HEAD SHOT MINI-SESSION PREP GUIDE

Thank you so much for booking a head shot mini-session; we can’t wait to create some (mini) magic with you! Please read over this guide to help familiarize yourself with what to expect at your session and better prepare yourself and your children to create some beautiful portraits with me.

WHAT TO WEAR?

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Avoid small patterns, logos, text, and graphic t-shirts - they all distract from your child’s face. Large patterns are okay, like big stripes.
Bring a variety of options and colors, and we’ll choose what will photograph best together when you get to the studio. Something light, something dark, a pop of color that brings out your child’s eyes. Bring more than you think you’ll need - it is better to have too many options than not enough. Be considerate of the backdrop color you selected when booking your session.
Consider layers. They add dimension and different posing options. We love jackets, collars, and cardigans!
You can not go wrong with a basic, white t-shirt. Just be sure that it is not too transparent and ensure undergarments won’t show through the fabric.
We use minimal accessories and jewelry to keep the portraits clean, but if your child’s ears are pierced, a small, simple earring is great like studs or small hoops. A simple, subtle silver or gold chain necklace could also work.
Bring coordinating bottoms that match the tops you bring. Even though we only photograph up to half-length portraits, the bottoms may still be visible. Jeans are always a great option.
If your child has longer hair, they will likely be posed with a fan blowing it around. Consider bringing garments that will also look lovely with a little wind in them like flutter sleeves and large ruffles.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SESSION?

Be mindful and careful of things that could impact appearance in the lead-up to your portrait session, especially tan lines/sunburn. With kids, there are so many wildcards to also keep in mind. Right before your session may not be the best time for a hike in the woods (poison ivy… yikes!), unsupervised art time with markers, or other things that could discolor or damage skin.
Also be mindful to not let the kids eat or drink anything that will turn their mouths colors or get stuck in their teeth (Goldfish and Oreos are the main offenders, here).
Fingernails should be trimmed, cleaned, and manicured with no jagged edges or hangnails. Clear polish or soft classic colors like light pink work best for painted nails, but polish is not necessary.
Prepare wardrobe in advance. Launder, press, and steam it. Remove pet hair. Our goal is to fit in a quick change so that you have two outfits to choose portraits from, and if the wardrobe is not fully ready to go when you arrive, this may not be possible.
Don’t wear the wardrobe to the session. Bring wardrobe in garment bags for protection in transit, but don’t stuff too many things into one garment bag. It just wrinkles them all over again. We recommend prepping wardrobe and packing everything you need the night before for a stress-free morning.
Do your best to make sure the kids get a good night’s sleep and eat a hearty breakfast or lunch. We keep the experience quick and fun, but that can sometimes be no match against cranky and hangry.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR STYLING?

Arrive with clean, moisturized skin and clean, dry, second-day hair with minimal product in it. (A little natural oil helps hold style.)
Light makeup is recommended once you get to the studio. We don't want the kids to look "made up," but skin can get shiny in the studio lighting, and a little glam time can make them feel special. I'd recommend bringing some powder (yes, for boys, too!) and chapstick/lip gloss.
We allot 15-20 minutes for styling and getting ready once you arrive. This means that we do not have time to make any more involved hair transformations before we begin. (i.e. fully straightening naturally super curly hair). Please prepare accordingly. Arrive with hair lightly pre-styled to suit the final style we’d like to create.
I always recommend bringing a little bottle of moisturizer with you, as well, just in case (especially in the winter months).

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Get settled and select wardrobe
(5 minutes)

Virtual Viewing and Ordering Session
(15-20 minutes)

REMINDER

We are going to create so many beautiful portraits for you to choose from that you may want to purchase additional portraits.
Additional digital portraits are available at a special discounted rate: