Photo Session Checklist
Please Enjoy The Photo Session Checklist for a Successful Photo Shoot
Preparation and Wardrobe
Multiple Wardrobe Changes
Are Very Important To
Keep Pictures Interesting.
I normally take 200 to 600 pictures
and you end up with around hundred
to pick from in a standard session.
Female Wardrobe
- Many professionals will pack a suitcase or large bag and take it to the shoot location so we can adjust contrast for changing skies and backgrounds
- For most sessions you can change 2 to 8 times
- Please text or email pics of 9 – 15 outfits for review
- Try to layout 2 to 3 matched outfits in each picture
- I will “X” each outfit that has bad contrast or distractions
- I will Circle the best outfit to show up in to start photo session
Session Wardrobe
Clothing
For most sessions you can change 2 to 8 times
Casual (park & beach)
- Tank crop top, spaghetti strap crop top, v neck tank, strapless crop top, strapless tube top, spaghetti strap crop tube
- Your favorite or memorable tops
- Shorts, long skirts, short skirts, pants
Dresses (park & beach)
- Hippie dress, sundress, formal, evening, costume, period dress
Swimsuits (beach)
- Smooth, colorful, white or black
Swimsuits with Cover Ups & Sheer Wraps (beach)
- Smooth, skin color, white or gold
Colors
Beach Sessions
- Blue, purple, green, red, mauve, pink, magenta, teal, black, orange, yellow, browns, light gray, white
- Browns and blacks may washout against sand and rock
- Sky blue may wash against clear skies
- Light gray and whites may wash against cloudy skies
- For beach sessions it’s important to pack extra in case we need to adjust contrast to changing sky color
Park Sessions
- Blue, purple, red, mauve, pink, magenta, teal, orange, yellow, light gray, white
- BAD Greens, browns, black
Brightness
- Not real bright is best (fluorescent is bad)
Patterns and Textures
Patterns
You do not want to compete with your clothing
- Solids are best, paisley or hippie
- BAD – Extreme outfits that draw the eye away from your face
Textures
- GOOD – Smooth body hugging or flowy cloth
- BAD – Ruffles, bunching, excessive folds, heavy stitching, thick padding, double cloth
I Normally Bring
- Sheer Wraps
- Paper Umbrella
- Chair (park session)
Upon Request
- Pearl Beads
- Flower Crowns
- Violin
General Tips
- Personality Choose the clothes that match your personality
- Textures should be thin and smooth so it hugs or flows over your body
- Undergarments should be unnoticeable, smooth, close fit and a non-bunching
- Tight Clothing should be smooth and free of heavy seams and distractions
- Loose Clothing should be thin and flow over your body, not constrict it
- Swimsuits, Bikinis and Thongs should be smooth, close fit and non-bunching
- Sheer Clothing Use unnoticeable pasties and skin or white bikini-thong bottoms
- No Nude Pictures
Hair Styles
Change It Up
- Headbands
- Scarfs
- Pigtails
- Ponytails
- Clips and pins
- Quick Bun
It’s best to show with the most time consuming look, then do fast changes during the session. There is no time for extensive hair changes such as braiding.
Outdoor Makeup
Good
- Show Up With A Natural Makeup Look
- Clear Lip-Gloss and Mascara will do just fine
- Setting Powder is essential to reduce shiny skin, but only apply if I ask
- Bring Towel to dab perspiration
- I always remove acne blemishes, bug bites, sores and whiten yellow teeth
- I normally reduce or remove certain scares that distract from your beauty
Bad
- Thick Makeup is Very Bad
- Unless you have a professional that works with models and actors, do not apply thick makeup
- I cannot edit or retouch it and you will look like plastic in pictures
- I can only edit real skin successfully.
- Bring your normal makeup and a small mirror in case we need it
Accessories
Please Bring Some Of These Items
- Jewelry
- Boots
- Casual Shoes
- Sandals
- High Heels
- Flops
- Favorite Hat
- Big Hats
Optional Ideas
- Wraps
- Jackets
You do not have to go strictly by the Photo Session Checklist. Bring items that match your personality, hobbies or your favorite sport.
Photo Session Props
Please Bring Some Of These Items
- Hand Bag or Purse
- Small Hobby Items
- Books
- Mugs, Cups, Wine Glass
Optional Ideas
- Small Mirror
- Hand Fans
- Empty Picture Frame
- Baskets
- Cushions
- Stuffed Animals
Maternity Sessions
The photo session checklist would not be complete without showing off your baby bump!
- Baby Bumps photos should have a bikini style undergarment that is skin color, white, gold or black
- Undergarments should be unnoticeable, smooth, close fit and non-bunching
- Open front maternity dress over bikini should be loose, flowing
- Sheer, solid or non distracting pattern
- I bring a few lacy wraps
Photo Session Posing
- I bring examples and will help guide you
- Please see Top Model
- Please see Flow Posing
Top Model has some basic and involved techniques that you can practice before photo session.
Flow Posing may seem silly but it makes you appear more natural by moving into the desired position rather than a still pose that may appear rigid.
