my HMUA's advanced or full-glam services, follow their instructions from your consultation and arrive accordingly.
If you don't wear makeup, HMUA services can still even out your skin tone, neutralize redness, and help your skin look its best on camera.
• Avoid using any retinol products the day of your session. If you use retinol at night, be sure to gently wash your face in the morning before using your usual daytime skin care.
• Avoid SPF products that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide prior to the shoot, as these can cause “flashback,” making your skin look white and unnatural.
• Absolutely, positively and for the love of Pete, do not pop any pimples or try to fix other unwanted skin conditions. Trust me, it'll make things worse. If you have any unwanted blemishes, I'll remove them in Photoshop. Don't cause further stress, damage and discoloration to your skin by picking at it before your shoot.
• In short, avoid putting your skin through anything that makes it hot, tender, red or inflamed the day of your session.
9. Prep hair before the shoot
• If you've reserved natural-look touchup services from my hair and makeup artist (HMUA), there are no blow-out services, so please arrive with clean, dry hair, styled as you wish to the best of your ability and ready for any needed touchups.
If you've reserved advanced or full-glam services, follow the advice your HMUA gave you in your consultation.
• Many people's hair looks and styles better the day after washing. If you're one of these, wash and condition hair, and apply any masks or treatments the night before.
• Maintain your usual hair routine, if you usually add product(s) to your hair after washing.
• If your hair struggles to hold curl and style, feel free to use a bit of mousse before blow-drying.
If you've reserved advanced or full-glam services, follow the advice your HMUA gave you in your consultation.
• Many people's hair looks and styles better the day after washing. If you're one of these, wash and condition hair, and apply any masks or treatments the night before.
• Maintain your usual hair routine, if you usually add product(s) to your hair after washing.
• If your hair struggles to hold curl and style, feel free to use a bit of mousse before blow-drying.
10. Bring water & snacks
• Bring a full water bottle to your photo session to keep you hydrated.
• Bring light snacks such as trail mix, nuts or protein bars, especially if your shoot will last a few hours.
• Bring light snacks such as trail mix, nuts or protein bars, especially if your shoot will last a few hours.
11. Arrive camera-ready
Now that you've followed the above guidelines, be sure to arrive to your session on time and ready to go. It's okay and even encouraged to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can relax. Just be sure to get the most out of your session by avoiding the stress, pressure and loss of light that can come with being late.
Call me with questions
Follow the tips above to help you prepare for your photoshoot. Remember, I'm here for you. If you're unsure of anything or want to talk something through, grab the phone and give me a call. See you at your session!
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Do you have questions or want to discuss your photo session? Click the Contact button and get in touch.
Learn More
Still need to book your session and want to learn more about Mara Robinson Photography? Click the Learn More button to go to the main website.