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Authentic Lifestyle Photography & Small Business empowerment| ARIZONA + WORLD WIDE

Fully Alive Photography

THE BLOG

AUTHENTIC PHOTOGRAPHY & SMALL BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT | ARIZONA + WORLD WIDE

General Shoot Day Tips & Tricks

Before The Shoot – To Consider

If you choose to do your makeup…

Make Those Eyes Pop

Photography tends to flatten life, so don’t be afraid to up the ante a little! Eyeliner and good mascara are a must, also do not be afraid to get some realistic false lashes! Take extra care on your mascara and really separate your lashes. Your eyes will be the most important factor in many of your images, so spend extra time making them look beautiful!

Not Clowning Around

Now you don’t need to put so much makeup on that you look like a clown, just apply the rest of your makeup like you normally would, but just a tad heavier on the foundation maybe to smooth pores. You may wish to use a little bronzer to shape the jawline/cheeks as well.

You might also pack the basics and bring them with you on the shoot in case you need a quick touch up.

Youtube has a million makeup tutorials as do many local hair & makeup places.

Most Of My Clients Use The Below HMU options… however I do have more recommendations! Just ask!

  • The Sparkle Bar- Alex is my dear friend and her studio is beautiful and her staff is kind
  • Donna Middlebrooks – Donna is wonderful! She is also able to come to your location and offers basic hair styling as well.
  • For just hair you can also consider the Dry Bar.

OH DEAR, WHAT DO I WEAR?

Some of these tips are geared for Brands but you get it!

Here are a few more wardrobe tips & tricks…

1.) DO NOT BE AFRAID

Don’t be afraid to wear what you love and showcases who you are! 

  • If you enjoy a fancy shoot in the middle of the desert, wear that favorite bow tie or ballgown! (FYI I LOVE A FANCY DESERT SHOOT!)
  • If you want a casual look then coordinate with a color theme, without all matching or wearing the exact color.
  • ABOVE ALL ELSE: Wear outfits you feel beautiful/handsome wearing- not what you think people expect you to wear. If you feel beautiful when you put on your outfits and look in the mirror, it will definitely show in your photographs. Have fun, be creative, but be happy in what you are choosing because happy is what happy does? What? That doesn’t even make sense… but you get the point. 

2.) HOW TO COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS

Think about your home, specifically a room. 

You would not paint all the walls the same color and match all the decorations exactly, but rather you would mix and match patterns, textures, and several colors to create a theme to the room.

That is how you want to view your outfits from group photos and even for your own outfit.

Consider the mood you want when you print these photos as well.

Do you want them colorful or calm and monotone?

Plan where you might want to hang them in your house when selecting your outfits and colors.

CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST WHAT TO WEAR BOARD (This is for families)

3.) NOT TOO MANY OPTIONS:

Most of my shoots only allow enough time for one outfit with the exception of engagements & extended creative commercial shoots. You can add time if you want!

If your shoot is longer than 1 hour you can bring another option though.

If you would like to wear an additional outfit, realize that this will have an impact on the amount of time we are able to spend shooting. Make sure your outfits are something that can be easily changed into at our chosen location.

Most clients with an outfit change will choose a casual look and a fancy look! Very fun.

  • Ladies: If you want to quickly change up an outfit quickly, bring different shirts or tank tops that can be layered with jackets, scarves, jewelry and a quick shoe change.
  • Gentlemen: bring a fun dressy casual shirt and then you can mix it up with a t-shirt and a button down shirt or an un-tucked button down shirt and a funky bowtie.

4.) FEET NEED LOVE

Sometimes people overlook the shoe choice. I LOVE shoes and I love to photograph them. (Yes, this means you get to go shoe shopping!) Bright colored flats, leather and bright colored flips flop, and some awesome converse are great! But bring a pair of flats to walk around if you plan to wear uncomfortable heels for the actual shoot.

5.) ACCESSORIZE / ADD A LITTLE FLARE

Hats, jackets, picnic, sports equipment, a kite, your motorcycle, your dog, a couch, a chair, balloons, fresh flowers & bouquets, gardening equipment, books, your laptop, iPod, iPad, or anything you can possibly think of that tells the story of you. This isn’t required, but it sure is tons of fun!

I am more than happy to help when it comes to choosing outfits. You are welcome to send me ideas or questions when selecting what you will wear I am more than happy to consult.

If you want the FULL wardrobe experience check out my client & wardrobe specialize Risa Kostis www.risakostis.com

Risa offers easy accessible virtual hourly wardrobe consulting as well as luxury memberships for those who want the whole shopping, scouting and wardrobe experience!

DAY OF YOUR SESSION

LOCK IT UP!

You can lock your major things like your purse, cell phones, and wallets in the car trunk of your car. I can carry around small items for you like car keys and lip gloss in my bag. I want your hands to be free during the session.

BUT I REALLY NEED IT!

If you must bring a lot of items to accommodate for props, blankets, outfit changes and kiddos, then BRING A ROLLING SOMETHING.

I HAVE TO PEE!

Go to the restroom right before you leave. Many places that we will go will not have restrooms nearby.

I NEED TO CHANGE!

Many of my clients change in their car, or on site if there are restrooms, but if not I have a pop up tent! Just remind me you need it! But I usually keep in my car!

I’ll take care of making you look fantastic and capturing your life and relationships as they really are so don’t worry about a thing. I realize most people are not used to being in front of a camera so I will be there giving you plenty of direction and lighten the mood with my own awkwardness.

Sometimes I might actually have you pose a certain way. Other times I might as you to do something. Remember that you don’t always have to sit like a stone statue or cheesy grin into the camera lens all the time. Do whatever feels most natural to you, I want you to remember your loved ones at this stage in your life.

NOTE FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDDOS:

I am a lifestyle photographer and if you picked me to photograph your special moments in life it’s because you love this style of photography over traditional portraiture.

That means I’m here to capture and help you remember your life as it truly is, don’t worry if your kid fell down and got a big cut right before the shoot ( I swear that ALWAYS happens!) or if your kids are not paying attention or smiling even a little, because most of our shots are going to be about engaging with one another not sitting and smiling perfectly at the camera anyways. I will off course ATTEMPT to get everyone looking somewhat put together. lol. But don’t worry about it.

I want you to remember the joy and treasure of life as it is, not how you wish it would be.

Because your life is wonderful and a treasure.

Embracing your life is what Fully Alive Photography is all about.

See you soon friends!!!!!

Joyfully,

Tracy