Are you photo ready for any photos you’ll be in for holiday greeting cards? Yes, I said holiday. Even though 2 months away, start to prep now.As I got myself ready for a photo shoot for the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Fashion Flash <insert squeeeeeeel!>I did my homework to be photo ready. Here’s what I did – and what you can do – if you’re planning any upcoming photo sessions with local photographers.
5 Easy Ways to Prep for a Photo Shoot
Skincare
Get that glow! Book a Silk Peel or Microderm or something to give you a rejuvinated and healthy glow to your complexion. Anew MedSpa in Cleveland hooks you up with a GORGEOUS natural glow for photo-worthy images! Anew MedSpa is TOP rated for MANY other popular procedures like Botox and injectibles.
- Silk Peel
- Schedule an appointment. Do it the day before a BIG event or party or celebration. (Your GLOW will be the best within 24 hours after your treatment.)
- Wrinkle Remover
- Botox: not only removes wrinkles – it removes migranes. Did you know that Botox was FIRST used to fight off migrane pain, but when people saw the side-effects of their wrinkles disappearing… Win-Win!
- Reduces frown lines, wrinkles, fine lines, and other noticeable signs of aging
- It can also effectively reduce underarm sweating, migraines, TMJ pain and more
- It is a non-surgical procedure -only takes about 15 minutes to complete
- Results typically last up to 3 months
- Discomfort is typically very minimal and no downtime is required
- Botox: not only removes wrinkles – it removes migranes. Did you know that Botox was FIRST used to fight off migrane pain, but when people saw the side-effects of their wrinkles disappearing… Win-Win!
Mani/Pedi
Splurge. Get a professional polished nail. Looking at your chipped nail in a family photo might drive you crazy.
- Vibe: Clean, groomed.
- Color: Simple and classic. Light pinks are always a win.
Wardrobe
Dress to impress yourself. Remember that a pair of shoes can change your life… so remember that as you select what you will wear in a photo. And if it doesnt make you feel fabulous – put it back on the hanger.
- Confirm: Choose your outfits, then TRY THEM ON to confirm your outfit choices. Sometimes we choose, but once we put them on it’s a major No. Know what I mean?
- Iron: Next, place back on hangers and hang in a closet to keep your clothing wrinkle-fre until your photo shoot.
- Bring a steamer to the shoot to remove any random wrinkles.
- Options. Bring a few outfits, just in case.
Makeup
MakeupNow’s not the time to experiment with mastering a cat eye or contouring. Trust the professionals.
- Schedule. Make an appointment. Dont assume you can be a walk-in.
- Call your favorite makeup counter
- Ask if they do complimentary makeup sessions. Even if they don’t, most only require a small fee, and its WORTH it.
- BUY the lipstick/gloss they use on you for re-application during the photo shoot.
- Cleveland Makeup Recommendation…
- Chantecaille at the Nordstrom Beachwood Place. Ask for Doreen! (216.378.2121)
Hair
HairLet your hair do the talking – so don’t let that be a boring conversation. Happy hair, happy photos, happy life.
TIP: Schedule your stylist as soon as you make the date for your photo shoot. The chances of having a bad hair day the 1 day you NEED it to look it’s best is almost a given (MurphysLaw) when you schedule a photographer – so let the professionals take care of your tresses!
Caroline at the Woodmere Salon Loft location in Cleveland is talented, as you can see! Treat yo’self and schedule an appointment with by email HERE or call 814.860.0326. Caroline books up far in advance, so my advice is to schedule her now! I was LUCKY (and grateful) to have Caroline Tredway style my hair while Ashley Varcelli-New was on maternity leave.
And…(drum roll please)... Sharing a FEW of the FINAL results from my photo shoot with the Cleveland Plain Dealer!
Check out the Cleveland Plain Dealer‘s ONLINE version HERE, bt if you live local in the CLE be sure to pick up a print copy of the paper this SUNDAY (or maybe next Sunday)! #ThisIsCLE!
Have the MOST amazing Fri-YAY and thanks for the love!
you are looking great! I love a fun photo shoot, but it wakes so much more prep than people realize. It takes a lot of effort to get those awesome pictures.
Thank you so much! It takes a village! But I definitely had a great time.
You look amazing! I just pampered myself and did a big photo shoot where they did my makeup and hair and everything, its the most fun I have had in while.
Thanks, hun! It is really super fun even if you have to prepare so many things!
These are such great tips! And I just read your feature in the Cleveland Plain Dealers and watched the video! All fabulous and totally you! So proud to say I knew you when :). Way to go Glam Karen on following your heart and making your dreams a reality. You rock. And to top it all off, you make such a wonderful difference inspiring kids lives everyday. Amazing! All the best!
Wow, you look fantastic! 🙂 I must admit I don’t usually spend that much time to prep myself for a photo shoot. Thank you for these ideas – a very helpful post.
Thank you so much! I hope this helps you in future photo shoots! I really had a great time and I was especially excited since it’s a feature about me!
Thanks for the great tips, Karen – you look amazing! This photo shoot looks like so much fun. I can’t remember doing anything like this since I was a Senior in high school. And that was a few years ago. ha
You are so welcome! Thank you, girl! I had so much fun with this shoot!
Never do your own makeup and hair for a photo shoot. It will be a disaster! I’ve known people who’ve gone to makeup counters to get their makeup done for free before a shoot. Great tip about buying the lipstick. You’ll surely need to reapply. And it makes me better to buy something small after I get a makeover anyway!
That’s so true! It’s a nice hack especially if you’re under a tight budget! It does feel better to buy something from the store afterwards.
That is some good preparation! You look great and i like all of you options. Thanks for all the tips and run down.!
It was also so much fun preparing for the shoot! I hope these tips help!
The holidays are my favorite time of year and we ALWAYS get photos done! Thank you so much for your insightful knowledge on how to better prepare yourself for them.
Hope these tips help you prepare for the Holidays! I’m sure you’re going to look stunning in those photos!
Congrats on being in the Plain Dealer! These are great tips to get ready for a photo shoot, especially trying on the clothes beforehand!
Thank you! That’s so true, the clothes tip is really helpful!
I loved all the outfits and accessories you chose for these photos. It looks like it was such a fun photo shoot. It’s amazing what all goes into creating really great photos.
I enjoyed putting those outfits together! I definitely had a great time. It’s such a meticulous but fun process.
These look great!!! Also, I love the idea of having hair blown out and doing some facials before. Keeping that in mind!
Thanks! Those are awesome tips that you should try the next time you’re doing a shoot.
I’ve always wanted to do a professional photo shoot and have someone do my makeup and hair. The last time i had that done was for a wedding. I remember thinking the makeup was so intense but it looked good in pictures which is all that mattered.
I think the make-up is always a little more intense when you’re going to events or shoots. It was really fun preparing for this one!
You look so lovely! I really like to do photo shoots but haven’t done one in such a long time. These are great tips as you want the photos to show the best version of you 🙂
Thank you! It was really fun! I hope you get to schedule a shoot soon. I agree, glad you like the tips!
You look so good! I haven’t tried a lot of those things before but definitely considering giving them a go now!
I hope you do! These tips are tried and tested!
OMG I love the third picture, the palm tree leaf pants! Such a fabulous look. I totally do all these steps whenever I’m preparing for a self portrait. Though usually I do the face peel at home and I would love to go out for that one!
Thank you so much! I love those pants as well. Aren’t they just awesome and they make the whole process of preparing even more fun! Facials are great!
I’ve prepared for a shoot before, it wasn’t for a feature like this though, it was more about working on my self confidence. I think these are great tips! I prepared my skin for weeks, the wardrobe too.
Isn’t it a lot of fun when you’re preparing for a shoot? It’s really important that we take good care of our skin! I also enjoyed picking out my clothes!
This is great, and that last outfit with the dress and boots is fab!
Thank you! I love that dress and the boots as well.
You are so beautiful! My niece had her photoshoot few months ago and it was so hard for her to prepare all stuff. I’ll let her read this post!
Aww, thank you so much! It’s hard work but it’s also a lot of fun!
I agree to let the hair do the talking! lol It’s the very first point of focus for me before any photo shoot. My make up is second! Love all of your pics and outfits!
Totally! Thank you, I really enjoyed picking out all of those outfits!
Great tips Karen! You look fantastic.
Thank you so much!
Great tips! Your outfit choices are wonderful too. I love that green dress and boots combo!
Thank you so much! I love that outfit as well!
You are rocking that green dress and those boots! I love your style!