Bring out the Whites! 

Eye drops and teeth whitening strips can go a long way to brighten your session. Location shoots can get windy and dusty, and using eye drops the day of your shoot will help keep your eyes bright. Use the eye drops before makeup and bring it with you.

Hair 

Keep it loose. Whether your photo shoot is outside or inside, you will want your hair to move. Too much hairspray on the top layer will get messy and tangled as you move around. Straight or curly, it’s best to spray individual sections before you set them with heat. After they cool down, you can gently run a soft brush through them. To combat flyaways, professional hairdressers recommend that you wash your hair the night before.

Make-up 

I suggest you get your make-up done professionally and let them know it is for a photoshoot. Wherever you go for make-up, please avoid glitter and shimmer on your face. Glitter does not photograph well. Most bronzers also contain shimmer. Try to look for matt powders and foundations. Mineral powder makeup does not photograph well; it can give off very uneven shadows on the face.

Outfits ~ Clean and Pressed. Please Avoid an All White Tops

Clothing for portraits: busy patterns, logos, and stripes will draw attention away from your face. Solid colors, long sleeves, and simple styles will help to create a timeless image. Try and avoid seasonal looks.

Nails 

Please have a close look at your toes and fingers. Make sure they are both neat and clean for your pictures. I highly recommend a neutral polish or none at all. French, clear, or nude finishes are your best choices.

Blemishes 

Don’t worry! Removing basic blemishes is included in your retouching services. Try not to irritate them. A small bump is easier to remove than a large red area.

Shine 

This is for everyone. If you tend to have shiny skin or a lot of texture and you want to soften the look, an HD Photo Powder is your go-to. There are several brands to choose from, and many are inexpensive. Look for terms like mat finish, photo finish, and HD powder.

M.A.C. has a translucent powder that is on the higher end.

e.l.f. also has one under $10 and is available just about anywhere.

No makeup 

I suggest a blurring primer for guests who choose not to wear makeup. My favorite is Smashbox Photo Finish, found at Ulta Beauty. It is a colorless light lotion that will smooth out (blurr) fine lines and redness. I also suggest that you try a skin test several days before your photoshoot whenever you are trying a new product.