How do I get ready for the shoot? (The week of your shoot)

Getting camera ready... tips by Terri Jean

1.      Finger Nails - Make sure your nails look picture ready. Have a manicure and either paint them a neutral color such as cream or apply a clear top post. French tips photograph well and look quite sexy in photos. Feel free to use press on or false nails! Anything to make your hands look sexier!

2.      The toes - Get a pedicure or apply fake, press on toe nails.

3.      Skincare – The day before your shoot, exfoliate your entire body and then apply moisturizer.

4.      Moisturize your skin several days prior to the shoot. I recommend putting on lotion, or even baby oil, right out of the shower several times before your big day just to smoothen your skin and get it plumped and healthy looking. Coconut Oil and shea butter are great for keeping the skin glowing.

5.      Avoid skin breakouts – by staying away from new makeup, lotion or skin products because you could potentially have an allergic reaction. Do not use Retin A and Alpha Hydroxy creams because they may cause skin peeling.

6.      Leave acne be. Don’t poke and push and pop. I’d rather photoshop a dot than an entire reddened area. Just dab some acne overnight cream on it and hope for the best!

7.      Exercising the week of your shoot will help to rev up your circulation, improve the color in your face, and bring a glow to your skin!

8.      Limit the bad drinks. Watch how much soda pop, alcohol, and caffeine your drink the week before your shoot. These drinks can make your face appear puffy and dry out your skin. Rather, drink a LOT of water. Lots and lots of water!

9.      Shaving, Waxing and all that Unwanted hair - It is best to shave the day before your session – to reduce the chance of razor burn or bumps. If you must shave the day of your shoot, soak your body in warm water for at least 5 minutes. Then, using a moisturizing shaving gel and brand new razor blades, shave slowly and take your time! Waxing is the best route to take, but to avoid redness and irritation in your photos, allow 7-10 days between the waxing and your photo shoot. If you are using a chemical hair remover such as Veet or Nair, you need at least 7 days between the removal session and the photo shoot. If you are having laser hair removal, avoid having a session done on the same day as your photo shoot. Give it at least 3 days.

10.  Hands & Feet - Extra-moisturize your hands and feet by slathering on a LOT of lotion at night and sleep in socks and gloves. Be sure to wash dishes with dish gloves, if possible, and apply lotion beforehand so when you’re done, your hands will have received a nice, hot moisture treatment.

11.  Tweeze your eyebrows a few days ahead of time. Have them professionally done if you plan to change them radically before the shoot. I’ve seen too many clients reschedule their sessions because they got overzealous and tweezed their brows into a thin line… or literally tweezed them all except for a few hairs above their eyes. If you don’t know what you’re doing, consult someone who does because your eyebrows are pretty darn important.

12.  Teeth – It is a good idea to whiten prior to your session.

13.   Lips – Avoid dry, chapped lips by putting Vaseline or a deep penetrating lip balm on your lips the night before and up to moment you get ready for your shoot. Exfoliate your lips by brushing them with your toothbrush.

14.  Diet (To Avoid) – 72 hours before your shoot eliminate the following: Red meat, alcohol, caffeine, soda pop, beans, spicy foods, greasy foods, lots of salt and iodine, red wine and coffee (which can stain your teeth), and fast food. These things can make you look puffy and bloated. Not good.

15.  Diet (To Enjoy) – Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, yogurt, unsalted nuts, and a little bit of cheese.

16.  Avoid Cigarette smoke – which can devastate your shoot by causing your eyes to redden and puff. Plus smoking deprives your skin of oxygen and nutrients, making your skin look gray. Yuck!

17.  Sleep! – Have a good night’s sleep the night before the shoot. Avoid partying and drinking and staying up late the night before (and the night before that, if possible).

18.  Hair – If you dye your hair, have your roots color corrected before your session. It is also good to give your hair a good once over with a hair moisturizer.