Studio Photoshoot Prep Guide

This page is dedicated to ensuring a successful studio photoshoot. All my tips and tricks are consolidated below. Enjoy! I am here if you have questions.

Summary

Intro


Congratulations on taking such a giant step and I am excited to be a part of your adventure! We are going to have fun and generate some amazing images. This page is dedicated to ensuring you are successful! The links will take out a lot of the guess work!

Posing


Here are some fun videos if you are new to posing. Those who watch these videos at least 3 times and practice for a week have great photoshoots!

Portfolio building? Additional videos to consider:

A portrait of two models taken in Mesa, Arizona

Clothing - Tips and Tricks

  • Pressed; avoid wrinkles.
  • Clothing should be age-appropriate.
  • Avoid neons & fluorescents.
  • Avoid clothing logos.
  • If it fits tight, it shoots right. Avoid baggy clothing.
  • When in doubt, let's talk.
A picture of 4 models in various poses taken in Mesa, Arizona

General Tips

  • Get a good night's sleep.
  • Hair is clean and dry with your product, straight or curled. Camera-ready!
  • Drink lots of water the day of and before!
  • No last-minute spray tans!

Make-up, Nails, Jewelry

  • Please wear foundation and light makeup (natural lipstick, blush, if wearing eyelashes, make sure they are natural-looking).
  • Ladies, wear and bring mascara.
  • Eyebrows should be in good shape (waxed or tweezed).
  • Nails MUST be natural, or nude color, NO COLORED NAILS! They must be average length, not extra long.
  • No face jewelry, no necklaces or bracelets, no big hoops, studs in-ears are ok (everything else is distracting).


A headshot taken of a model in a white top in Mesa, Arizona

Photoshoot Shoot Duration


Please arrive 15 minutes early to your scheduled time

  • The time includes outfit changes.
  • Practice changing; change in under 2 minutes.
  • Make sure you see me when you arrive - and I see you!
  • Ready to shoot when the time starts (including hair, make-up, clothing, etc.)
A collection of model portraits taken in Mesa, AZ

Cell Phones


Leave them in your bag, or better yet, in the car (including parents). I need your 100% attention. When I have to compete with a parent or a friend with a cell phone, it slows us down and it also breaks our rhythm. Phones essentially detract from your time. Let's work together to focus our attention on you!

A portrait of 4 models in various poses in Mesa, Arizona
A graphic for photography on common mistakes that applies to high school seniors, headshots and general portraiture

Summary


This should be a fun experience. If you follow the tips above, then you will have a great shoot!

  • Practice the posing videos
  • Study this document
  • Arrive early
A portrait of 4 models in different poses in Mesa, AZ

Directions to Studio


Address: 2450 W Broadway Rd #112, Mesa, AZ 85202 or on Google Maps, here


  • Please drive around to the back (north side) of the building. The GPS will take you to the front door. If you are sitting in the lobby, I will not see you. Instead, hop in your car, drive to the end of the parking lot, make 3 right turns, and enter through the North entrance.
  • Enter the studio; no need to knock.
  • You are not in the right place if you don't see me!