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SESSION PREP

what to bring and how to arrive the day of your photoshoot!

MUST HAVE ITEMS

planning your model bag

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I require all clients to bring essential underpinnings to their sessions.  These items will be worn under my studio garments  and should be plain with no markings/lace/logos.  

NECESSITIES

  • nude bra and panty set

  • black bra and panty set

  • white bra and panty set

  • blue jeans (required)

  • black jeans (optional)

  • white jeans (optional)

  • black closed toed stilettos

It's a good idea to begin planning your model bag early.  If you need help or have questions about finding specific items, please reach out to me.  Each of these items will be used under or over our garments to custom fit your looks.  

 

If you have outfits you want to be photographed in send them to us through FACEBOOK and we can help you pack your model bag!

SKIN, HAIR & NAILS

creating a blank canvas

We want you to look and feel your best!  Preparing for your session is vital to creating the most beautiful images you have ever seen of yourself.  These practices are tried and true over a 35 year career photographing over 6,000 clients.  Trust the process, follow the prep, and let us make magic!

SKIN

The morning of your session, wash and cleanse your face with your normal face wash and exfoliate your skin with a sugar scrub.  Do not apply any serums/products/moistruizers to your face.  Arrive to the studio with your skin clean and free of all products.  

HAIR

Please wash and BLOW DRY (do not air dry) your hair the night BEFORE your session.  Please, do not use any products, serums, detangelers, heat protectants, leave in conditioners in your hair.  Hair should be completely clean, dry and free of all product.  

NAILS

Hands play a very important role in your 

portraits. Hands tell the eyes where to look and show expression.  Because of this, I require no polish , gel, or acrylic on the hands or feet for you session.  A simple clean manicure with no polish is perfect.  

Tans and the Sun

Please do not under any circumstances have a spray tan or  use self tanner prior to your session. 

Additionally, you will want to avoid tan lines in the sun during summer months as well as any sunburn or redness especially on the chest area.  It is best to avoid the sun for at least 2 weeks prior to your session and to not tan in a tanning bed 7 days before your session.  If you arrive to the studio with a sunburn, substantial tan lines OR self tanner of any kind your session will be forfeit.

If you find yourself with a sunburn or excessive, please reschedule your session.  

TIPS & TRICKS

practice makes perfect

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Don't worry, we will coach you through posing and expression!

"SMIZE"

Practice looking at yourself in the mirror and smiling with your eyes.  This is simply relaxing the mouth and using the bottom ocular muscle and lifting the bottom eye lid into a soft smile.  The mouth can remain closed or slightly open with the bottom lip dropped.  

 

This will give you a bit of confidence when I show you how to do it in person during your session.

"BALLET HANDS"

Hands play a very prominent role in my photographs.  

 

Practice relaxed "ballet" hands touching the outside parts of your body:  face, shoulders, and hips.  We want the hands to be relaxed and soft.

Soft relaxed hands create expression, movement, and elegance in a well done portrait.

Avoid fists, claws, and thunderbirds! 

"BALANCE"

Practice putting your weight on one foot and kicking your hip out in the mirror on the weight bearing leg and crossing the opposite knee across the other.  

 

This creates the perfect "S" curve in the body and creates a slimming effect.  Watch out for "tea potting" which is when your hip and opposite shoulder go different directions.  

A photoshoot is a lot like yoga!

PLAN YOUR DAY

what to expect

Hair & Make Up:

Your day will begin with professional hair & make up starting at 10:00 a.m.  Please arrive to the studio on time.  If you are more than 15 minutes late we will reschedule your session for another day due to light in the studio.  

 

Hair & make up will take place as you enjoy a cocktail/mocktail and snacks and lasts about 2 hours.  

Shooting:

Around 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. we will begin photographing your first look.  I will photograph each look for about 15-20 minutes ensuring that we have captured multiple poses and expressions in each individual look.  

What to expect:

The posing and positions will feel awkward and often times uncomfortable.  My goal is to elongate your body and contour your shape with your arms and legs to create a longer, leaner shape with a lot of body language. 

 

While you may feel uncomfortable, I will be directing you through a number of poses and talking you through each step of the process from your feet to your eye lashes.  I ensure every hair is perfectly placed, hands are elegant, and your eyes are showing the light inside you!

 

Be prepared for a physical challenge, but trust that you are in the most capable hands!  I promise that you will look natural and relaxed even though the posing will feel opposite!

Food & Beverages:

During the day, you can enjoy mimosa's, soft drinks, sparkling water, or regular water.  We also provide light snacks for you to munch on throughout the afternoon.  If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know so that we can provide you with items you will enjoy!

Reveal:

After your session we will schedule a Tuesday or Thursday for your reveal and ordering session. Our reveal appointments take place on ZOOM. This is the only time to view and purchase your photographs.

STUDIO RULES

studio etiquette and policies

GUESTS

NO guests are allowed in the studio during your appointment time.  

Due to the nature of MSP, we do not photograph children under 10 as our studio is not child safe.

 

This is a day all about you and we want to avoid any distractions or awkward feelings during your session.  

If the client  is a minor, a parent or guardian will need to be in the studio during the shoot unless otherwise agreed upon. 

MISSED APPOINTMENTS

If you are unable to make your appointment, we require at least a 48 hours notice.  We allow one reschedule within 1 calendar year of your scheduled appointment.  

 

Session fees are non-refundable.  If you no-call no-show, your session fee is non-refundable and you will need to pay a second session fee to reserve your date and will be required to make a minimum purchase. 

 

If you are more than 15 minutes late, we will ask that you reschedule your appointment due to available light in the studio.

COVID 19:  MSP is currently open to all clients  entering the studio. Masks are not required.  If you suspect you are ill, we ask that you reschedule at no penalty.  Our studio takes the utmost care with sanitization and spacing our clients out for  zero contact.  Please let us know immediately if you have been exposed or have any symptoms of COVID 19.

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