03 — How to Prepare
ready.
The difference between a good session and a great one usually comes down to preparation. Here's everything you need to know before shoot day — broken down by category.
Tired eyes, dull skin, and low energy all show up on camera. Skip the late night before your shoot and get at least 7-8 hours. Drink water the morning of. You'll look and feel sharper.
Prep your outfit, stole, and cap the night before. Factor in drive time, parking, and getting to the location — arriving stressed shows up in your first few shots. Get there 10-15 minutes early.
A hungry subject is a distracted subject. Eat a real meal 1-2 hours before your session. Bring a small snack and water to the shoot too. We'll be moving around a lot.
You are the focus — not what you're wearing. Solid colors photograph far better than busy prints, stripes, or logos. Lighter colors underneath your gown create a nice contrast.
Your gown comes folded and will have visible crease lines. Take it out the night before. Hang it in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will smooth most of it out.
Try your full look together at least once before the day of — stole, gown, outfit, shoes. Make sure everything works together and nothing clashes.
If you're wearing heels, bring flip-flops or flats as a backup. We'll be walking across campus and standing for extended stretches. Comfort translates on camera.
Outdoor light and camera settings tend to flatten features. Add a bit more contour, define your brows slightly more, and opt for matte finishes over glossy.
Grad shoot day is not the time to try something new. Go with a style you've worn before and feel confident in. If you're booking a blowout, schedule it the morning of your shoot.
Earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets all add to the look. But leave the Apple Watch or Fitbit at home — it reads as out of place in grad photos.
If you wear glasses, the lenses will catch light and create glare in outdoor shots. If you can remove the lenses beforehand, that's the cleanest fix.
Bring all your stoles and honor cords, a bouquet of flowers, champagne if you want that shot, or a calligraphy board. Skip smoke bombs, sparklers, balloons, and confetti.
We're going to be moving around a lot. You will sweat. A small handkerchief or face towel goes a long way between shots. Keep water on you.
Send me any poses, locations, or photos you love before we meet. The more I know going in, the more efficiently we can move through the session.
You've got the poses, the outfit, and the prep list. Time to book.