Through years of developed expertise, practical knowledge and prowess, our photographers certainly know what it takes to create beautiful imagery. Photographs that not only look aesthetically stunning, but that also reflect the true character of the subjects, and the emotion within.
Speaking of emotions – it’s very common to feel nerves arise a few days before the shoot, especially if it’s your first Verve experience. To assist in calming those nerves and to best guide you through this process, we’ve collated some wisdom and advice from our specialist photographers to help in preparing for your shoot.
Some practical pearls of wisdom to ensure you feel super confident leading into your portrait session. These tips will assist in alleviating those nerves, helping you to get the most out of the incredible process.
Pre-session phone call
Did you know, before your portrait session, our in-house stylist will give you a call to talk you through the process? Our talented and accomplished stylists have guided hundreds, possibly thousands of families through preparing for their session. They have the expertise and knowledge to best answer all of your questions, as well as walk you through exactly what you can expect on the day. Utilise this phone call and time to voice any queries you may have, as our stylists will call upon their years of experience to make you feel completely comfortable, confident and ready for your photo shoot! The styling call will generally take place 5-10 days prior to your session with us.
Feeling nervous about being in the photos yourself?
Get your glow on!
Getting a haircut or beauty treatments before your session
When we are preparing to have our photo taken, it can be tempting to trial a new beauty treatment or hairstyle right beforehand to feel fresh and new. Especially when it comes to shorter haircuts, there can often be visible tan lines or sharp edges with very fresh trims. (I’m sure we have all done this at some point in our lives!)
Our advice is to trial anything new such as haircuts, tans or other beauty treatments like facials or peels at least a week (or more) before your picture. This will give it time to ‘settle in’, and you can have your photograph taken feeling like your natural, beautiful self.
Hair & Makeup
Here in the studio, we have lighting that will make your skin look fabulous! (We mean, seriously fabulous) and a team of photographers and retouchers with one main goal- to have you SHINE. However, when it comes to makeup and hair, if you feel you’d like to add even more of a touch of glam, by all means head to the hair-dresser or get your make-up done before the shoot. Mani and pedicure too if you wish, especially if you have a baby, as your hands will feature in many shots.
Home Styling consult
What if my kids don’t behave? Or we are not having the best day?
Clothing care
Choose your outfit a few days before to help you feel ultra prepared for the day (shoes included!) Pick an outfit you feel incredible in, and we suggest to you bring along a few alternate options (even if just tops). Your portraits are likely to outlast your furniture and most items in your home, so keeping in mind they will be around for decades to come we suggest avoiding logos or any outfits that you feel will date stylistically. Keeping it simple, relaxed and comfortable clothing-wise means you will feel yourself and relaxed during your shoot. Don’t be afraid to include textures, as they can add a real depth and warmth to the imagery which we love, especially when it comes to black and white photographs.
Once you have an outfit that you feel great in, it’s time to work out the rest of the family. We suggest placing the outfits all on a bed and see how they work together. In terms of aesthetics look for harmony and coordination, not clashing patterns or colours.
If you have older kids or teens, get them to pack a small bag of their favourite items. Hats, boots, jewellery, scarves… anything that they feel is them. If you have young children in the photos, perhaps save their best outfit and put them in a travelling top for the ride, in case of spills along the journey.
Snacks
Speaking of spills, (and how to avoid them!) We will serve refreshing drinks or coffee at the studio, but it is a great idea to bring along some snacks for the kids that won’t be messy on the clothes. Crackers, popcorn, muesli bars etc. All the fun and energy they exert tends to make them hungry mid shoot.
We can’t wait to meet you and your family,
Team Verve x
