Hints and Tips

In this section we've put together a list of handy hints and tips to ensure you know what to expect and what works best at your shoot.

Clients are asked to kindly read our Etiquette section before their visit.
 

Arriving at the studios

A sitting typically takes about an hour and we ask for you to arrive promptly at your appointment time. When we photograph people we want it to be a fun and enjoyable experience so before we go into the studio we like to talk about your likes and dislikes. This gives us a chance to get to know you and your family and for them to relax.

What to wear For Him

• Have a shave before you come as stubble can show up in photographs.
   
• Choose simple and comfortable clothing that you know works well. It's also a good idea to coordinate your look if you are planning to have couple or family shots to reinforce the fact that you are a group and belong together.

For Her

• Opt for simple clothing, most poses are from the waist up so concentrate on what you wear on your top half. Bright colours work well and dark clothing tends to minimise body size. Avoid busy patterns and logos as they can easily dominate a picture.
   
• A good tip is to visualise a look or style you want to achieve and then choose your wardrobe selection accordingly. Once again if you're planning group shots then co-ordinate your look.
   
• Be sparing with jewellery as less is definitely more when it comes to portraits.
   
• Always make sure your hair looks its best.

Make-up Tips
 

• Make-up can be an extension of your wardrobe and can change the way you look and feel during the shoot. See below for some hints and tips for those who want to look their best.
   
• The lights in the studio are very bright you should put more make up on than you normally do, so you don't look washed out.
   
• Bring out you natural beauty by using a foundation that matches your face and neck colour, and don't forget to apply it to your eyelids and neck for a more natural look. This also helps eye shadow to stay on longer, or better still use an eyelid primmer we love Benefit's product lemonade.
  A matte foundation works work's well and helps give skin a smoother more flawless appearance. Then sweep loose translucent powder with a large powder puff to keep your freshly applied make up from running in hot and humid conditions.
   
• Don't over-pluck your eyebrows or try a new shape the morning of the shoot as it may look unnatural.
   
• When applying extend your eye shadow above the lid (crease) and use a light shadow or highlighter right beneath your brow to open up your eyes and make them appear larger.
   
• Lip liner looks great for vibrant sexy defined lips, ensure that the liner matches your lipstick, and add lip gloss for a hi-shine and polished look.
   
• For a sultry sexy look sweep bronzing powder underneath your cheeks and jawbone this will also make your face look slimmer.
   
• Make your nose appear smaller by adding a little shimmer crème or powder down the bridge of your nose.
   
• When selecting eye colour always take direction from your hair, rather than your eyes or your clothes. Enhance your beauty don't mask it.
   
• If the area under your eyes looks darker find a concealer that both lightens and covers up dark circles. The same concealer you use for dark circles can also be used to help hide age spots. Apply just a touch of concealer to the spot you want to hide, and pat it on to blend. Add more if needed, and then put your foundation on over that. 
   
• If you want to achieve thick lashes apply several thin coats of mascara. If you experience clumping, wipe the excess mascara from your brush with a tissue or place your mascara tube in warm water for a few minutes (tightly closed, then leave to cool down and away you go again). Express your personality - use the photo shoot to be who you want to be.