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PHOTO

session guide

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​WELCOME

Hi! I'm Erica. Thank you for taking the time to book a session with me. Below is a guide on how to prepare and what to expect on your upcoming photoshoot. First off, know that your shoot is going to be awesome. I've been a photographer for over a decade and know how to shoot, direct and make you feel confident in front of the camera. If this is your first photoshoot, know that the first 5 minutes are almost always the most awkward and then it gets easier and more fun from there. By the end of the session you'll be relaxed and having fun! Take a look at my tips below on how to have a successful session!

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

  • Plan outfits and accessories. Pack a small bag to bring to your session (include a hair brush, a towel, bobby pins, tissues, an extra outfit just in case). For family sessions with little ones, bring snacks for bribery purposes as well as some favorite toys! ;) If we’re shooting at the beach, bring a pair of flip flops that you can easily slip on and off when climbing rocks!

  • Makeup tips: A seasoned makeup artist is a pro-tip for being camera-ready; and I have plenty of recommendations upon request. However, if doing your own: use fresh mascara to avoid clumps and don’t overdo your foundation so that your skin texture doesn’t look fake. Don’t worry about a pimple or light blemishes, those can easily be retouched.

  • Make sure to get adequate rest, hydrate and eat a healthy diet in the days leading up to your shoot. Also make sure to moisturize well the evening prior or the morning of your shoot (yet men, this includes you!) to diminish fine lines and dry or flaky skin.

  • It is my job to guide you throughout your entire session and to help with posing, but if you have a pinterest board with pinned inspiration pictures, feel free to send it over to me so I know what the exact vibes are that you're looking for in your photos!

  • Connect on the day: Relax, unwind, choose to do what you love on the day of your shoot. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a shoot absolutely frazzled and rushed and disconnected. If you’re able to take the morning off, do it. Give yourself lots of time to get to the location so you don’t feel stressed on arrival.

WHAT TO WEAR

I always find clients are much more comfortable in clothes they feel comfortable and confident in. Don't test out those new super high jeans, go for something you've worn before and know you feel good in. Make sure to steam your clothes ahead of time to eliminate wrinkles. Also use a lint roller.

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  • Go for loose, flowy natural fabrics like linen, cottons, etc., that move with you.​

  • Neutral, earthy colors like beige, grey, white, black, denim, rust, mustard, blush, and blue all look beautiful.​

  • Avoid large prints, patterns or large graphics or logos.​

  • Avoid being too matchy-matchy – Ideally your outfits will compliment each other, not blend into each other.

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Favorite place to shop for outfits: Free people, Revolve, Asos, Anthropologie, Zara, Vici Dolls, Shopworth collective, H&M, & Baltic Born.​​​​​

ACCESSORIES & SHOES​

  • Accessories like jewelry, hats, glasses etc. are always fun and help the images stand apart.

  • Choose shoes based on your location. For an urban location, heels and leather boots are always great options. For the beach we will likely be barefoot but do bring sandals in case we need to climb any sharp rocks or bluffs.

  • Don't forget to layer! Combining layers and textures help create for visually interesting photographs and helps with more extreme weather conditions. Think jackets, cardigans, hats, scarves, tights & headbands.

  • If you wear jewelry, keep it simple so the focus falls on you.

  • Make sure your nails are clean and manicured. If you wear polish, make sure there is no chipping.

  • If you wear glasses normally, by all means wear them in our session! Make sure they are clean and in good repair.

  • Fun props are always welcome to help accentuate your personality and help tell your stories. Think pets, instruments, surfboards, bikes, champagne, etc!​​​​

COLOR PALETTE​

Aim for neutrals and earthy tones. These colors compliment the outdoor environment almost anywhere you go. By neutrals, I just mean softer tones. Primary colors that are too bold sometimes have the effect of detracting from the main subject (your faces). So for example, instead of electric blue, go for something closer to sky blue. Instead of bright orange, opt for a soft apricot. 

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A rule of thumb here is to choose to either complement the natural environment or to contrast it. For families, it's best to limit your color scheme to 4 colors. You can choose one person to wear a feature color and have everyone's outfits compliment that.​​​​

COOL

WARM

NEUTRAL

COOL

WARM

NEUTRAL

MY LAST TIP:​

Have zero expectations: Embrace what comes, the wind, the rain, the laughter, whatever unfolds. Every shoot is unique, and we have no set pattern. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your shoot. I can’t give you any guarantees of what we will capture, let’s see what magic happens on the day. Come to your session with plans to have lots of fun and we’ll have a great time together!

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I'm so looking forward to our session, feel free to reach out anytime with any questions you may have!​​​​

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