If you're booking a stylized session with Shooting Star Photography, here's some information to help you prepare for your photo shoot.

OUR SIMPLE PREP SHEET

Hi good ol' Shooting Star family! I have pretty much everything up here on this website. We sure like to blog and stay current! We wanted to write out a little prep guide for our clients to make the most of your session. I do get questions, from time to time, about how our stylizing services work. I try to be as cohesive as possible to make the experience fun for my customers, and I keep the process very easy and convenient for everyone.

COMPLIMENTARY WARDROBE OR WARDROBE STYLING

* I provide dresses for girls and a few for moms. I also have some style prep you can use for the men and boys. These are all courtesy items for our customers. It does not mean you need to wear them. Often, many customers show up dressed and ready to kill.

If you do wear our offerings...

* I send out a questionnaire to all customers, even for special/mini sessions. It helps me get to know you and your family a little better. I like to capture people's personalities, and this helps me understand my clients better.

* This questionnaire is also pretty awesome because you can tell me what you expect to get out of your session.

* I ask for sizes.

* I often can email a client what I'm thinking of having their child wear. If that's not the case, I bring a whole truckload of dresses to choose from based on the theme and setting.

HOW TO ARRIVE TO YOUR STYLIZED SESSION

* I do recommend a very fresh-faced look (for children). No makeup, well-moisturized skin. Lip gloss or chapstick to keep your lips moist and prevent cracking during our session.

* In terms of hair, I like long and loose curls. Nothing crazy or dramatic. I honestly love capturing kids for who they really are, and I prefer a more natural approach. No long hair, no problem. We love short hair, too! A simple and fresh cut is always a plus about a week before your session. I can provide headpieces that will coordinate with your dresses. Just ask!

* I do suggest leggings if it's cold out. We can generally hide them under the dresses. I also provide shawls or furs for extra comfort during the cold winter months.

* For shoe choices, I prefer neutrals like silver, gold, black, brown, or taupe. They will go with anything and not be too distracting in your photographs.

* Try to wear neutral undergarments so that you won't have any crazy patterns or colors bleed through your clothing. For example, no black bras with a white T-shirt, unless you're a rebel. Then rock it!

Maternity Preparation

* I will bring three gowns for you to choose from. Please avoid flip flops as they do not photograph well. Closed toe shoes, boots, going barefoot, or neutral-colored sandals are preferred.

* I will also provide some headpieces for you to choose from. Please wear your hair the way you like it. However, what photographs best and my personal preference hair down, either straight or curly.

* Please bring nude boy shorts or underwear, and a nude strapless bra or nude bra in general. I do not provide these items due to hygiene reasons.

* Please keep makeup as simple as possible. Dark/heavy makeup does not mix well for outdoor portraits, as you will be moving around and may sweat a little. You do not want heavy makeup dripping all over your face.

* Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

* We include immediate family (if you have other children) and the father in the beginning of your session, so plan your outfit accordingly. Towards the end, we will ask you to change (if you want) and do some formal shots with the father, and then some formals of yourself.

* We will have an assistant on hand to help you with whatever you need.

Children's Prep Sheet

* At this time, we only have dresses and gowns for girls ages 1-14. We do have a few boys' items - please inquire.

* We pull about 3 items for a half-hour shoot and about 5-7 items for an hour shoot. We cycle our dresses frequently, so we aren't photographing the same dress all the time.

* Please arrive 15 minutes early, so we can dress your child in a wardrobe prior to the start of the session.

* Make sure your child is wearing neutral undergarments and is clean. Also, check for any boogers.—- you think I’m joking, but I’m not!

* Please bring a few pairs of dress shoes, preferably white, silver, gold, black or neutrals, as they can go with anything. We do not provide shoes for our clients.

* Makeup is not recommended for any child, as I like them to be children. I do not alter appearances as other photographers do and will not alter a child's appearance other than skin correction.

* We also have a wide selection of headpieces to choose from.

* We will not liquify ribs, alter ears, eyes, give nose jobs, or slim a child under any circumstances. We want your child to have a fun experience and feel like a princess. They will be treated as one!

* Bring water and snacks so that we can take breaks throughout the session, and your child can take a few moments for themselves.

Family Sessions

* At this time, we do not have a full inventory to style an entire family session. However, we can provide you with some great tips.

* Attention to detail is everything, including socks! Especially for men, we can see your socks in certain posing placements. Also, please keep phones out of pockets and hair ties off of wrists. We will do a quick check before we start our session.

* Wear neutral colors, pastels, or jeweled tones. Prints are okay, but nothing too loud.

* Textures film well. So if you have silks, chiffons, feathers, tulle, these are great choices to wear on camera!

* Please keep makeup light and fresh.

* Bring snacks and drinks for the kids, and make sure they are well-rested prior to their session.

* You can always contact me if you're undecided about a wardrobe selection. We're here to help!

* Dad’s- watch the color of your socks and bulging pockets full of keys or phones. Never a good look. Clean dress shirt or polo works wonders. Usually khaki’s or gray neutral pants go well. Neutral dress shoe.

The Big NO NO's!

My typical no no's are: 

1. Black or very dark colored clothing.  They do not look flattering on film. Weird right? As they always tell you it looks slimming. Black doesn’t do well on the beach. However, sometimes it can be appropriate for a moody effect, a field, forest or city or very formal portraits (which that can be killer).

2. Dark makeup. It may look pretty in person, but can have you looking freaky on camera.  Light makeup and a more natural look always looks best.

3. Bright colors and heavy prints. Lighter prints are okay.  Anything too crazy is going to be too distracting and it honestly looks awful in most situations.  Bright colors often times give color casts on skin which is why I usually don't recommend them. Jewel tones are great, neutrals, soft complimentary colors. When I say bright.. I mean the really saturated magentas, the fluorescent greens and oranges. They are usually a disaster.

.All outdoor sessions will take place about an hour to an hour and a half prior to sunset. On particular beaches, we may start about a half hour prior to sunset and work with the light when it has set.

As you can see above, it's a straight-forward simple preparation guide. I provide a wardrobe tent when on location for privacy when getting changed. I truly want my customers to have a seamless experience from start to finish, and I'll pretty much take care of everything. All you need to do is show up and smile. Hopefully, this was a nice little article for you, and I hope to see you soon! Feel free to reach out with any questions. I'm always here to help.

Happy Shooting!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography