1) Arrive at your session early and well rested. If your mind is on something else that you have to do the same day, or physically tired from not getting enough sleep the night before, your portrait may reflect that. Although some situations demand it, I prefer not to work by the hour. In fact, I like to provide you with as much time as I feel necessary, so you get the best portrait possible. (often up to two hours for a regular session) More importantly, I don't ever want you to feel rushed. Remember, this is your day; why not make the most of it? Be comfortable, relax and enjoy the experience.

    2) Try different facial expressions and poses during your shoot. In fact, don't be afraid to experiment. If you prefer a more dramatic expression, don't feel that you are obligated to smile; you don't have to. Serious expressions work extremely well with many people, both men and women. In either case, if you are relaxed, you are being yourself and your portrait will have a natural look. If you are an experienced model or actor, you may already know the image you want to achieve for your portfolio. If not, we can help you get the look you want. Once again, this is your day. PLEASE, don't be afraid to talk to your photographer about anything you may want to try....including stylistic lighting setups you may have seen in a magazine or elsewhere. We will always do our absolute best to accommodate your requests.

    3) Many models enjoy listening to music during their session. Some use it to relax, others use it to inspire different poses. In either case, it often adds an element of spontaneity to the shoot. So, if you have a favorite CD that you would like to listen to during your session, by all means, bring it with you!

    4) Make up can be an important part of your portrait, portfolio or headshot. Some actors and models may have character features, freckles for example, that they do not want to hide and prefer a more natural look. However, it is still important to wear a light, natural tone or translucent facial powder. This will tone down any flash highlights on the cheeks, forehead and nose as well as help prevent shiny or oily looking skin. Always bring powder with you to the shoot in case you need to "freshen-up" during the session. In any case, if you are a performer, it's always a good idea to stay within range of what you would normally wear to an audition. Remember, when you are selected from a stack of headshots and called in for an audition, the casting director expects to see the same person. Your headshot should be an accurate reflection of who you are. *

    5) If you prefer to use more make up than just powder, having a good, well-balanced, natural toned foundation and powder will help smooth out any skin imperfections. It should be evenly blended from the face to the neck, which will prevent any variations in skin color or tone. With all close-up portraits, (like headshots) both men and women may want to check for any unwanted facial hair a day or so prior to the session.

    6) Certain kinds of eye shadow products can be problematic, especially with close-up or head and shoulder portraits. In most cases, you should wear what you would normally wear when going to an audition or on any given day. However, you may want to avoid eye shadow products with flecks of glitter as they sometimes reflect the studio lights in an unappealing way. Instead of looking like glitter, they may look like white dots instead and will need to be touched up. In addition, any product designed to create a sheen effect with reflective qualities will often be magnified by the reflection of studio lights and may look odd.

    7) Different hairstyles can make a tremendous difference in your appearance. Most models know that sometimes the smallest change can project an entirely different look or mood. If you want to try different looks, be sure to bring a hairbrush and styling sprays/gels with you to the shoot. *

    8) If you are a model and developing a new portfolio or shots for a new composite, you may want to consider the services of a professional make up artist and hair stylist. Depending on the look or image you want to project, it can make a big difference. Remember, your portfolio is an investment in your career. Having a professional make up artist with you throughout the shoot is worth it. *

    9) If you intend to use several different outfits for your shoot, prepare and coordinate your wardrobe in advance of the session if possible. Being prepared will give you more confidence when stepping in front of the camera. Dressed up or dressed down, male or female, use your favorites and choose what demonstrates your range best! Include formal wear, casual, long sleeves and short sleeves, sports wear, business etc. If you intend to have part of your shoot processed in B&W and are in doubt about what shade of gray your wardrobe colors will convert to, refer to the color and grayscale wheels to the left. For headshots, avoid stripes, polka dots, logos, loud colors, bright white and wild patterns of any kind; they will take attention away from your facial features. Soft patterns and muted solid colors always tend to work better in headshots and long sleeves work better than short sleeves. Modeling portfolios on the other hand, will include lots of full length shots, so try to use fashionable, up-to-date outfits whenever possible that flatter your body type, skin tone, hair color and your range of character.

    10) If you can, avoid drinking alcohol for a few days before your session; it will make a difference in your overall appearance, you'll have more energy and you will perspire less. Speaking of perspiration, avoid doing anything strenuous immediately before you arrive at your session that will make you continue to perspire into your session. Perspiration on the skin is very reflective and can diminish an otherwise perfect shot. We try to keep the studio as cool as possible but it's always a good idea to bring your powder with you just in case you do begin to perspire.

    11) Unless the session is for a fashion and apparel portfolio, you may want to avoid wearing excessively large, dangling jewelry; not only can it take attention away from your portrait but in some cases, it can detract from an otherwise perfect shot. Remember, as you strike poses and move during your session, so will your jewelry; large dangling earrings may get twisted the wrong way and some necklaces may work themselves into an irregular or awkward position. However, if this kind of jewelry is important for your "look", not to worry, we will make it work for you. Otherwise, the attention and focus should be on your facial features.

    12) Can I bring a friend? Sure you can; as long as it doesn't interfere with the level of focus you have on your session. Your session is about you and only you. Friends can be a major distraction and make you self-conscious. If your friend plans on getting a headshot too, that's great! HOWEVER, I strongly recommend the second person be scheduled for another day. Typically, after waiting for a friend to complete a session, (which may take up to two hours) energy levels may drop significantly, and the second person's headshot may reflect that.