Your photo session will take approximately 30 minutes, with another 30 minutes to view your photos and make your selection.

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.
Get a good night's sleep and stay healthy. If you're tired, it will reflect on your face, your overall appearance and your attitude. Try not to stress your body and mind a few days before the shoot. Continue with your daily exercising on a regular basis.

Get your outfits and props ready. I usually advise families a color scheme. Avoid bright whites, stripes or any other patterns unless specifically requested. Solid colors are the best choice. Avoid busy patterns that distract from the face. Be prepared a day before to avoid last minute runs. Bring the props that match your outfits in color, texture or by theme.

Particularly for black & white photos, shades of red, green dark grey and cream work well.  Blues do not convert well into black & white. Avoid pure white (unless you are a bride) and pure black, if you can. Don't wear shiny fabrics. 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. You can use items (including pets, vehicles –for outdoor shoots, sports equipment and musical instruments) that show what you enjoy doing at this time in your life. If you have something special in mind, just let us know.

Practice! Get in front of the mirror and search for expressions and poses. This is not a one minute run just for fun. You have to study your body. Learn how your facial expressions actually feel when you laugh, smile, frown or relax. You should develop your own methods of controlling yourself to produce a desired expression "on demand". Practice when you are alone, have time to concentrate and calm enough to listen to yourself. Can you feel a perfect smile without seeing yourself in the mirror?

Look at modeling shots from the fashion and glamour magazines and pay a close attention to poses, arms and legs placements and facial expressions. Analyze those separately and as a complete composition. Bring the shots you like with you.

Grooming:
Nails: Please do not forget the importance of your hands in your portraits. Whether you choose to do your nails yourself or have them manicured, keep them clean and use coordinating colors. Photographs often show your feet as well.

Shoes: Shoes, and soles, may show, so they should compliment your clothing and be clean. Carry the shoes you wish to wear for the shoot, so they stay clean.

Facial hair:
Men, make sure that you are clean-shaven before your session. Retouching can hide blemishes, but not razor stubble. Be aware of those pesky nose and ears hairs and trim them, or they will show. The camera picks up everything. It's a good idea to bring a razor for touch-ups.
Women, shave or wax your legs and armpits a few days before a session. If you're modeling lingerie or open swimwear, take care of the bikini line. If you shave right before the shoot, the skin irritation will negatively impact the outcome.

Glasses: If you wear glasses most of the time, you will want to wear them in your portraits. To eliminate glare or reflections, bring empty frames or remove the lenses from your glasses.

Hair:  If you need some trimming, a couple of days before the shoot is the right time. Any coloring should be done ahead of time.

Makeup: If you don't hire a makeup artist, put a base makeup before coming to a shoot and don't forget your own make up kit. A little colour helps to improve skin tone
in photographs.

Clothes: Feel free to bring any items of clothing, shoes, costume, jewellery and accessories. We do not need a huge supply, but some choice will be useful in creating varied and interesting photographs.

Boudoir: 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. For lingerie, dark reds work best, followed by shades of cream. Whites and blacks are possible, but not ideal. If you want to be photographed nude, you may wish to bring something to slip into during any intervals. Always carry a towel if you want a wet look photo.

Prenatal:For the most pleasing results in maternity photos, we suggest you bring a plain black or plain white blouse or shirt. Or bring both colors. Something simple, that is easily pulled up to show off your beautiful belly. If Daddy is coming, have him wear similar or complementary colors.  Jeans are usually a good choice. 

Newborns: You are welcome to bring along any baby outfits you please, but do remember that baby outfits are baggy. Newborns tend to scrunch down into their outfits, and end up hiding behind their outfit instead of showing themselves.  We recommend as little of this kind of covering up as possible. That way, years from now you'll have a picture of your baby, not just a picture of their cute outfit.

Family pets: Be sure to take them for a long walk before the session, clean and brush them, bring plenty of treats and don't forget their leash.