How to prepare for a photo shoot in Orange County, California?

Many of my clients are nervous before the photo shoot. The camera’s merciless gaze and endless questions about your appearance or pose for the picture.

These are natural anxieties that can be easily resolved with a few simple tips. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your photo session:

Getting ready to shoot professionally: tips and ideas

Collect your links for inspiration

Light, angles, poses, locations, scenarios – all these ideas can be gleaned from other photo shoots, films and even paintings;

You can upload your best photos and build your image on Pinterest. Or choose a wardrobe in advance, namely:

Dress for the weather.
Be minimalist and only use colors that are beneficial to you.
Break the rules, say yes to ripped jeans and grunge!
Don’t forget spare parts for your clothes!
Dress together in the same company, creating your own theme.
And very important, look harmonious and focus on the details!

Focus on the details and always remember the importance of accessories!

What could be the “It” detail? A bracelet and a bouquet of flowers, perfume and a shawl, socks with a bright print and a brooch – everything that will create a special mood for you. The photo is sure to work.

How about your favorite poses? Stylish music, favorite angles and poses, don’t be afraid to go ahead and try!

Of course, I will help you look your best during the photo shoot, but this rehearsal gives you confidence and inspiration.

Write down your best poses or take a selfie so you don’t forget them.

Let’s talk about filming locations! Orange County is a real paradise for photographers. There are a huge number of places, so I advise you to make a list in advance, but I myself can shoot almost anywhere in Orange County. Each story will be unique. You can coordinate ideas with me, I will always offer the best option!

One week before and one week before shooting

Start your beauty marathon

A session with a professional beautician is ideal, but not required. Although proven home rituals like your favorite alginate mask are welcome.
Face and body exfoliation/scrub removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores and evens out skin tone. Don’t forget moisturizing lotion to finish;
Waxing/depilation is best done within the next 24 hours prior to shooting. The sooner the hair is removed, the greater the risk of irritation, red spots, or ingrown or ingrown hairs;
Refresh your manicure and pedicure in 2-3 days. During this time, the gel will not have time to grow and you will have time to fix an unexpected chip;
A little tip: on the day of the photo shoot, apply baby oil to your body. Gives a beautiful shine without being greasy.

Get your hair and makeup

You don’t need to create a fancy look! On the contrary, the more familiar and natural it is, the better you will feel in front of the camera. Hair styling doesn’t have to be complicated, and hair color or cut doesn’t have to be radically new. Tinting at the roots and trimming the ends will be enough. If you want to try original makeup, test it with a makeup artist first.

Adjust your diet plan*.

Drink up to 2 liters of water a day: your face and lips will be radiant and supple, make-up will fall perfectly without clogging wrinkles or emphasizing peeling.

The exception is the day before the shoot. Don’t drink anymore.

1 liter of liquid within 24 hours to avoid swelling.

Eat low- and medium-fiber foods (oatmeal, eggs, peeled potatoes, pumpkin, beets, carrots, buckwheat, etc.). On the one hand, fiber helps to emphasize the relief of muscles, and on the other hand, it helps to remove excess fluid and toxins.

* By prior agreement with the specialist.

Get enough sleep.

Getting enough rest, including a good night’s sleep, is a barrier against dark circles, red eyes and bad moods.

Tidy up your clothes

Dry cleaning, laundry, ironing, steaming, packing – a standard but important list.

Get ready with a list.

This tip may seem trivial, but it will help you remember your chargers, photoshoot accessories, your favorite lipstick or sunscreen at home or in your hotel room.

What to Avoid Before Shooting

Alcohol and caffeine

Both retain water in the body, causing swelling, puffiness, tightness, and a dull complexion. Do not forget that caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in tea, cocoa and many carbonated drinks.

Solarium

Even sunscreen will not save you from sunburn, peeling or clothing marks that will be visible in the frame. An alternative is artificial sunscreens, which can give the skin a golden hue. It is better to apply them in the salon than on your own.

Weird care products

Even an innocent-looking sheet mask or face cream that you haven’t used before can cause unpredictable skin reactions. Allergies, redness, comedones, dryness or excessive shine… In order not to get all this on the eve of shooting, postpone experimenting with new cosmetics for later.

Photo session with children

Children make excellent models. And to make sure they can reach their full potential without additional stress, they also need to be prepared for the photo session:

On the day of shooting, children should have a good rest and eat. Otherwise, a spoiled mood is guaranteed – photogenic will not work.
What time of day is your baby most energetic and happy? Schedule your shoot for this time of day. Most often in the morning, but not too early – at 9 or 10 o’clock. There is a lot of sun on the Côte d’Azur, but the midday heat is not yet too strong for children to get tired.
Don’t forget your favorite toys, snacks and water. Familiar and comfortable things create the right mood.
If a child refuses to pose, do not scold him. Even adult professionals do not always embody the idea one hundred percent. When it comes to children, the best photographs are those in which they behave naturally.

The main rules for preparing for a photo shoot

Everything that was said the above is, of course, important. But the secret to a successful photo shoot is to trust the photographer and avoid fear.

A photo session is not an exam; it’s a holiday and an adventure. Relax and enjoy: nothing brightens up a picture like sincere emotions.