Prep Guide
Remember that these are completely OPTIONAL! You know your body and your goals for this photo session better than anyone. IF you were planning to pamper yourself with any of these treatments prior to the session, you can use this as a guide. Everything is organized by timeframe and cost. Costs can range from:
$= $50 and under
$$= $50-200
$$$= over $200
6+ months prior to session
-start seeing an esthetician for facials $$
-establish a skincare routine $
-be mindful of focusing on foods that target your goals, such as "glowing skin" $
-start drinking plenty of water $
3-4 months prior to session
-start laser hair removal $$$
-focus on toning muscles $
-start a lash growth serum $$
-chemical peels or laser treatments to even and rejuvenate skin $$$
1-2 months prior to session
-botox $$$
-fillers $$$
-let tan lines fade $
2-4 weeks prior to session
-buy wardrobe pieces if you plan to bring your own $$
-hair cut and/or color $$
-start moisturizing skin religiously $
week before session
-waxing (you know your hair growth rate and skin sensitivity, you want to do this well enough in advance that skin is no longer irritated but before the hair starts growing back) $$
-mani/pedi $$
-eyebrows (I love a gorgeous brow lamination and tint with a wax! If you've never tried it before, you may want to do a trial run prior to this) $$
-facial $$
-derma-planing (even if you are not doing a facial, I highly recommend removing the dead skin and vellus hairs from your face as it will help make you skin look smoother in the photos. If you are doing a facial this may already be included or be an optional ad-on) $
-lash lift or lash extensions $$
-a note about spray tanning: I personally love a good spray tan; it makes me feel confident and sexy! The camera, however, does not always love fake tans and they can come out looking splotchy and orangey. As I do mostly black and white photography, I will let you make the best decision for yourself. But please understand there is only so much I can correct with editing. If you spray tan regularly and like the way your tan comes out in photos and you would feel less confident without it, then go for it!
day before session
-STAY HYDRATED! $
-avoid salty and sugary foods that could make you feel bloated $
-exfoliate (including lips) $
-under eye patches to de-puff $
-get a good night's rest $
day of session
-apply under eye patches when you wake up $
-shave (if you weren't already doing laser hair removal or waxing) $
-professional hair and make up (if you can only splurge on one pricy thing thing in this prep guide, THIS is it! I hope to one day be able to offer this in the studio as part of the session because I believe it can really make a difference in how you look and how you feel during the photo session) $$