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Well, hello there!


Look who's made it to Shoot Planner HQ! Let's roll up our sleeves and start preparing for your shoot.

To make sure it's smooth sailing from start to finish, I've made this handy guide to cover all the nitty-gritty details. Think of it as your personal roadmap to a stress-free photo session. 


Ready to dive in?

While my standard style is “emotionally driven lifestyle”, there are lots of different types of image categories I like to work with.  

DETAILS

Showcasing the beautiful bits that grace the female form. Collarbones, shoulders, arms, spines...these types of shots are perfect for a wall art display and to add visual balance to an album.

BEAUTY PORTRAITS

FINE ART NUDE

With or without clothes, these images include your face and a portion of your body. 

If you're here for skin I've got you covered.  These carefully composed shots exhibit a harmonious blend of aesthetics, with a keen attention to light, shadow, and form.  So often and especially with nudes... less is more.

CLASSIC BOUDOIR

 My boudoir style is elevated, effortless looking, and a beautiful celebration of the female form. Most boudoir style images are shot nude, or while wearing sheets or some form of lingerie or  loungewear.

IMAGES

Types of

TOP 10 WARDROBE

tips


HONESTLY, and I'm not even close to exaggerating here, wardrobe is really not that crazy important for the way that I shoot. Please, please, please don't stress out over wardrobe. Don't feel the need to run out and buy all new things. I can do a completely versatile and awesome shoot with a single scarf, or the sheets, or a sweater. Truly. Don't stress about it. 


With that out of the way...Here's some wardrobe tips to calm your nerves and help you decide what to bring.

01

The #1 Wardrobe Rule is...

Do NOT bring outfits that you don't love! I can't tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt them to say "I really don't like the way I look in this one, but I'll leave it up to you!". If you don't like the outfit, it's likely that you won't like photos of you in the outfit. Leave it at home.

02

Lingerie is NOT a must for boudoir.

Lingerie is NOT a must for boudoir. Don't be afraid to get creative! For a boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh high fishnets would go great with a cropped sweater or graphic tee. A gorgeous bra can be paired with a long flowing skirt. Your favorite tank top can be paired with no pants. Your 20 year old favorite tee shirt paired with cheeky bottoms will get the job done just perfectly. This is about YOU and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren’t.

03

For Beauty Portraits or Branding Images.

Structured and/or statement pieces work amazing. Your favorite blazer or jacket, a cocktail dress with an interesting neckline, or just a bodysuit and jeans….I want you to look and feel like yourself (just on your best day). 

04

If  You're Wearing
Thigh-highs...

Buy them 1-2 sizes TOO BIG according to the size chart on the back. Buying them in a size that supposedly "fits" according to the package size chart will likely result in the stockings giving a bit of thigh muffin top ;) We can get them to stay up for each "pose", or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.

05

Avoid Busy Patterns

As well as neon colors. They are often harsh on-camera and a bit unflattering so try to avoid them.  It doesn’t have to be complicated…in fact, I welcome simplicity!  Less is usually more.

06

Variety is the Spice of Life

Try to incorporate a variety of pieces into your wardrobe selections. Having 5 different bra and panty sets won't allow for a whole lot of variety in your photos. Rather, have something formal, something casual, something super textured and fun, something more modest, to something black and sleek...you get the idea.

07

Pressed and Pretty

Make sure your wardrobe selections aren't wrinkled, and cut all the tags off of your sheer items before arriving.

08

Avoid Props

Unless it’s your second shoot with me, or unless you’re super crazy confident and comfortable! Props and uncertainty go together like…like…awkward school portraits.

09

When in Doubt...

Have several outfits picked out and we can go through them together before your shoot to determine what will photograph best. We will have time for 3 outfits plus a between the sheets or nude outfit

10

Consider Artistic Nudes...

for a super easy, low maintenance, and FREE wardrobe option.

figures

FLATTERING ALL 

Flat Butts

Curvy Bodies

Shorter Legs

Thin/No Curves

Small Chest

"Mom Boobs"

Scars and Stretch Marks

All women are beautiful.  Curves, no curves, all shapes, all sizes. I often get questions from clients saying "I'm curvy - what should I wear?" or "I have no butt!". Here's a few tips based on the most common "complaints" I get from women and how to enhance those features with wardrobe.

BRING ON THE FORM-FITTING ITEMS! I adore bodysuits, tight dresses, and nothing at all….especially for voluptuous bombshells. We often see curvy women trying to cover up more, but often that has the opposite effect they think it will. Allowing me to pose you so that we can see your figure and celebrate it is the way to go.

Thongs tend to make a butt look fuller than full-coverage bottoms or g-strings. Play around in the mirror with different styles to see what you like best. And don't worry, I'm a PRO at creating curves in posing where there aren't any otherwise! I can get a killer booty shot with any level of curve (or lack thereof).

High heels with a THIN heel rather than chunky! Avoid shoes with thick ankle straps or a square toe. Nude shoes naturally elongate the legs.

That’s all in the posing-girl! Form fitting options and "nothing at all" work great as I pose the heck out of you to make you look and feel bodacious.

Underwires and balconettes are lovely, as well as NO BRA AT ALL (my personal favorite for small chested women) And also, small boobs rock. So please don't feel the NEED to create extra "oomph" unless it's something that really concerns you.

If your breasts are a bit lower or “floppier” than you’d like them to be, just be sure to snag a bra with some support, or form fitting bodysuits that will keep them at bay. Posing will play a huge role here, and I’m really good at that. So…bring your mom boobs my way and we’ll embrace the hell out of them!

My personal belief is that scars tell a story. Sometimes clients wish they didn’t have to be permanently reminded of that story, and other times, clients embrace their scars and say they’re a part of them. For this reason, I will never edit out a scar or stretch mark unless a client specifically requests it….and if they do, in fact, request that retouching, I will happily do that at no additional charge. This is a VERY personal topic and it’s not my decision to make. I welcome scars and stretch marks, but I also support a woman’s decision to conceal them if they would like!

be sure to:

get your beauty sleep!

Seriously.  Photoshop can't fix tired!

brush your lips

Sounds weird, right?! Dry lips are very hard to fix in post processing. In the days leading up to your photoshoot, use your toothbrush while brushing your teeth to also make a few passes over that pucker of yours. This will help shed dead skin. After that, apply a moisturizing lip balm...repeat, repeat, repeat.

pamper yourself

lather on the lotion

bring extra wardrobe options

plan ahead

wear loose fitting clothing

trust me

start getting comfortable in less clothing

Go a few days before your shoot and get a manicure and pedicure! This will give you a finished, polished look. Chipped polish can be distracting.

Supple is key for beautiful skin! Be sure to moisturize twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. Don't use tinted lotions or anything with color.

Bring at least 4-5 different outfits, and accessories only if you usually wear them. We may not use it all, but it never hurts to have options and/or a backup.

Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photo shoot like feeling rushed or late! You should plan for traffic and arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled start time. If you end up getting here early the Sunn Cafe just downstairs from us is a great place to get a cup of joe while you wait.

Or bring a lightweight, soft robe without any undergarments on to wear while getting your makeup done. This will allow for any marks from tight bras, etc to even out so they don't show up in your images. Avoid your big furry winter robe as that will tend to leave little dimples in your skin AND I find that most clients have a higher body temperature while they are getting makeup done because of nerves...it's hard to do makeup when you're sweating!

I won't make you do anything that is going to make you look bad. I'm a pro. I've been doing this for a long time and I know how to make a woman look good with killer poses, strategic lighting, and appropriate camera angles. I have quite literally worked with EVERY body type and insecurity. I've got you covered. Don't stress. (Easier said than done, I understand.)

Women come in varying degrees of comfortability in their skin.  If you feel like you are on the less comfortable side of the spectrum, (especially if we're shooting you in the buff), start walking around naked.  Really!  Get comfortable without clothes on.  Even if it's just a matter of spending a few extra minutes in your bedroom morning and night.  Lock the bathroom door and blow dry your hair or put your makeup on in the buff.   While your at it, say a few self love mantras or simply tell yourself, "Girl...you're fine!!!".

“A mess of beautiful contradictions make her whole, she wears fire for skin but a storm lives in her soul.”

- Nikita Gil

don't you dare:

party the night before your shoot

If you're nervous, try a bubble bath and a yoga class. Hangovers aren't sexy. Lawwd do I know it. 

bring a construction hat (or other props)

 If you have jewelry that has sentimental value, absolutely bring it! But avoid jerseys, military apparel, weapons (yes, really), sports equipment, etc...

drink red wine to calm your nerves

forget to stretch

get a new haircut/color immediately before your shoot

talk smack on yourself

spray tan

Don't drink a bottle of red wine right before you show up in efforts to calm your nerves! #1-It will stain your teeth and lips. #2-Drunk doesn't photograph pretty either.

Many of these poses, while they look effortless, are quite unnatural feeling. Take a few minutes on the morning of your shoot to stretch your arms, legs, hips, and especially your back. People are surprised to see how sore their muscles get after something as silly as a photo shoot, so any extra flexibility you can add by a quick yoga flow will only benefit you.

Now isn’t the time to experiment with a whole new look.

I don't want to hear about how you hate your hips. I want to hear about how you LOVE your legs. A great attitude will go a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience! HOWEVER...if you really feel the need to discuss the thing that bothers you the most about your body, just let me know by saying "I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___". I will be extra careful to play down your "flaws"...but I will ALSO make it my challenge to take the best damn image featuring your ____ so you have a new-found appreciation for it ;) 

I know you think that you look better with a tan...but I assure you, even if you don't see the streaks and unevenness with your naked eye, the camera will pick them up. You will photograph a lot more tan than you think you look and spray tans will photograph orange in color images. Trust me on this!! On that same note, no tinted lotions or bronzers on your body. Even after this warning I get a lot of women who message me to say that they’ve been spray tanning for years and they cannot fathom not doing so before a photo shoot. Of course I will still photograph you, but unfortunately my standard retouch will not account for spray tan correction, so just keep that in mind.

character

"Beauty is the opposite of perfection-it's about confidence, charisma & CHARACTER."

WHAT TO EXPECT

no. 01

HAIR & MAKEUP

On the day of your shoot, your hair and makeup will be done by a member of our glam squad. You should have your face clean and moisturized, and your hair dry and ready to be heat styled when you arrive. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing while getting makeup done and let us know in advance if you have any skin allergies at all. 

no. 02

THE SHOOT

Once the shoot begins, you can expect me to give you tons of encouragement and direction. I will not expect you to super model pose throughout your shoot. I will show you what to do, and encourage improvising whenever you feel comfortable. I will say things to elicit laughter whenever possible, too...so be prepared (or, actually, don't. It's better that way.)  At the end of your shoot,  I’ll get you scheduled for your photo reveal appointment so you know exactly when you’ll be seeing your images. I’ll also give you a high five because, GIRL, you rocked it.

no. 03

THE BIG REVEAL

Within 1-3  weeks of your shoot, you will have your photo reveal appointment with me so that you can see all of your images and order anything you'd like. You should be prepared to place your full order on the day of your photo reveal and ordering appointment. Even if you've pre-paid one of the collections I always recommend you bring a form of payment with you the day of your reveal. That way if you fall in love with more images than you've paid for, you're in the clear. It happens!

Within 1 month of your photo reveal appointment, all of your purchased products will be ready.

Within 6 months of your photo reveal appointment, you’ll want to do this again. Trust me.

Any questions?? PLEASE don't hesitate to ask, dahhling! I'm here to help!

Time line

BOUDOIR

  • Shop for wardrobe
  • Make your hair appointment for 2-3 weeks before your session.
  • Get a mani/pedi
  • Wax
  • Drink extra water. It will help your skin to look amazing.
  • Get your hair done. 
  • Make all your girly maintenance appointments such as mani/pedi and waxing appointment. I recommend a neutral color on nails. 
  • Try on wardrobe if you haven't already to make sure everything fits and there isn't something missing or ripped etc...

1 - 2 MONTHS BEFORE

THE WEEK OF YOUR SESSION

2 - 3 WEEKS BEFORE

More

  • Shave if you haven't waxed.
  • Moisturize your face and body.

The studio address is 201 1/2 E MainSt., Mount Horeb.  I am located on the second floor, directly above the Sunn Cafe. The door is just to the left of Bergey Jewelry.  

See you soon!

  • Shave if you don't wax.
  • Wash your hair. 
  • Go through wardrobe and make sure you have everything you need including accessories. Cut tags off that show through lace.
  • Get a good night's sleep.

THE MORNING OF YOUR SHOOT

THE NIGHT BEFORE

THAT'S IT!  YOU'RE READY!

More

Your Last Minute "Morning of" Checklist

✓ Eat a light breakfast.  Hydrate.

✓ Check the weather and traffic so you allow enough time to get here.

✓ Cut off any lingerie tags that may show through sheer fabric.

✓ Double check you've packed everything.  

✓ Moisturize.

✓ The studio address is 201 1/2 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, WI.  Parking is available on the street or there are two public lots.  One a block north of the studio and one a block south.

✓ Plan to arrive up to 10 minutes before your scheduled time.  If you arrive early, the Sunn Cafe downstairs is a great place to grab a snack or a beverage while you wait.

See you soon!