Here's just a few things to keep in mind to help you come into your session feeling prepared.
Smart Watches
While handy as they may be, these are typically something I see most of my clients trying to avoid during their session. If you wear this daily, be mindful of tan lines and indentations in your skin they can leave if you end up removing it before your session. My advice would be to leave it off the day of your session since removing it just before can still leave visible marks on your skin. Tan lines can easily be hidden with a bulkier bracelet, stacked bangles or a timeless watch.
Hair Ties
If you're like me, there's almost always one on your wrist and same goes here as above, just the skin indentations might be worse if it's tight so try to keep these off the day of your session.
Hydrate
Always, but especially the week or so (the more the longer the better) leading up to your session. Good hydration helps give you glowy beautiful skin and whitens the eyes too!
Minding Your Tan
This is something to keep in mind for any session June-September. If you don't want tan lines, be mindful of common causes approximately two weeks leading up to your session (sunglasses, watches - if it's not going to be worn during the session, funky swimsuit straps, etc.). I do offer retouching services upon request, but you'll have a much quicker turnaround time and lower cost if that's something you keep an eye out for ahead of time.
Also, I will say that I have never regretted doing a spray tan before my own pictures. But do make sure to do a trial run first if you've never done one or are using a new brand and you're not sure how your skin will react.
Pocket Check
I'll try to remind you, but this one is especially for the guys. Be mindful of anything in your pockets (cellphones, keys, etc.). I generally have a basket with me you're welcome to keep anything in, but bulky things in pockets can be obvious and easily avoidable. Try to just remove them or leave what you can in the car and know that switching to the back pocket isn't always ideal because sometimes we get moving around and the backside has to look good too! haha
Wardrobe
In general, different textures is a good thing and sticking with gentle earth tones is where you want to be - the lighter the shade the better. Oh and accessorize! A few carefully selected accessories can add really nice detail to your photos.
Click here for specific tips on styling a family.
Timing
Make sure to give yourself enough time so that you have enough time to arrive to your session ahead of schedule to allow for any last minute touch ups, but also so that you aren't feeling rushed when you arrive. We want to set a really fun, relaxed and enjoyable tone for your session and that starts before you even arrive.
Preparing The Little Ones
This is going to vary so much on age. Check out this blog post for a more in-depth look at how to set yourself up for success here. In general, look to just have fun and enjoy the time we're shooting with your kids in whatever season of life they're in. We ALWAYS get cute shots. Yes, sometimes they just aren't having it and maybe will refuse to make a face that isn't grumpy (might be speaking from experience with my own here), BUT even so, you'll look back and laugh at their little personality at this point in time. What you don't want is for mom or dad's face to show how frustrating it might be. So, try to keep it light and try to just enjoy it yourself and we'll be in good shape.
Make Sure You Enjoy
Feeling nervous? Is your better half not exactly looking forward to being infront of a camera but showing up because if means something to you? TOTALLY COMMON.
I want you to remember, this is YOUR session, let's make it special and enjoyable for you. Bring snacks, drinks, your favorite play list. Whatever it is that sounds fun to you. This can either be incorporated into the actual photos (like playing your favorite board game together). Or something that just helps set the tone like your favorite music or drink along.
I hope you found this helpful and I can't wait to work together!
If you think of anything else that was helpful to you at a past shoot, let me know and I'll add it to the list.
Cheers,
Samantha Block