So you hired a photographer. Now what?
Congratulations are in order! You hired a photographer! No easy task when you have so many to choose from but I'm assuming if you're here it's because you saw something in my work that called out to you. The stars have aligned and the hard part is done. Now all that's left is to show up and let me do the rest. My goal is to give you the best and most fluid experience possible.
You may still have questions like "What do I wear?" "Where do we shoot?" "Do I have to do my own makeup and hair?" "Do I need props?" "Should I paint my nails?" "Should I get a spray tan?" "Will you teach me how to pose?" "Can you make me look ten years younger?" "Will you take a few inches off my waist?" "Can I bring a friend?" "Do you charge a travel fee?" "Do you have a studio?" "Is it too late to change my mind? I'm so nervous, oh god what have I done??"
Deep breath. No need to stress. This simple guide will answer all those questions and more so you know exactly what to expect and how best to prepare so the shoot goes as smooth as possible.
Deep breath. No need to stress. This simple guide will answer all those questions and more so you know exactly what to expect and how best to prepare so the shoot goes as smooth as possible.
1. Define your ideal Client
Before you can decide what to wear you'll need to define and understand who you're marketing to, your perfect client. Once you know exactly who your target audience is you can narrow down what speaks to them. If you're a sales rep at Lamborghini your perfect client is most likely an upperclass male in his 40s, 50s, or 60s who loves luxury sports cars. How do you think he'd want the person selling him his next Lime green 2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO to dress?
Maybe you're a barber and you own or work at a hip new vintage barber shop and you specialize in hair styling and beard trimming. So your ideal clients would be men with beards or better yet, beard care brands like Daily Grind Beard Co. What type of guy do they want to work with? Well they would probably connect best with someone just like them! So grab your best outfit, get your hair cut and beard trimmed and prepare to dazzle.
Pro Tip for the Bearded men. To keep beard dandruff under control make sure you use a good beard oil before the shoot so your beard looks nice and healthy during the photo session. And Keep some Beard Balm or Styling Gel-Pomade on hand to keep those fly away hairs in check.
Maybe you're a barber and you own or work at a hip new vintage barber shop and you specialize in hair styling and beard trimming. So your ideal clients would be men with beards or better yet, beard care brands like Daily Grind Beard Co. What type of guy do they want to work with? Well they would probably connect best with someone just like them! So grab your best outfit, get your hair cut and beard trimmed and prepare to dazzle.
Pro Tip for the Bearded men. To keep beard dandruff under control make sure you use a good beard oil before the shoot so your beard looks nice and healthy during the photo session. And Keep some Beard Balm or Styling Gel-Pomade on hand to keep those fly away hairs in check.
2. What to Wear
Now that you've defined your ideal client you should have some idea of what your target audience is drawn to as far as location and wardrobe are concerned. Are you an aspiring model wanting to get signed by a local modeling agency? Dress according to the type of modeling you're wanting to pursue. High Fashion? Dress Fashionable. Wanna be a fitness model? Choose your dream client like Nike for instance and wear Nike head to toe so you can present them with the photos taken as if you were already modeling for them.
Are you a personal trainer? You might want to wear something sporty and form fitting or maybe even shirtless. Show off those guns and abs. Maybe you're a yoga instructor, I would wear yoga apparel and choose a tranquil outdoor location or a yoga studio.
Are you a personal trainer? You might want to wear something sporty and form fitting or maybe even shirtless. Show off those guns and abs. Maybe you're a yoga instructor, I would wear yoga apparel and choose a tranquil outdoor location or a yoga studio.
Do you sell dark gothic jewelry online? Perhaps you want to wear something dark and edgy with fierce makeup and hair. Maybe you're a travel blogger/influencer or dance instructor, you might wear something more casual, light and airy.
I always suggest solid colors over patterns, stripes, big graphics, or logos unless the clothing is your brand in which case the clothing is the focal point. Of course darker colors are more slimming if that's a concern. Personally I love layers like jackets or blazers and earth tones. I'll post some of my favorite looks I've shot below, but most importantly above all else wear what you're comfortable in. Wear what makes you feel confident and sexy because if you aren't comfortable in your outfit you wont feel empowered.
Outfit Ideas for Men
Photos taken by Lance Reis
Great Outfit Ideas for Men
Photos found on Pinterest
Outfit Ideas for Women
Photos taken by Lance Reis
3. Do I have to do my own makeup and hair?
You are absolutely welcome to do your own hair and makeup but if you don't feel comfortable with your abilities don't worry, we can help. Makeup & hair is not included, however I recommend Renée from Renée J. Beauty if a MUA is needed.
For a MUA you can fill out their intake form HERE.
deej (RJB’s Management) will receive a surge of serotonin when she hears your booking chime in, and will be in touch with you promptly!
Ask about the premium packaging that includes getting prepared, versed, styled, coached, and fine tuned for your end goal. It includes multiple video consults to get you prepared, establish expectations, help you get your wardrobe dialed in, all the BTS. This also books Renée on set for directing, lighting assist, posing, handholding, styling, HMU look changes.
This investment facilitates your entire photoshoot from beginning to end which elevates your images and experience tremendously. Clients have nicknamed it our “Make a Model” / “Branding Essentials” package. This is why she is my MUA go to for all lifestyle and personal branding clients.
Text/email deej with any questions:
(619)341.3328
reneejbeauty@gmail.com
For a MUA you can fill out their intake form HERE.
deej (RJB’s Management) will receive a surge of serotonin when she hears your booking chime in, and will be in touch with you promptly!
Ask about the premium packaging that includes getting prepared, versed, styled, coached, and fine tuned for your end goal. It includes multiple video consults to get you prepared, establish expectations, help you get your wardrobe dialed in, all the BTS. This also books Renée on set for directing, lighting assist, posing, handholding, styling, HMU look changes.
This investment facilitates your entire photoshoot from beginning to end which elevates your images and experience tremendously. Clients have nicknamed it our “Make a Model” / “Branding Essentials” package. This is why she is my MUA go to for all lifestyle and personal branding clients.
Text/email deej with any questions:
(619)341.3328
reneejbeauty@gmail.com
4. How do we decide location?
Location is key to any great photo. Business headshots in front of a solid color backdrop is so dated but I'm happy to do it. My clients want a background that fits their personality and brand. If you're a tattoo artist or in a band you will probably want a totally different vibe than the CEO of a marketing firm. Are you a chef? Screw the solid backdrop, lets get you in a kitchen! Most common locations would be a park, open field, forest, urban (classy city vibes, grungy industrial vibes, small town vibes). Of course living in Oregon rain is always a possibility so some clients prefer an indoor location. This is usually in their office, place of business, airbnb, Hotel, Cafe, or one of the many studios on Peerspace. If you have a general idea of what you'd like as the background I am happy to make a recommendation. I try to avoid shooting at a clients home and in downtown Portland as the crime rate has gotten out of control. See my location suggestions here.
5. Do I need props?
I always suggest bringing something to do with your hands. Props are great for this and they help you tell your story. So anything you use for work are great to have with you such as, laptop, notepad, cellphone, tools, books, etc.
6. Should I paint my nails?
Yes! or at least make sure they are clean and manicured. Nothing ruins a photo quicker than nails half painted and chipping off.
7. Should I get a spray tan?
Alot of my clients go tanning a day or 2 before the shoot but honestly I can make you as tan or pale as you'd like in post so no it's not necessary.
8. Will you teach me how to pose?
Yes I will guide you through posing. Don't be fooled, many of my clients may look like models but most of them have little to no experience posing. I like to show my clients images from my phone for posing reference during the shoot and I adjust you from there. Super simple. For inspiration you can checkout my list of 27 posing ideas for women.
9. Can you make me look ten years younger?
I get asked this all the time and my answer is always, I will make sure you look flawless. Worthy of the cover of your favorite high fashion magazine. That being said, I have a base from which I start as far as editing goes. How much or how little editing is done is 100% up to you. After I send you one of your photos edited in my style you can tell me if you'd like the editing dialed up or down moving forward :)
10. Will you take a few inches off my waist?
As a photographer who celebrates and promotes loving the body you're in I have chosen not to change the bodies of my clients. I wont make your ass bigger or waist smaller. Of course I can edit blemishes, scars, pimples, moles, or stretch marks as desired.
11. Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! Many women are more comfortable if they bring someone and I totally understand that. Just make sure they know I might put them to work! haha Having a friend or loved one there can actually make you more comfortable and get more natural smiles and laughs so I actually encourage it.
12. Do you charge a travel fee?
Yes I do if I'm driving more than 10 miles outside of Wilsonville. The fee will depend on how far I have to travel but we can discuss this when picking a location .
13. Do you have a studio?
Unfortunately I do not at the moment but if one is needed one can be rented by the hour on Peerspace.
14. More Questions
If you're curious about anything I haven't mentioned please reach out to me. I can't wait to help you build your brand.