Helpful Tips Before Your Photo Shoot

I can't tell you how many times I've heard "I don't know what to wear!" or "How should I do my hair?" before a shoot. I think every girl's brain turns off due to overload when faced with the challenge of getting ready for a photo shoot. So, I decided to post some tips to help everyone out and give some of you some piece of mind when you get ready for your big day in front of the camera. Plus, it's Monday, and I think we all want to check out some great clothes to make this day a bit brighter!

So, let's start off with your clothing choice. It's no secret that I am a big fan of dresses or skirts. They're my personal preference, plus, there's nothing more elegant and graceful than a woman's legs. But you can spruce up any shorts or jeans with a really great top or cardigan. It's important to try to stay away from lots of solids. Prints (Especially stripes or polka dots) are gorgeous and help to liven any outfit. Not to mention, they're unbelievable in black and white. Solids tend to look drab and uninteresting in black and white photos. Especially when paired with jeans. Here are some great different pieces currently available at Forever 21. As I love Forever 21, and they always have awesome prices, all the different clothes, accessories and shoes featured will be from there today.

If you have a really great solid colored outfit that you feel the most confident in, a great way to spruce it up is through great accessories and patterned headbands. Headbands can draw a lot of attention to your face and how unbelievable your eyes are. Just be careful with hats, since they can potentially cover most of your face and hide the best part of the photo ... YOU.

Oooohhh yes, my favorite part. SHOES. My personal favorite shoes right now (And almost all the time) are wedges. When you're short, like me, wedges can add some awesome height and not only make your whole body thinner, but especially your legs. Plus, they're very easy to walk in if you're clumsy like me. Just make sure to pick a shoe that's you. Shoes are a lot of fun and are the cherry on top of a great outfit. Don't be afraid to use your shoes as that color pop in your photo. Pale pinks and beiges are gorgeous outfit choices. Especially when paired with an aqua or emerald green shoe to liven the photo up.

Even once you're dressed and looking like a million bucks, there are a few helpful tips to know.

Number one, EVERYONE is nervous when we first start shooting. I can't stress that enough. Almost every single client I've had has warned me that they're nervous, and there's really no need to be! I show up excited to capture how absolutely breathtaking you are in every way, and I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't already think you were. Everyone is beautiful and mysterious and captivating in their own ways. So just let your colors fly, and let me do all the work.

Second, bright sunshine isn't your best friend. I'm not being polite or trying to relieve your nerves about the weather when I express that I'm so glad it's cloudy. Clouds cast fabulous light that illuminates your face and gives you a natural glow. Plus, there's none of that nasty squinting or prolonged eyeball torture to the sun. Clouds are great, I love them, they're your friend, so don't stress it!

And last but not least, posing. I'll help you quite a bit with this, but it always helps to practice in front of your mirror. Just move your body and notice what angles you can tilt that make you look best. Study magazines, like Teen Vogue. It'll be beneficial and make you feel less awkward when you're in front of the lens. I like to let people get comfortable and feel their body out, and then fine tune their poses. It helps to make you feel more comfortable and natural, and those sentiments convey to the photographs.

I hope all my tips have been helpful. I'm an open book, so any questions you have before, during, or even after your shoot are more than welcome. So don't hesitate! I like to think of my clients as my friends, so be my friend. :)