Let's get you ready for your photoshoot!
After booking your session
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS
When booking your salon and SPA appointments be sure to follow the timeline on this page. Many treatments are time-sensitive (example: waxing your brows shouldn’t be booked close to your session to avoid redness).
DRINK MORE WATER
We all know that water is important yet we still forget to drink enough. Start now.
AVOID THE SUN
Sunburns and tan are portrait ruiners. Use sunscreen and stay in the shade.
DEVELOP A PINTEREST ADDICTION
Create a pinboard to design your dream photoshoot and get wardrobe
and styling inspiration.
GET SHOPPING
Begin planning your outfits, placing orders, and making special dress rental reservations right away. Make sure you have everything you need to complete the outfit including underwear and accessories.
START STRETCHING
Try to stretch for 20 minutes each day before your shoot. Especially your neck, back, and hips.
BEGIN A SKINCARE REGIMEN
Wash your face nightly, exfoliate your face and body every other day, use a moisturizer on your full body every day, and wear lip balm constantly.
VISIT THE DENTIST
Get regular cleaning and whiten your teeth.
GET A GEL MANICURE
Gel (like Shellac) keeps your nails strong and lasts up to three weeks.
1 week before
GATHER AND ORGANIZE OUTFITS
Complete the wardrobe prep checklist on the “How to Prepare” panel of
the Style Guide. Of course, you can simply select outfits from my studio as well, in which case a few key pieces to bring are: Nude & black panties and bras, strapless and lace photograph well and thongs wear well under all my pieces.
WAX EYEBROWS AND UPPER LIP
Get your eyebrows waxed or threaded by a pro. Try to stay close to your
natural shape and don’t go too thin. Have your upper lip waxed as well.
WAX BODY HAIR
Wax the hair on your legs and underarms. Depending on how revealing
your outfit choices are, you may need to wax your bikini area.
CUT BACK CAFFEINE AND SALT
Both are dehydrating and cause your body to retain water.
AVOID FAKE TANNING
If you usually spray tan or use fake tanning booths, take a hiatus until your shoot.
3-5 days before
FINAL WARDROBE CONSULTATION
Show me your picks to finalize your wardrobe and styling plans.
TOUCH UP YOUR ROOTS
If you dye your hair touching up your roots three days before your photo shoot is ideal.
GET A TRIM
Healthy hair is youthful and vibrant. If it’s been a while since your last haircut, go for a subtle trim.
DEEP CONDITION
Your salon can do a conditioning treatment, or you can use your favourite
deep conditioner at home.
The day before
GET A MANICURE
Soft, neutral colours work best. While you’re at it, toss in the pedicure (go for any colour you want on your toes).
BUY GROCERIES
Plan a healthy shoot-day breakfast
CLEAN YOUR WEDDING RING
For a fast and easy DIY option, try a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your ring.
WASH YOUR HAIR
Fully air dry or blowdry your hair, but avoid using hot tools such as curling or straightening irons. Before bed pull your hair up into a loose top-knot for volume.
VERY SHORT HAIR?
Wait to shampoo until the morning of your shoot.
SHAVE
Touch up your body hair situation: shave underarms and legs, and possibly forearms, bikini, and upper lip.
TWEEZE EYEBROWS
Double-check for any strays.
Photoshoot Day
Your focus this morning should be caring for yourself.
Remember: you are beautiful, and I will capture that for you.
Get Your Beauty Sleep: be sure to get all 8 hours
Eat Breakfast: think protein & complex carbs
Bare Face: wash and apply usual moisturizer
Moisturized Body: apply some serious lotion/oil
Clean Dry Hair (for very short hair - leave it wet)
Arrive On Time: plan to get to the studio as scheduled
And RELAX! Don't sweat the small things like breakouts! That is what editing and makeup are for, you are ready!
What to Bring to you Photoshoot
Trying to decide what to bring to your photoshoot can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be complicated. So here is a simple checklist for you.
While I have a wide variety of props and outfits to choose from in my studio, you will want to bring these few essentials with you!
* Water bottle (Coffee and tea is provided)
* Lunch/snack
* Lingerie - black, white, nude (lace and silk photographs best), string thong (to wear under Studio outfits)
* Any specific outfits you want to be photographed in. (Avoid logos or too busy & colourful patterns - see the wardrobe guide here: https://www.therena.ca/styling-wardrobe-guide)
* For boudoir sessions - bring your favourite lingerie! (Other props may include oversized button shirts, large hats, coveralls, lace dresses, etc)
* jewelry that's special to you
* Shoes (while I rarely Photograph feet, you never know!)
* Any props or items you want to incorporate into the session (eg. cards, hats, swords, etc.)
* Pick up any rented or custom created outfits and props
