First of all, what should you wear and what should you bring when you shoot with me?
Even if we are using a makeup and hair artist, please bring your own foundation and mascara.
It works best if you arrive wearing foundation or no makeup at all, and put it all on at the studio. If we’re not using a makeup and hair artist, I will guide you in styling.
Although I have a nice selection of accessories and props, I don’t have every single size of clothing. You should minimally bring the following:
- The sexiest pair (or two) of high heels you own
- Any clothing that makes you FEEL good
- Please bring appropriate pantyhose/slips/camisoles and underthings – black bras under light clothing and pantylines never look good in any photos.
- When in doubt… just bring it! I’ll help you carry stuff in from your car, if you need me to.
For vintage inspired fashion shoots: please additionally bring the following (see this blog entry for more vintage styling advice and where to find stockings, etc.):
- Pantyhose, thigh highs, or stockings and garters – even if you have great legs, hosiery makes them look better.
- Classic High heels – preferably office pumps or other shoes with a vintage look. I recommend avoiding boots with no heel or anything too trendy.
- Slip and camisole (to go under any dress you might have to borrow from me)
- A classic “little black dress”, old prom dress, skirt suit set, and anything that’s classically cut
For historical recreation, where we’re trying to get as close to a certain decade/year as possible:
- red or natural nail polish only – no funky colors or designs!
- 1920s – 1930s- please pluck your eyebrows as much as you feel comfortable
- Stockings and garters (even if the skirt or dress is long – it totally makes a small but noticable difference). Avoid thigh highs with elastic at the top- they create unsightly bulges.
- High heels that are close toed with a strap across (“Mary Janes” are classic), classic medium pumps (that you’d wear to an office), or stiletto pumps (for something sexier). Wedges really don’t go with any look prior to the 1960s.
- Camisoles and slips to go under any of my clothing you might wear
- It always helps to bring along classic below-knee skirts, a classy white office blouse, etcetera.
- Bring along any vintage props and clothing you might have that you feel would add to the shoot! I’ve had people bring in old typewriters, their grandmothers antique candy dishes, etcetera….
If we are shooting pinup, glamour, or boudoir:
- Nude thongs to wear under any items that might be see thru.
- Stockings or thigh highs, although not ones which have alot of elastic at the top- they can create unsightly bulges. You can find regular stockings at Victoria’s Secret, Fredericks, and almost every lingerie store.
- Costumes
- Corsets
- Short outfits
- Other lingerie
- Bra and underwear sets
- The sexiest pair (or two) of high heels you own
- Anything that makes you FEEL sexy
- Accessories, jewelry, and props
Little details count! Well groomed eyebrows, manicures, pedicures, etc. You can’t go wrong with natural or classic red nails.
You should get plenty of rest the night before, and try to avoid eating popcorn or other salty foods the day before and day of.
Try not to schedule us right before that time of month – why fight against mother nature!
Look at classic fashion and glamor from the 20s thru the 50s, and note what you want to emulate. Practice some expressions in front of a mirror to get a little bit of a feel.
Psych yourself up to have a happy, confidence boosting, experience!
I’m looking forward to working with you~
