Q&A 2 – Private Photo Sessions

Before the photo session

How to prepare your body and get into the right frame of mind for a photo session with me. Regard my comments as suggestions. Pick what feels right and ignore what doesn’t.

To book or enquire, please go to bespoke photo sessions for private clients

How to look good

I do not expect you to look perfect and you do not have to alter your appearance to look good. The best photographs are conceived when you are yourself. Here is what you can do to look your best on the day of the photo session:

Give your hands and nails some attention the day before the photo session and treat yourself to a facial.

Watch out for problem areas in your face, such as oily patches and spots. Deal with them well in advance.

For a couple of days before the photo session, limit your alcohol intake. Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. It all shows in your face.

Do not schedule a photo session for when you have just come back from a beach holiday – your suntan may be too deep (or worse, a sunburn), you may have tan lines on your body, white watchstrap marks and bright marks around your eyes from wearing sunglasses.

If you are planning to pose nude or in lingerie, wear loose fitting or no underwear for at least two hours before the session to prevent marks.

Hair

Have your hair done the day before the photo session and wash it on the morning of the session.

Striking eyebrows, nasal and facial hair and ear tufts can be exaggerated in close-up facial shots. For women, too, facial hair – however fine and blonde – can show in close-up shots.

If you think that your armpits will show, shave or de-hair the day before. The same goes for your legs.

If you are planning to pose nude or in lingerie, you may want to trim your bikini line. If you normally shave your pubic hair or sport a “Brazilian”, shave, de-hair or wax the day before to prevent stubbles from showing.

A gentle and effective way of removing hair are hair removal creams, such as Veet.

The right frame of mind

I feel that the comments below will contribute to a successful photo session but I realise that things are not always that easy:

Do not schedule a session at a time you know beforehand will be stressful for you at work or in your personal life.

Give yourself enough time before the photo session, allow enough time for the session and do not schedule yourself to dash off somewhere else immediately afterwards.

Regard the day as an indulgence day.

If I photograph you at your home, create a relaxed atmosphere with no interruptions in a stress-free zone. It may be a good idea to send everyone else out and tell them to stay there for a few hours.

Pets are not a problem. In fact, if you have pets, I would like to incorporate them in some of the photos. (Location work only.)

Turn your mobile phone off and perhaps even unplug your landline phone.

What to bring to or have ready for a photo session

Feel free to bring any items of clothing, shoes, lingerie, (costume) jewellery and accessories. We do not need a huge supply, but some choice will be useful in creating varied and interesting photographs. If there are any items that simply must be in some of the photographs, be sure to mention your ideas to me.

If you want to be photographed nude, you may wish to bring something to slip into during any intervals.

For tops, soft materials and soft, relatively high necklines are the most flattering.

Unusual accessories, hats, scarves, etc., are always interesting to explore and can add that little extra.

Props: Bring anything you like.

Please do not forget your make-up kit. Even if you do not normally wear make-up, a little colour helps to improve your skin tone in photographs.

After the photo session

How long before I can see the photos?

I can usually get proofs (electronic contact sheets) to you within one to three working days.

Proofs are smaller photos grouped together on a web page or a sheet of paper. They are close to what your finished prints will look like, but not an indication of image quality. The purpose of contact sheets is to show what is on the photos.

You select your prints, photobook images or digital images from these contact sheets.

How long will the prints or photobook take?

Despite using modern technology, creating high quality prints is not just a matter of pressing a button.

For prints, you should allow around five working days + delivery time. For photobooks, around ten working days + delivery time. If you are in a hurry, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate you.

To book or enquire, please go to bespoke photo sessions for private clients