You've booked your shoot, chosen a killer location, a few bomb outfits, and on-point props! It's coming up and you are equal parts excited and nervous. Here are a few tips to finish getting ready to rock your shoot!

Tip No. 1 - Take Care of Yourself


I'm no doctor, but I do know that if you make a point to sleep enough, drink plenty of water and eat food that makes your body feel good (whatever that is for you) in the days leading up to your shoot, you're gonna feel more like having your photo taken. You especially want to skip any foods that make you feel bloat-y for a couple days beforehand at least. And get plenty of sleep! Definitely make sure you get sleep the night before, but a night or two ahead of time would really be even better!


Tip No. 2 - Primp (yes, guys too!)


There are a few little things you can do to really feel like the best version of yourself on shoot day. Guys and girls alike should freshen up their hair cut - but not, like the day before the shoot right? Give it 3-4 days at least to grow out a tiny bit and look just right. If you color your hair, that should be freshened up prior to your shoot as well.


Groom your brows. You don't need to have "statement" brows (unless that's your thing!), but you definitely want to pluck stray hairs. I'm also a big fan of tinting my own brows. Mine are pretty blonde and I feel much more put together when they're a little darker. This can be done at home, but if you haven't done it before, you can have it done at most salons. There does tend to be a little shadow of the dye left on my skin, so I'd do it at least 2 days before your shoot to give that time to fade.


Guys, trim your beard up. Yes, the little bit of growth on your neck *will* show in your pictures. Get that whole situation cleaned up!


Tip No. 3 - Mani Pedi Day!


You have a work excuse to get both a manicure and a pedicure! Okay, a pedi is not strictly necessary if you have no open toe shoes or barefoot shots planned. But the manicure pretty much is. Your hands are going to show in most of your shots, and you'll be much happier with how they look if you've groomed them. And if you are planning to show your feet, DEFINITELY get a pedicure. It's a write-off! Probably....maybe ask your CPA.


Listen, I *never* get a manicure. Never. I did once for prom in high school, but it just feels weird and doesn't last long enough for me to justify the expense. But I got one for my shoot, and I'm so glad I did! I did a nude color so that it didn't look weird to me, but I would be sad if my website had pictures of my everyday nails, even though I keep them neatly trimmed. Schedule a mani/pedi!


Tip No. 4 - Spray Tan - Maybe...


Okay this one is not for everyone, but I was really happy that I got a spray tan before my session. I'm not a tan person and I didn't want to be for my photos either. But I had gotten a very uneven tan when I was unexpectedly out in the sun for a long time, and I knew the lines were going to show. So I got the lightest spray tan I could, and I was so glad that I did! It's not noticeable in my photos, but neither are my weird tan lines. If you're nervous about looking orange, try the place out a month or so before your shoot. If it's bad, it'll fade before the session. If you're shooting with me, I was really happy with the tan I got a 360 Tans in Austin.


Bonus - Things You Don't Need to Stress About


No. 1 - Blemishes


While I want you to take great care of your skin, blemishes are soooo easy to edit out of your photos. They come up at the most inopportune times, and I don't want it to get you down. I won't deliver you any photos with a blemish still on your cheek!


No. 2 - Whitening Your Teeth


I mean, if it makes you feel better to whiten them, then go for it! But if you're kind of stressed and don't find time to add whitening strips to your routine prior to your shoot, this is another thing that is easily edited.


I could go on and on and on! Yes, there is kind of a lot to do before your shoot, but it will make your shoot day so much easier. Plus you'll feel confident and that's something everyone wants to shine through in their photos!!


Contact me to set a date and start getting ready for your own shoot!