Q: How do I prepare for my shoot?
A: It's important that you're well-rested so that you will look your best in the photos. Therefore, you should be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before. Also, try to drink a lot of water. This will really help your skin look luminescent and give you a healthy glow. Regarding make-up, you want to apply it the same way you would when meeting with clients, associates, agents, casting directors, etc. The best version of your everyday make-up is a good way to think of it; I shoot with natural light so there's no need to pile on the make-up to combat the harsh light of strobes or flashes.
Q: Where will the shoot take place?
A: For your convenience, I come to you. This saves you the trouble of packing up your wardrobe (though please have your choices on hand and picked out in advance) and avoids gas costs and the hassle of finding directions. Also, I've found that being closer to a comfortable environment relaxes the person I'm shooting. We will most likely shoot somewhere outside such as in an alley, at a park or amongst some other greenery.
Q: Are there restrictions about what clothing I should choose?
A: Yes. White used sparingly can have a nice effect but a stark white shirt usually makes people look ghost-like and can cause an odd halo effect around them in the photos. On the opposite end, a solid black top will usually leave most people looking washed out or like a "floating head"; that said, a black jacket with a contrasting-colored shirt or a black shirt with a colorful jacket, sweater or even scarf, is fine. Finally, any excessively busy patterns or unusual bright colors, such as a bright orange shirt, will be distracting and take the focus away from you.
Q: I'm a little nervous about having my photo taken... is that normal?
A: Completely. Being in front of a camera is not where most people spend the majority of their time, even in our selfie-obsessed society, believe it or not. Having had more than my share of photophobic clients and first-time camera subjects, I know how to relax and reassure people. I have a low-key, laid-back style which creates a very relaxed environment. I do everything I can to ensure that each and every one of my clients is treated to a personal, productive and stress-free photo shoot. I very much believe that the key to a great portrait is working one-on-one with the client to bring out their unique personality and to help their individual strengths shine through.
Q: What happens after the shoot?
A: Within 72 hours of the shoot all of the photos from your session will be posted online in a password-protected photo gallery accessible via the Client Access button on the homepage of this site. As soon as the gallery is online you will be sent an email with your password. The photos will remain posted for one month, in which time you will be able to choose your photos for retouching. Once you've selected your photos and emailed me with your choices, they will be retouched and put on a disc with the rest of the photos from your shoot and then mailed to you within three weeks.