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ANSWER:
QUESTION:
In terms of outfits, what looks best in ‘real life’ doesn't always translate to looking good on camera. The camera sees in shapes. It sees shadows and highlights - differently than the naked eye. Finding styles and the right fit to look good on camera is different for everyone.
That's why we offer a pre-consult call before your session to go over what would look best for your skin tone, body type, and style of images you want. There's tricks and tips to looking good on camera when it comes to choosing the right outfits and we'll be here to help every step of the way with
~ Prep Guides
~ Inspiration Style Boards
~ Wardrobe prep mini videos
~ Pre-Consult Wardrobe & Style Call (complimentary & optional).
>> See also our STUDIO WARDROBE for something fabulous to wear!
WHAT WOULD I WEAR FOR MY PHOTOSHOOT?
I'M NOT NATURALLY PHOTOGENIC...
That's what most of our clients say! Having a friend take a 2 second photo is usually not the best representation of you. So it may not be that you're not photogenic, you just need someone who knows how to put you in the right mood to loosen up, relax and actually enjoy being photographed.
I teach model posing to professional models and I'm going to teach you a few tricks about how to pose with your body type. I'll be guiding you through some beautiful natural flow poses while we laugh and have fun in front of the camera together.
Read the 125+ reviews from clients and you'll see that this is really an experience that opens people up and let's them have fun in front of the camera in a way they never knew possible. It's my job to help you choose the most flattering looks in wardrobe, to find your best angles to be photographed at, and to reveal you in the most flattering light ever.
There is not a magic set of poses that looks right for everyone. We all have areas that we love about our body and other areas we'd like to obsure in photos. I teach professional modeling & posing and I'm going to teach you a few tricks that will help you loosen up and fall into beautiful natural poses for your body type, style and personality.
Depending on the types of photos you want to capture, we'll create a set design with prop elements to help you ease into comfortable flattering poses. I'll have you sit and stand in ways, you've never before… and you'll be surprised at how good you look on camera!
Let's have some fun “Super-Modeling” it together!
I'M TERRIBLE AT POSING...
I'M EXCITED BUT NERVOUS AND UNSURE...
Photoshoots are EXCITING! It's a day of looking and feeling like a Celebrity! But how will you really look? What if you can't pose? Will the makeover make me look unlike myself? So many questions and apprehensions run through our heads as we dream about this fun and exciting experience. It's almost like going on a blind date with someone that all your friends tell you is fantastic. You're excited, but….
My suggestion is to CONNECT with your photographer first. Call and speak with the photographer and see if you connect with them. If the photographer puts you at ease and makes you feel comfortable. Listen to their visions for your photoshoot, does it line up with how you'd want to see yourself in photos?
Photography is much about a personal connection. To capture beautiful poses and expressions, you have to feel comfortable with your photographer and most importantly, trust. Trust that they understand you and see the same vision. The connection you make with your photographer will put you at ease. And if it doesn't, maybe that is not the right photographer for you.
I invite you to a personal call with me. Let's discover if this is right for you and unravel what a photoshoot would look like for you!Know you are in good hands and that you will be guided every step of the way from preparing before your shoot to guidance in front of the camera. Your job is to simply come and enjoy a fun day and be pampered. For when you trust you are in good hands, you can relax and enjoy... and that is when your most gorgeous self emerges.
I WANT TO TRY A MAKEOVER, BUT I WANT TO STILL LOOK NATURAL & LIKE MYSELF...
In my eyes, a makeover is meant to simply enhance the natural version of you. Clean vibrant skin with shadows and blushes that accentuate our best features. But for some, the idea of a makeover means Glamourous with looks to turn heads on the red carpet!
Our stylists are here to bring the look you want together for you. We'll start off by showing you some images of different makeup looks with varying degrees of makeup. From natural looks to sultry deep smokey eyes. Together we'll create the most beautiful you : )
ANSWER:
QUESTION:
1. Call us. Or fill out the GETTING TO KNOW YOU form. We'll contact you to set a date and answer any questions.
2. An online ‘Booking Invoice’ with your session pricing (or special package requested) will be emailed to you.
Once your Booking Invoice has been paid, your photo shoot is confirmed and now we can get started with all your prep and guidance!
HOW DO I BOOK MY COUTURE PORTRAIT SESSION?
Most photo shoots are booked 3-4 weeks in advance. Weekend dates get booked up quickest with more availability on the weekdays. We reccommend booking early to give yourself time to prepare for the shoot.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK MY PHOTO SHOOT SESSION?
Not to worry, you will be guided through everything from picking the best outfits, posing and achieving your best look. You'll receive our Beauty & Style Prep guides, have access to our Studio Style Mood Boards filled with great inspiration for styling, wardrobe and posing. And we will set up for a one-on-one call to go over all of this with you in detail so you can relax and enjoy the whole process with confidence.
I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE? WILL YOU HELP ME PREPARE FOR MY SHOOT?
I AM NOT NATURALLY PHOTOGENIC, CAN YOU HELP ME OVERCOME THIS AND LOOK NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL ON CAMERA?
You're not alone...I hear this from most people who come through our studio doors. It's natural to feel nervous in front of the camera, and hence look awkward. But put your mind at ease and know that you are in good hands. Every body shape and every skin tone requires different lighting, different lenses, and different poses for different people. I've seen hundreds of people and know just what to look for. I’ll teach you some modeling tips and guide you in all your posing. I’ll show you photos behind my camera as we go and you will see your confidence grow.
Know you are in good hands and that you will be guided every step of the way from preparing before your shoot to guidance in front of the camera. Your job is to simply come and enjoy a fun day and be pampered. For when you trust you are in good hands, you can relax and enjoy... and that is when your most gorgeous self emerges.
IF I DON'T HAVE FABULOUS WARDROBE, DO YOU PROVIDE WARDROBE FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT?
DIG, BORROW, BUY or RENT. Dig in your closet for your favorite pieces, Borrow from your BFF's wardrobe, treat yourself and go shopping for that look you've always wanted, or RentTheRunway.com. Bring your favorite wardrobe selection an pair it with our gorgeous studio wardrobe filled with beautiful pieces specially curated for gorgeous on-camera looks. Not to worry, we'll have a wardrobe & style phone consultation prior to your shoot and we'll help you find the best options to bring. Note: studio wardrobe is for women only. Main studio wardrobe housed in San Diego.
I HAVEN'T LOST THE LAST EFEW POUNDS YET. I HAVE WRINKLES, CELLULITE, BLEMISHES OR OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN. SHOULD I WAIT? CAN YOU FIX IT?
Not to worry. The way we pose you will bring out your most lovely assets and diminish those areas that you are most concerned about. Ten pounds isn't going to make a difference at all. It's about knowing posing, angles and lighting that make the difference. As for blemishes, wrinkles and such, our make up artists will work their magic and we also provide beauty retouching that will take care of small nuances.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND TO ACCOMPANY ME AT THE SESSION?
Absolutely (but please no small children). We welcome making this a special group experience. Please note though, during your actual shooting time in front of the camera, we may ask them to sit in the waiting area so you can relax and not be distracted. If you have small children, we ask that you leave them at home.
Head shot sessions take about 1 hour. Full portrait/modeling sessions take about 2 hours. If you are being treated to a make over at our studio, please allow an additional 1.5 hours (one and half).
HOW LONG DO PHOTO SHOOTS TAKE?
WHAT DAYS OF THE WEEK DO YOU SCHEDULE SHOOTS?
You can schedule your shoot any day of the week. Weekends book up quickest with more availability on weekdays. We offer morning sessions and afternoon sessions.
(If we only have one shoot booked on the day you request, we can be flexible on accommodating your start time). Clients tend to book far in advance, so if you have an ideal date in mind, please let us know early so we can try and accommodate you.
DO YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS VACATIONING IN SAN DIEGO?
Yes! Many of our clients do their shoot while here on vacation. Some even plan their whole trip around working with us! We can do your design consultation and reveal via skype/facetime if you live afar.
I love to travel! If you’d like a portrait shoot in an exotic locale, or your hometown, please get in touch and we will discuss how to make it happen and what travel fees would apply.
DO YOU TRAVEL?
DO YOU TEACH OR OFFER MENTORSHIPS?
Yes, I offer photography classes for photo enthusiasts . I also mentor creative entrepreneurs and fellow portrait photographers in starting and growing their own studio businesses. Find out more here.
DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS? HAVE PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes. We accept cash, check or Visa & Master Card. Please note that credit card payments incurr a 3% fee so checks and cash are often preferred. We do offer payment plans on our larger packages.
WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION, RESCHEDULING AND REFUND POLICIES?
We are flexible but diligent. So yes we allow you to reschedule as we know things come up sometimes. We ask that you let us know 1 week with a minimum notice of 72 hours with no rescheduling fee. You have up to 1 year to reschedule your photo session. We don't offer refunds on sessions but you may gift your session to a friend. Just let us know and we will send you a gift certificate to give a friend in the value you paid. Digital products are non retractable assets and print products are custom ordered, hence can not be refunded. If you need to cancel a print order and it has not gone to print production yet, we will be glad to cancel your order and refund you in full.
I WANT TO BOOK A SESSION NOW ON PROMOTION THAT EXPIRES SOON, BUT I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE DATES I CAN SCHEDULE A PHOTO SHOOT ON.... HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO CONFIRM A SHOOT DATE WITH YOUR STUDIO?
Once you pay for your session you have up to 1 year to decide on an actual photo shoot date. So purchase your session at the promotional rate before it expires and relax knowing you have time before you have to set your date and be ready for your shoot.
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