Tips for a great shoot!
Hi Beautiful!
It can be overwhelming getting your wardrobe ready for your shoot, but don’t worry! You got this! And I am always here to help. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call, text, or email. I’m used to getting texts from clients while they are out shopping. Remember: Leave tags on everything you buy because we might not use it all.
Here are some quick reminders of what to bring:
-Bring at least 5 outfit choices with you (more than that is definitely ok! We will shoot FOUR looks. It is awesome to have options! Try to choose variety for outfits (not all bra and panty sets).
-Bodysuits look great in photos and you can find some great ones at H&M and Forever 21! Also try to bring a variety of colors of lingerie, and accessories to match.
-Please HANG lingerie so it does not get wrinkles. I won’t be photoshopping any wrinkles out of your clothing.
-Choose whatever colors make you feel best! Bright colors, neons, patterns are all fair game. Pastels and muted or black and white are all beautiful too. If you're a bride to be and want to look bridal you could bring a veil or a white outfit or maybe your partner’s favorite shirt.
-Bring at least one killer bra (with good support) and panty set.
-If you are self-conscious about your middle, bring at least one corset or bodysuit. Shapewear is PERFECT also. Fitted things will actually be more flattering! We want to show your curves!
Here are some examples of bodysuits:
When choosing corsets, stick with corsets with a sweetheart neckline. When corsets are straight in the bust area it flattens your girls instead of flattering them!
Shapewear is often overlooked, but it is a GREAT option! It is SUPER flattering and looks incredible in images!
Remember thigh highs and a garter belt. Garter belts can be bought on Amazon and runs $8-$10.
Bring heels or sneakers if that’s your style, or barefoot is great too. The higher/skinnier the heel, the better. The right heel can actually lengthen and slim your legs!
Some Thoughts on Props:
-Bring accessories!
-If you're doing a bridal shoot, bring bridal lingerie, garter, veil, etc. if you would like, bring your dress as well.
-Does your significant other like a sports team? Bring their jersey. Other ideas are work shirts, button down shirts, lab coats, work hats, cowboy hats, etc.
-If you have hair extensions, please arrive with them already installed
-Please bring a robe to wear in between sets as well.
I can not stress this enough. EAT BEFORE YOUR SHOOT! Not just a piece of toast, but an actual breakfast. You will burn calories and some clients have even compared their shoot to a workout. You will be tired. You may be sore the next day. PLEASE EAT. AND DRINK WATER!!
Here are the MOST important things to remember:
1.Start ordering/buying your wardrobe as far in advance as possible before your shoot. If you wait until the last minute, you will be stressed out. Lingerie shopping is like buying jeans, you sometimes have to try on MANY pairs until you find ones that fit perfectly.
2. Please TRY ON ALL lingerie! I cannot photoshop ill-fitting lingerie to make it fit properly. When things are too loose or too tight it will not be complimentary in pictures. Please do not bring loose nightgowns. In general, these are not flattering.
3. I will not photograph tops with no bottoms on because it just doesn't look right. I know it’s hard to find matching sets at some stores, but please have an idea what you want to wear together. Keep in mind, when colors are slightly off in person, this is exaggerated in images.
4. Please remove chipped nail polish and get a manicure. If you aren't a manicure type of girl then you can always get press on nails and arrive with them on. Or simple clean nails.
5. Please don’t tan or spray tan before your shoot. The camera does not like spray tan/tanning, and you’ll end up looking orange in photos.
6. Please arrive with a clean face and DRY hair that was washed the day before. Please don’t wash your hair the morning of the shoot. It will hold styling better when not freshly washed.
7. Please moisturize your face and body! This will help to have beautiful makeup and make beautiful photos!
Things to Avoid:
-AVOID shoes with straps on the ankles. They will make your legs look shorter. You will see the bottom of your heels in some pictures, so if they are old/worn, you will be able to tell. I do not photoshop the bottom of shoes
-AVOID "babydoll lingerie" or anything with an empire waist as this will often look like maternity wear on most clients.
-To tan or not to tan? That is the question. Everyone loves a tan! Everyone except the camera. That being said, the camera will often see tans as orange. Please don’t spray tan before your shoot. I will photoshop out temporary things, like blemishes. I don’t routinely photoshop out tan lines. I will do this as an additional service. A lot of my clients will take advantage of this for images that they use in their albums and wall art.
-Are you a scientist? bring your lab coat. Are you a chef? Bring that apron. Into handcuffs and such? bring it all! Props can be a great addition to make the shoot your own. Instruments and sports equipment can be cool too! As a quick note, the only props I do not photograph are guns and weapons and I do not allow live animals into the studio. Thank you for your understanding!
I am looking forward to working with you!
Xoxo
Beatrice Phelps