I want you to get the portraits you are dreaming of so I’m going to share my 5 favorite tips to get ready for your session!
If you are nervous about posing, please don’t worry! It’s my job to guide you so that you can just relax and smile!
First, I’m going to be very honest with you. I want you to know how to best prepare for your session, and not to freak you out, but every decision you make will affect how your pictures turn out. How you do your hair and makeup, how you prepare your horse or dog… they all matter.
Don’t worry though! I’m here to help you and I work so closely with my clients so they will be completely ready, confident and SO EXCITED for their session! I want this to be more than just taking pictures… this will be an experience that you’ll love to look back on so let’s go big and do it right!
Tip #1 Exercise
Exercise your horse or dog. This is huge. I could say it 10 times. And then twice more. A tired horse or dog is a good horse or dog! Please exercise your animals before your session. For horses, I’d recommend a long ride the morning of your session and then you can start his bath and then get ready for pictures. For dogs, you can go for a long walk or take a trip to the dog park if they enjoy that. I like the dog park off Clays Mill. There are always dogs around and we’ve had a lot of good experiences there.
Tip #2 Outfits.
The rule is: THE BETTER THE OUTFIT THE BETTER THE PICTURES.
This is the most common question I get before a session. What do I wear? First of all, if you are wanting new clothes for your photoshoot I like to shop local and I love Peplum. They have tons of great clothes for photography! I also love to shop at Pirire and Cotton Patch!
For online shoppers I like Baltic Born and White House Black Market.
If you are wearing multiple outfits, a lot of clients will bring a sundress or maxi dress, a smart casual look and either a high fashion look or horse show clothes. Variety is key! Try to pick an outfit from these general categories: casual, dressy, work/school/horse show, or edgy.
My general recommendations are to wear solid color shirts in colors that flatter you. My favorite colors are blush, light blue, gray, navy, black, white, cream, and champagne. Some patterns are ok but try to avoid loud, large, distracting patterns. Texture is great!! This is the time to add some sequins, or sparkle or mix textures like leather with a chunky sweater… just have some fun! I love to layer cute jackets and scarves in the fall.
Next, I recommend getting clothes to flatter your shape. Stitch Fix has a good article here that goes over different body shapes and which clothes and styles look best. We will be moving around a lot in your shoot- sitting, standing, kneeling maybe laying down so bring outfits that aren’t too restrictive. If you are having pictures with your horse or dog try not to match their coat exactly so you don’t blend in. For example, if you have a black dog don’t wear a black shirt. The exception would be a gray horse- you can still wear white next to your horse and it usually looks nice.
Finally, don’t forget your accessories! Grab a stack of bangles or a long necklace. This photoshoot might be a good time to look for a great new statement piece, hat or scarf! You can bring some fun shoes or boots and as always feel free to text me any looks you are thinking about!
Tip #3 Hair And Nails
Having your hair professionally done for the session can make you feel beautiful and confident. I highly recommend this for all my clients and especially for seniors! You are already making a big investment into your portraits so let’s make them the best they can be! If you need a cut or color and highlights I’d schedule that appointment for about a week before your session. We recommend not trying a whole new color right before pictures in case you don’t like it. The same thing goes for the cut. Right before pictures is not the time for a big change.
If you are interested in having your hair professionally styled for your shoot I have some suggestions of salons and stylists we can go over at your planning meeting. While you are out getting pampered don’t forget to have your nails done! A lot of poses will have your hands close to your face so make sure they look how you’d like them to look. I recommend French manicures, light colors or even no color.
Tip #4 Makeup
Having professional makeup done before your session is definitely recommended but we know it’s not always in the budget. Honestly, having portraits taken can be a little stressful so it’s nice to take something off your plate and hire someone to take care of your hair and makeup. Professionals understand how to prepare you for the camera and are great at covering up blemishes, contouring and making you feel your best. For clients looking for suggestions on where to go for makeup, we can go over that before your session.
If you are doing makeup at home, I suggest putting on about 30% more than you normally would because the camera washes it out. I love to follow The Small Things blog. Kate shares so much about hair and makeup and is so much fun! Schedule brow waxing for 3 days before the session so there isn’t any redness. Apply makeup by a window for the best light. If you can, please avoid really shimmery makeup. I always suggest bringing oil blotting sheets with you to the photoshoot. Finally, take a selfie to make sure you like your look!
Tip #5 Four Legged Friend Prep
Dogs- Schedule their grooming and bath for 1-3 days before your session. If your dog has long hair around his eyes please get those hairs clipped so we can see his eyes in your pictures. The long hair can make it really tricky to focus on the eyes. If you want to bring fashion collars or bandanas that’s great and can add variety to your pictures. Here are a cute ones that I found on Etsy!
Please bring a helper with you to your session- you’ll be glad for the extra set of hands!
Horses- If you have a friend at your barn see if they can help you on the day of your session. If they can get your horse a bath and get them looking show ring ready while you are having hair and makeup done that is the easiest thing to do. Maybe then you can swap, and you can get her horse ready for her pictures one day. If you will be getting your own horse ready, start the day off with exercise. Then get your horse ready (bath and braids if you want them) and finally get yourself ready. We can take pictures in a halter or bridle so be sure to clean your tack and don’t forget the bit. If you are bringing multiple outfits I’d definitely find a horse friend to come with you to hold your horse while you change clothes. If you have a dog too, bring him along and we’ll get your whole pet family!
BONUS TIP
One recommendation I make to everyone getting pictures outside in the spring, summer and fall is to bring bug spray and water bottles!
I hope these tips help you as you’re planning your session!
Warmly,
Molly
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