Get on the same page as your photographer


To have a successful photoshoot, it's a great idea to share photo concepts with your photographer so you can achieve the same result. Dust off that Pinterest board you have been working on for the past 4 years. Review that photo album and those screen shots from all the graduation seasons you've seen and fell in love with their photos. I want to make sure your dream comes true and your shoot is as authentic to you.

pick out your clothes early


Once you know what to wear, assemble your wardrobe a few days before your session. Get items laundered, ironed, and anything else needed to avoid rushing at the last minute. If you have multiple outfits you want to incorporate, I do have a pop-up dress room. Graduates, remove your cap and gown from the plastic bag before your shoot! Steam your gown a couple of days before inorder to get the wrinkles out. Bring your cords and stoles.


EAT, DRINK, AND REST


Keep your body happy. This advice goes for life, but it's essential for your portraits. Make sure to eat something, drink plenty of water, and get a good night's sleep before your session. Your body will thank you!

Practice Hair and Makeup


If you're getting your hair and makeup done professionally for your shoot, doing a test run of both is worth doing. Make sure both come out how you want; this way, you're not worried about how your hair or face will look on the day of your photoshoot. Life can happen, and hairstylists can overbook and run behind. Ensure you plan for enough buffer time between your shoot, makeup, and hair.


Shave The night before


This tip primarily applies to facial hair or if you'll be getting detailed shots of your legs. Shaving the night before your photoshoot will reduce any redness that may come from irritated skin. For my guys, that 5o'clock shadow may make a reappearance if you have an afternoon shoot.

GATHER YOUR PROPS


If you are utilizing props for your portraits, assemble them a few days before the shoot. You don't want to be late for your session because you couldn't find your letterman for your senior portraits. I bring a couple of props of my own, but please let me know what you want to bring. I.e., balloons, glitter, confetti. I love pets, but we want to ensure the location is appropriate for you and your friend.

Bring the necessities


There's no point in being miserable during your photo session. Ihighly recommend bringing some creature comforts to keep your mind and body happy during your shoot. Here's a list of items you may want to get to your portrait session.

• BOBBY PINS

• SAFETY PINS

• BRUSH/COMB

• HAIR ACCESSORIES

• MIRROR

• TOWEL

• TISSUES

• CHAPSTICK

• HAIRSPRAY

• HAIR TIES


• MAKEUP FOR TOUCH UPS

• LINT BRUSH

• CLOTHES PIN

• SNACKS

• SMALL BOTTLE OF WATER

• COMFY SHOES

• SPARE BAG

• HANGERS

• PROPS



• NAIL GLUE

• HYPE MAN

• CAP AND GOWN

• TASSEL

• SUNSCREEN

• YOUR FAVORITE PLAYLIST


Pre-plan location


It's lovely that you'll show up, and awesome things will happen. But photoshoots take planning (as we're learning here). Put, location matters. It helps bring context to your portraits. Studio or on location? A park or the mountains? Where's the best park in Atlanta for pictures with graffiti? I will send over a couple of sites.

have a back-up plan


Weather can be unpredictable, and rain can ruin a shoot no worries, we can always reschedule. Orrrr.... we can take the lemons life throws at us and make lemonade. A rainy shoot can be just as fun as a dry one, and we can find overhead protection nearby. So bring your rain boots and a cute umbrella, and let's make a splash (If you're down).