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 and beautiful. 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 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.

If you are self-conscious about your arms, avoid sleeveless or cap-sleeve shirts and tank tops, as they tend to make arms look fuller.

Avoid bold patterns, stripes and plaid. 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.

If you are comfortable in dresses, bring them! They photograph really well and offer a nice variety from your other casual clothing choices. We can mix dressy and casual dresses for some great looks.

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

We cannot say it loudly enough. Wear heels! Whether pumps or boots, dressy or casual, plain or sassy, heels really make you stand out and look glamorous. Flats can also work well if you mix them with the right outfit.

We will not photograph you in flip-flops. Yes, they are comfy and we all love them, but they do not photograph well.

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.

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. Any hair changes during the session should be quick and simple so you have as much camera time as possible.

Bring hair spray, clips, pins, and whatever else is needed to keep your hair out of your eyes if it’s windy. Also bring a brush and mirror for quick hair touch-ups.

Do not make drastic changes to your hairstyle right before your photo session. This could add unneeded drama to your life.

Makeup

Makeup that is well done is one of the best preparations you can make for your session. It will even out skin tones and help give your photos that extra pop for a model-like look. We recommend that you blend makeup into your neck and chest if needed. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup or wear very little, take the time to do it well and your photos will look their best.

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Mascara should be clean and not clumpy. Avoid makeup with an SPF because it tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

False lashes are beautiful and really can make a difference in your images. We recommend that you choose a set of lashes that look natural. Make sure to be mindful of the glue and placement of your lashes. They should be as close to your normal lash line as possible to ensure it blends seamlessly. Some lashes may create a shadow on your eyes. My goal is to feature your natural beauty and make you shine. I will work to have light reflecting in your eyes as much as possible.

We recommend that your eyebrows are well groomed and if you are applying makeup to them, make sure that the color blends naturally to your normal color. Blending is so important so it looks as natural as possible.

Jewelry

Keep it simple. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the important subject, you. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit.

All that being said, the proper jewelry can really complement your outfit. It is nice to have a variety to choose from and it does not hurt to bring numerous options with you.

Props

They are great! Bring props that help show who you are. Some popular choices are:

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.

Tanning

Tan lines are a distraction and take away from your photos. We suggest that if you use a tanning bed, use swimsuit tops that will minimize any existing tan lines. If you choose to tan outside or in a tanning bed, do not overdo it and keep your skin safe. We do not want you looking orange and leathery.

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 boyfriend, best friend, sibling, or parent at no extra charge.

Weather

Do not worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But falling rain is an issue and we may have to reschedule. We will try to contact you first, but please call us at 907-903-4195 if you have any doubts or concerns.

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.

Undergarments

Please make sure the colors of your undergarment coordinate well with your outfits and do not show through your clothing. If you need a strapless bra, please bring one to your session. Tucking or moving straps will not always work or give the most pleasing look. Check ahead of time to ensure that undergarments do not leave unpleasing lines underneath your clothing.

Finger & Toe Nails

If you paint your nails, make sure they are done well for your session. Chipped nail paint will show and distract from you. Avoid bright colors that will distract from you and may not work with all your outfits. Instead, opt for basic or natural tones.