Being well prepared for your photo session can make the difference between average and fabulous photos. Follow these easy tips and you will be well on your way to looking your absolute best. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me.
Mindset
Have fun! We are going to make you look great and you will have a great time. That is why you chose Dendra Chavez Photography!
Relax. We like to think we are easy to get along with. Plus, we help you with posing, so there is no pressure on you.
Arrival
Arrive on time to your appointment. Showing up late means you lose camera time, and we want to make sure we have enough time with you to capture a good variety of images.
If you are coming from out of town, give yourself plenty of time to find your way around so you have a buffer in case you get lost will save you some stress.
Style
You are unique! Follow our guidelines but be yourself in how you dress.
Be fashionable. Wear clothing that is stylish and put a lot of thought into your choices. This is a unique opportunity and we want you to look amazing!
Clothing
We recommend between 2-4 outfits, so bring a variety of options. Keep in mind we can match your clothing to backgrounds and the surroundings. I LOVE to incorporate your culture, so do not be shy! Bring clothes that feature your heritage.
Group your outfits together on hangers. Make sure items are ironed, lint/pet hair free and ready to go.
Plan on changing quickly. The faster you change, the more time we have to photograph and the more photo choices you’ll have later. Please know that if we are shooting on location, you will need to be prepared to change outside or in your car.
Make sure you are comfortable in your clothing and that it flatters you. This will ensure that you like how you look when viewing your photos.
Avoid bold patterns and stripes. Solid colors photograph much better than busy patterns.
Bring a variety of colors and mix the level of styles. Some should be dressy, some dressy-casual, and some casual.
Since Alaskan weather can be unpredictable, bring layers to wear between shots so you may be comfortable and can warm up when needed. Depending on the season, bring appropriate gear (gloves, blanket, parka, etc.)
Shoes
Bring comfy shoes to use when we walk to different locations. Depending on the season, you will want to make sure you wear the right gear (tennis shoes, rubber boots, winter boots, etc.). I will have you change to your photoshoot shoes when we get to the spot. We will not photograph you in flip-flops. Yes, they are comfy and we all love them, but they do not photograph well.
Hair
Although we try to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair is supposed to look like. Make sure you like the look or let the photographer know your preferences. Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility.
We recommend that you get a hair cut at least a week in advance to allow enough time to train your hair to be styled the right direction and prevent too much of a color contrast from your scalp to your face and neck.
Facial hair should be trimmed so you look sharp!
Props
They are great! Bring props that help show who you are. Some popular choices are:
- Sports equipment (volleyball, basketball, football, softball bat, etc.)
- Sports uniforms
- Musical instruments
- Activity related items (dance, art, school clubs, etc.)
Glasses
Most lenses have a glare. The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they will loan you a similar pair without lenses. Do not worry about wearing glasses though. Just make sure they are clean.
Complexion
Makeup helps a lot here, but we do retouch your photos so please do not be concerned about minor breakouts. We have you covered! If your acne is more severe, you are still okay. We are happy to help you out with some extra retouching.
Start to drink more water a week before your shoot to help with clearing and hydrating your skin. Moisturize your skin and lips the night before and morning of your shoot to help your skin appear healthier.
Friends & Parents
Friends or parents are welcome and often can be a help. However, if they distract you, it may be best to meet them when the session is over. You are welcome to have a couple of shots with a girlfriend, best friend, sibling, or parent at no extra charge.
Weather
Do not worry about clouds because they even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But falling rain is an issue and we may have to reschedule. When the weather temps drop colder than 10 degrees in the winter, we may suggest to reschedule when it warms up. We will try to contact you first, but please call us at 907-903-4195 if you have any doubts or concerns.
Teeth
If you have braces, try not to worry about them. Give a natural smile and enjoy yourself. A good smile with braces is far better than the awkward smile that comes when you try to hide them. If desired, we can work to remove braces in Photoshop for an extra charge but will let you know if the final image looks unnatural.
Make sure to brush and floss your teeth well before your session and avoid eating or drinking anything right before your session that will stain or get stuck on your teeth.
Hands & Feet
Make sure to moisturize and groom your hands and feet. Trim and file your nails and cut any loose skin around your nails. We can photoshop any scars or scabs so don’t worry about those.