The Part Before: The Dos And Don'ts For Prepping Yourself To Be Photographed
Getting ready for any shoot is always nerve-wracking. The more children involved, the more time spent away from getting yourself ready. Hey, I get it! But we got this. From simple steps like 'remember to breathe' to big ones like 'don't wear spf makeup' this article has got you covered, Queen! So sit back and scroll away.
Photograph taken circa 2018 on Canon 5D Mark iv; 28-300mm. Lightroom was used alongside Photoshop to remove a tin can in the middle of the pond. Picture is Copyrighted by Two Sisters & CO
Now that we’ve introduced your topic with a short and catchy title, it’s time to write your introductory paragraph. This is your chance to grab your reader’s attention. You can explain why you are the best person to give advice on this topic; share a personal story that reflects your own experience on the subject; and/or highlight common mistakes that can be avoided once applying your useful tips.
Before listing your tips below, add one last sentence that sums up your paragraph or offers a smooth transition to your listicle.
Tip #1 - Seriously, Don't forget to BREATHE!
Experts say forgetting to breathe could possibly lead to death, so best not to forget this one! 😉
But really, science has concluded that taking 7 deep breaths while thinking positively about your assignment at hand will essentially 'trick' your brain into being okay or even excited with what is about to come your way.
"You take in more oxygen, your heart rate slows, and your mind starts to slow down." – Dignity Health, Christine Yu
Tip #2 - Go easy on the highlighters if you have acne
The general go to here is 'don't wear spf make-up' because it will catch a flash blub. But I'll let you in on a little secret of mine, 🤫 I NEVER use a flash. If you're a sparkle queen and glitter is your middle name then, Baby you're in luck. The problem most photographers face with glitter, spf, or highlighters is the glare.
My advice here is actually around acne. Weather it be smack dap in the middle of your forehead or running down your arm, acne is the worst! A few days prior to your shoot, use a moisturizer that is tried and true to you, specifically on the affected spots. No need to go out and buy some crazy balm you've never used before which could lead to an even worse breakout. The day of the shoot use mattifying anything, it could be mattifying moisturizer, primer/makeup, a stick. Pick your poison. The point is: if your goal is to cover up the bumps, mattifying it is the way to go. Everything gets carefully looked over and edited after your photoshoot and if I see anything that stands out, I'll smooth it over with some light editing on Adobe Lightroom.
Tip #3 - Coordinate outfits but don't match
We're talkin' color schemes, people!
Blue and green tops coordinate while not all being the same color. Add in white, khaki, and black bottoms and you've got yourself a color scheme. Not everyone should be wearing the same color top to bottom unless you're intentionally going for an awkward family photo vibe. In which case, I'm here for it.
There's always exceptions! Let's say everyone is wearing top to bottom white, or really any color blocking style, that could totally work.
Try not to over think it, but if you notice your family of five is looking awfully plaid as everyone gathers to go and you're not liking the vibe- it's never too late for a wardrobe change! Tell two people to go put on an alternate top that still matches the color scheme but the opposite of whatever's currently going on.
Tip #4 - How do you PICK a color scheme?
Maybe you're sitting there thinking, "Great advice, but out of a billion colors how am I supposed to come up with a color scheme that fits my family?"
Quick answer is look around your house. Chances are you have you already done the assignment. 😉 If you see a lot of one color around or are looking for some inspiration for coordinating colors to go alongside what you have around the house, say you have a lot of red but don't want your family dressing in all red, then head over to Pinterest. Type in 'coordinating colors to {fill in blank}' and you've got yourself a color palette!
If you are still feeling unsure about what to wear or what color scheme to pick, text or email me upon booking and I will be happy help!
Tip #5 - Have fun
Relax. The hard part is over, you're ready, you made it to the shoot location, sure maybe there was a small meltdown in the car on the way over- but that's over now! Now, just smile and soak in these precious moments with the people you love. 🥰
Don't forget the TS&CO referral program!
Shoreline residents take $50 off this Summer on ANY package. Take an additional $50 off for each friend referral to book a shoot. All savings can be used collectively at check-out.
See past work HERE