Session Tips

Session Suggestions:
Most of our clients usually select to have approximately 1-2 of hours of photography coverage when doing a photo shoot.  We suggest to have this minimum amount of time as it allows for us as photographers to work with you and/or your family at your pace and also gives us the opportunity to capture all the little details that most people overlook, like the little candid shots.

Clothing Suggestions & Tips
When selecting clothing choices for family portraits - decide on a formal or casual look and then choose the wardrobe you want accordingly.  Simplicity is key!!!  Solid colors and long sleeve tops (weather permitting of course) are best.  Long pants are best too.  Dressing identically works, but is not necessary... and we find that it is always a unique shoot if the colors coordinate - but are not completely matching.  The best wardrobe choices seem to be a single tone (monochromatic) for both tops and bottoms.  Try to avoid bright pastels colors, logos and patterns.  Your choice of wardrobe should be simple and classic.  You don't want your clothes to distract from you in your pictures.  Make sure your clothes are ironed.  Also make sure that your clothing choice flatters you.  If you think you have large arms, avoid sleeveless styles as they can make your arms look fuller and your lack of confidence can often show up in your expressions in your photographs.

Makeup tips from Honey
Yes, I am a Photographer - but I am also a makeup artist.  As a freelance Makeup artist... I have seen my share of photos with bad makeup applications.  Taking some of these simple tips to heart will make all of the difference in how your photos will look post session.  *Makeup should be slightly heavier than normal - but not packed on like a bad car bondo job.  Usually evening makeup works best in portraits and photos and I always suggest to use makeup (especially eye shadow) that is natural in application (like Bare minerals or Mineral makeup) or matte in color (like neutral tones).  Avoid makeup with "sparkles" and "glitter".  Those sparkles do not photograph well and distract from you in the image.  They can also enhance areas you may not want to appear as noticeable in your photos.  If you are looking to use foundation - do not heavily apply your foundation to cover your blemishes, wrinkles or freckles.  Often time - when foundation is overly applied to the face, it can cause streaking and can enhance the areas you are trying to cover up.  Try to avoid self tanning lotions before the shoot.  You don't want to have that funky orange look or streaks in your photos.  When using lipstick - play up your pout with a base color (make sure to softly line your lips for definition) and then a glaze or gloss in the areas you usually want to enhance (the lower middle lip and the upper lip line).  Remember - if you are ever in doubt as to how your makeup should be done for a shoot, just let us know...  and not only will I have my camera on that day, I will bring my train case of essentials and I can help play up those beautiful eyes and lips in just a few minutes.

Hair
Try to avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session.  It is our experience both personal and with clients that your hair will always decide to be unruly on the day of a shoot and will not always take the shape that your hairstylist had it prior.  Bring your hair care tools (brush, etc.) and products with you if you need to.  You can always select to take a minute or two to check on and fix those fly aways.

Finger and Toe Nails
Remember that your nails show.  Again, we love to take all kinds of candid and posed shots - and if your nails have the paint all chipped off, it will show.  Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don't forget about those toes.  Avoid bright colors if you do not want to draw attention to your neon colored finger or toe nails.  Natural or basic colors are best.

Tips for Men
Guys, make sure you are clean shaven.  Stubble does not look as good as a clean shave.  If you are planning to cut your hair, we recommend a haircut at least a week prior to your session.  If you are using a dark colored shirt - please be sure to wear a dark undershirt (if you choose to do so).  A white t-shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb - so make sure your inner shirt coordinates with your outer shirt.

If you have any questions regarding how you should dress or prepare for your photo session - please do not hesitate to contact us and we can discuss it in full detail.

We look forward to working with you and capturing your special memories.  We hope that you find this information valuable in working to make your experience memorable and your images ones that you will cherish for years to come.

Mahalo,
Honey & Kevin