Contact me at 416-481-7634, or send an e-mail to christine.cover@gmail.com

People always ask me what to wear when they book a photography session, so I put together a checklist of things to think about – clothing is just the tip of the iceberg. 

That being said, however, please don’t panic about following every suggestion I give – I’m not going to flounce off in a snit if you disobey me. Think of these items as guidelines, rather than hard and fast rules. 

If you do end up booking a photography session, I will e-mail you a pdf of the parts of this list that pertain to you. However, some people do like to be forewarned, and that is why I am presenting it here. 

Just one note, however. Some people seem to be under the impression that they can show up at a photo shoot wearing rags, and looking like they just rolled out of bed after a four day bender. After all, anything can be fixed in Photoshop, right? WRONG! 

Yes, Photoshop is a phenomenal program, and yes, there are people in the world who can make a meth-head look like a supermodel, but I am not capable of that, nor do I want to be.  As it is, I spend far more time in Photoshop than I do taking pictures (which is by far the funnest part of my job). While I don’t expect to be filming gorgeous movie stars, I do appreciate some effort on your part. 

General Preparation

Health Related – as a general rule, avoid alcohol, marijuana (and other recreational drugs), fatty foods, salt and sugar for 24 hours before our scheduled appointment. You do not want red eyes or bloating. Keep your caffeine intake minimal too.  

Eat lightly prior to arriving, and make sure you drink enough water to be hydrated for the weather conditions. Take any necessary medications, and bring any that you may need over the course of our time together.

Illness or Injuries – If you are ill, are suffering from a cold, injury, have serious bruising, have a cold sore, are suffering from an allergic reaction, etc. before the shoot, please let me know because it may be necessary to reschedule. You may think a series of bruises on your legs, a bandage on your finger or a cold sore are minor, but it’s possible such issues will require a rescheduling of the shoot. If you are unsure, get in touch and we can discuss it. 

Stick to your regular routine, especially in the morning – if you normally jog or meditate in the mornings, try to do so as usual on the day of our shoot. Disrupting the morning routine in particular can make people tense all day, and we want a nice, relaxed, fun time together.

Glasses - If people wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, you may want to wear them in your shoot. However, feel free to wear contact lenses or to take off your glasses (provided they won’t leave dents at the side of your nose) if that is what you wish.

Some people choose to wear sunglasses in their photos. If you don’t normally wear glasses, and want to have a few shots with sunglasses on, I suggest that you don’t wear them to the shoot because of the potential for those little marks. We’ll do those shots last.

Red eyes – if your eyes tend to be red, please bring appropriate eye drops and use them as needed.

Teeth – please avoid eating anything with small seeds for 12 hours before the shoot – poppy seeds are especially difficult to get rid of. Also avoid anything that might change the colour of your mouth –popsicles and brightly coloured candy or drinks may have a very unfortunate result, and this can show up in your pictures! Brush your teeth carefully before coming. If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments about two weeks before your shoot.

Skincare – don’t start using any new skincare products in the two weeks prior to our appointment, as they could cause a breakout. However, you should start moisturizing nightly a week in advance of your shoot. When you get out of the shower, dry off until lightly damp, and slather on moisturizer. Focus on your arms, shoulders, neck, face, hands, anywhere you’ll be exposed to the camera. This includes your legs if you’re shooting in shorts or a skirt.

Sun burns and tan lines – If your shoot is booked for Saturday, don’t go to the beach on Friday. If you plan to tan before your shoot, do so at least a week beforehand and don’t get burned. Be mindful of clothing tan lines, sunglass tan lines, hat tan lines, etc.

Hair – as a general rule, wash your hair the day before the shoot rather than the day of. Bring a comb or a brush with you.

Hats can make for very effective photos, but they come with their own set of problems, the main one being that they create shadows on your face. This can be overcome to a certain extent, but often people like the photos taken without their hat better, which leads to the second problem – hat head. If you want to experiment with wearing a hat during your photo shoot, by all means bring it – but don’t wear it to the shoot, and don’t put it on until we’ve got the hat-free shots taken.

Remove any watches, rings or other jewellery that may leave an impression on your skin 12 hours before the shoot.

Ironing & Clothing Care - If your outfit needs ironing, do it the night before and then hang the clothes for your shoot. If you’re wearing something that wrinkles easily, don’t wear it on the way to the shoot – just change at the location. If you live with a cat or dog, carefully go over your clothes with a clothing brush or tape prior to coming to the shoot and keep your pet away from it.

Props – sometimes it’s useful to have a client do something with their hands, and what better than something that they use regularly? Please feel free to bring a book, musical instrument, sport item or anything else that fits with your personality (and is easily portable). Some people bring funky glasses, false moustaches, wigs, masks, fans, boas – all sorts of things. Use your imagination, and bring along whatever interests you. 

 

Women

Most women have a very good idea which outfits look best on them, but they are also the ones most likely to fret about what to wear. Relax! It’s very simple – if you can’t make up your mind, bring more than one outfit – especially tops. You might also consider colourful scarves, shawls, hats, and other accessories to give yourself different looks, even if you’re wearing the same clothes in all of the shots we take. 

Timing – try to book your session to take place just after your period. You’ll feel better, water-retention will be minimal, and you’re more likely to be pleased with the resulting photos.

Bloating – avoid high salt and high fat foods for two to three days in advance of your shoot. Being bloated will sap your confidence and comfort in front of the camera.

Hair – If you’re getting a hair cut for your shoot, please do so about two weeks beforehand, in case it goes wrong – you just never know. When shooting outdoors, be ready to put your hair up and make it look nice in case of a windy day. Bring bobby pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favourite accessories.

Jewellery – try to avoid loud or overly blingy jewellery. Loud jewellery can distract the viewer from the important part of the final photo – your face – and the latter can interfere with lighting. If I’m doing a headshot, large earrings can add interest to portraits, but only if they are not so heavy that they pull on the earlobes – otherwise you probably won’t be happy with the result. If you do not have pierced ears, do not bother with clip-ons – you’ll be in pain, possibly irritable, and will have red, irritated earlobes, which could ruin the photo.

Make-up – A subtle application of foundation or powder can really soften your skin and accent your facial features. The object is to make your eyes look bigger, so eyeliner (if you use it) and mascara could be indicated. As a general rule, don’t apply eye shadow. If you think you look pale, a little blush may be used – but it might be best to bring this along with you rather than applying it beforehand. Bring lipstick or gloss for touch-ups, or lip balm to keep your lips looking their best.

Nails – A fresh coat of nail polish can make a world of difference in your photo shoot. Pick a neutral colour that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits. Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a fresh manicure, but if you can’t go to the salon, make sure your nails look tidy and clean, including the cuticles. If you decide to wear sandals to the shoot, have a look at your toenails too – do you need a pedicure? If so, have one done a few days before.

Facial hair – if you have some light facial hair (particularly around your lip or chin), indulge in a waxing a few days in advance of your shoot – even barely-there light facial hair will be noticeable in your photos. Take a look at your eyebrows, and pluck them if necessary – but do this at least 48 hours before the shoot.

Clothing – wear clothing that you are comfortable in, because the shoot might take longer than you anticipate. Neutral colours work best. Black, white, navy, beige, light blue, lavender, denim, and if you have the colouring for it, peach or salmon shades. Yellow will generally make any subject look bigger than they actually are, so I usually don’t recommend it for photo sessions. Avoid large patterns as they can draw the eye of the viewer to the clothing rather than your face, the focus of the portrait.

Monochrome colours can be slimming, especially if they are a one piece, such as a dress.

Horizontal stripes are usually to be avoided, unless you’re super-thin. 

Undergarments –be sure to choose a bra that will work with any outfit you want to shoot in, and keep those straps well-hidden. Wear panties that you are comfortable in, will not show through your clothing, and that fit properly – in other words, you don’t want to wear undies that will fall down, or that are so tight that they will make panty lines.

If you’re doing semi-nude/implied nude photos, bras and underwear will create noticeable lines on your skin, so wear loose-fitting clothing to the shoot. You can add undergarments as necessary for photos later in the shoot.

Hosiery – personally, I hate pantyhose and refuse to wear it for any purpose. However, even I can’t deny that it can make your legs look good in a photo shoot. Choose plain pantyhose in a neutral colour. If you opt to go bare-legged, shave or wax your legs 48 hours before your scheduled shoot. If you prefer a more casual look (eg. jeans, top, and running shoes) wear neutral coloured socks, or ones that match whatever you’re wearing on top.

If you decide to wear sandals, go barefoot, or show your bare legs and ankles during the shoot, don’t wear socks for at least one hour prior to the beginning of our session! Socks can make ribbed impressions or your legs, and these will show up in the pictures.

Shoes – you can’t go wrong with wedges. We may take some shots of you standing or walking, so make sure to wear shoes that you CAN walk in comfortably – if your feet hurt, it will show on your face. If you don’t have shoes to match what you’re wearing, pick a neutral colour such as black, white, or tan. 

Men

I love photographing men, but they can be challenging – for one thing, they tend to be more nervous about being photographed than women. They are also more likely to ignore my advice. Please read the following, and take it seriously – the quality of your photographs may depend on your preparations beforehand.  

Hair – If you’re in need of a haircut, get it done a week or so before the scheduled shoot. Generally speaking, I do not recommend that you do anything radical with your hair. Unless a buzz cut or shaving your head is a regular thing for you, this is not the time to experiment. 

Facial hair – be freshly shaved with a new razor, shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness. Trim your board, sideburns, moustache or goatee, especially looking for wiry stray hairs. You should also trim any nose hairs, and if necessary, ask someone else to take care of any hair you may have in your ears – these can be very noticeable in a photograph. Take a look at your eyebrows too, and pluck them if necessary – but do this at least 48 hours before the shoot.

For a rugged look – shave the day before the shoot, but not the day of. This also gives you the option to bring your razor and shave mid-shoot to get both clean-shaved and rugged photos.  Please tell me if this is your plan!

Body Hair - some men like to wax to remove their back or chest hair. If this is the case with you, please take care of it at least a week prior to the scheduled photoshoot.

Nails and hands – clean and trim your nails! If necessary, get a manicure done. In any case, make sure your hands are clean and well moisturized for the shoot. If you’re planning on wearing sandals, take a look at your feet. Make sure they’re clean, and that the nails look okay. Book a pedicure if needed. 

Jewellery – by all means wear any rings, cufflinks, watches, necklaces, bracelets or earrings that are important to you. As a rule, I suggest you avoid overly flashy necklaces because they will distract people from the focus of the portrait – your face.

Clothing – wear clothing that you are comfortable in, because the shoot might take longer than you anticipate.

If you want a photo for business purposes, wear a suit or at least a jacket with a matching shirt. Ties are optional, but they can look good if only loosely knotted or even hanging on each side of your open collar.

For more casual shots, you might consider solid-coloured khakis or blue jeans. Avoid golf pants like the plague, unless you’re being deliberately ironic! As for what shirt to wear, neutral colours tend to look best. Black, white, beige, light blue, or light coloured plaids or stripes will all work well. Some people simply prefer to wear a T-Shirt. Avoid large or overly bright prints, such as you’d find in Hawaiian shirts.

If you want to go shirtless in some shots, that is fine with me. However, be mindful of tan lines and body hair – take a look at yourself in a full-length mirror before deciding. 

Socks – wear socks that go with the rest of what you have on. For example, don’t wear white sports socks with a suit! If need be, invest in a pair of dress socks. If you decide to wear sandals or go barefoot for the shoot, don’t wear socks for at least one hour prior to the beginning of our session! Socks can make ribbed impressions or your legs, and these will show up in the pictures.

Shoes – clean your shoes! Dress shoes work best in formal portraits. Sandals are fine too, but make sure they’re in good repair, and not covered in sand, mud, or other dirt. 

 

Families

Clothing for Group Shots – unless it’s a group of people dressed the same for a good reason (such as bridesmaids or a sports team), I do not advise that everyone wear the same outfit. If you plan to all wear the same colour, make certain that it’s the EXACT same colour – otherwise it will just look odd in the final photograph. Mixing and matching with some wearing solid neutrals and others with small prints will work fine.  As a general rule, don’t wear shorts to a photo shoot – but most especially if everyone else is wearing long pants.

Dad – Have a fresh shave or trim, and use a new razor with shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to limit bumps and redness. Make sure nails are clean and trimmed. Wash your hands. Clean up your shoes. Moisturize and scrub away flaky facial skin (see above General advice). When you wash your face, pay attention to eye boogers and sleep crusties. For wardrobe, go for jeans or pants, tucked polo or dress shirt with a belt, or go casual with just a T-shirt or untucked polo, button-up short sleeve, etc. In general, whatever your wife tells you to wear. Again you don’t have to perfectly match the rest of the family, just wear something that coordinates.

Mom – Women usually know what to wear, but in general, unless you are extremely thin you may want something that covers your upper arms. Long, or 3/4-sleeve tops are very flattering. If you wear jewellery, aim for subtlety, and be aware of it twisting or turning.

Kids – Same advice as above – simply coordinate with the parents’ outfits. If Dad’s in a T-shirt, don’t put the kids in suits and formal dresses – although it’s best if what everyone is wearing doesn’t exactly match, it should make sense.

 

Children

I really do enjoy child photography, and manage to get phenomenal shots on a regular basis. However, I work best with little children (i.e. 7 and under) and babies. A lot of children at once frankly make me very nervous, and so I tend to turn down children’s birthday parties – and much for the same reason that I don’t film weddings – there is too much going on that is completely out of my control. Three children at once appears to be the maximum that I can deal with in a photography session. 

Kids are fun to work with, but they need some special consideration. The first, and most important thing is to not make a big deal about the fact that I am coming especially to take their picture. One of the first things I will tell a kid is not to say “cheese,” and if I appear to be making them self-conscious, we’ll play what I call the “Invisible Game” where they pretend that they can’t see me for a while. 

So with kids: 

Don’t over-prepare! If you make a big deal about how important the photo shoot is and how they have to be on their best behaviour, its going to make your kid tense and unhappy. We want genuine smiles and behaviour, so maybe inform them of the plan for the day that morning, emphasizing how much fun it’s going to be.

Clean ‘em! – the cleaner the kid, the better their photos will turn out. Clean their nails, clean hair, wipe away eye boogers, clean their feet, wipe noses, fresh-scrub teeth.

If your child is still in diapers or pull-ups, tuck’em in or wear bloomers.

If your child is still of napping age, make sure they nap before the shoot.

Bribe ‘em! – it is perfectly okay to bring bribes to a photo shoot – given a stage and being the centre of attention, many kids know exactly when to act their worst. Some cereal; non-staining fruit such as green grapes; smarties or other candy that won’t stain teeth can help a short photo shoot go by smoothly.

Avoid colourful drinks or lollypops within 24 hours of your shoot, and don’t let them eat or drink anything that will stain their face, teeth or mouths. Avoid giving your kids caffeinated beverages or sugary foods 12 hours prior to the shoot.

Bring – wet wipes and a brush or comb.

Clothing  – Generally speaking, pick something that your child will feel comfortable in, and that you won’t be upset if they get a bit dirty.

For girls, you can’t go wrong with cute dresses, rompers, and dainty hats or headbands.

For boys, jeans and polos or a button-up shirt, or a T-shirt with a button-up over it can be very cute, as well as overalls on the right age and personality.

For siblings, the children don’t have to match perfectly, just coordinate.

Locations – young children often do not respond well to formal portraiture, so it may be best to find a place to film them outside. This can be your backyard, a nearby park, a playground, or if you’re really ambitious, the zoo or amusement park. Generally speaking, the younger the kid, the better it is to use locations that they are familiar with. For example, if you have your heart set on filming your three year old at the zoo, take them there a week or so prior to the filmshoot so they won’t be overwhelmed or distracted by what is going on around them.

If it is not possible to film outside due to the weather, a playroom with a lot of natural light may serve just as well. Clean and prepare the area as if it’s going to be the film location, just in case.

Expect to be photographed yourself – your children are going to be more relaxed if the adults in their lives are willing to join in the fun, so bring along people who wouldn’t mind being in the shots (and have them prepare as if they are going to be photographed too). You can also include family pets.

Props can make your child relax and take their focus off of the photographer. These can include favourite toys, bubbles, balloons, books, craft equipment, foodstuffs (for example, pictures of your kids eating ice cream cones can be really cute), kites, tea sets, sports equipment, etc. You can also bring clothing props, including costumes, hats, shoes, jewellery, masks, fake moustaches, etc. 

 Newborns and Babies

Cleaning – use a wash cloth to clean away flaky skin and eye boogers.

Trim those tiny fingernails and toenails with appropriate baby trimmers.

Book your shoot around your baby’s feeding and nap times, work with the natural rhythm of your baby. The perfect time to shoot is right when the baby would be laying down for a nap. If your baby normally falls asleep after a feeding, wait to feed the baby until you’re at the shoot. Baby photographers allot plenty of time for this sort of thing to set up the best situation for great photos.

Dress up paper diapers. Cloth diapers are classy and stylish, but if you don’t use them, bring bloomers or decorative diaper covers, solids preferred.

Nothing is the best wardrobe for a newborn – no outfit fits a newborn well, and they often look swallowed in clothes. Accessories are good, though – little hats, dainty headbands, boys in crocheted hats, etc. Bring sentimental items like the quilt that Grandma made for the baby, a baby blanket from your own childhood – they’re great for the baby to lay on.

If your baby takes a pacifier, bring it – if they’re bottle fed, bring an extra bottle to help put the baby to sleep.

Breast Feeding – many women treasure photographs of themselves breast feeding their baby. if you’re comfortable being photographed doing this, I will do my very best to get a beautiful photo of the two of you together. Dress comfortably, and bring whatever else you will need. 

Expect to be in the Photographs – let’s face it, some babies will make strange, and it will be necessary for someone familiar to hold them. Dress casually, but in clothing you wouldn’t mind being photographed in

Bring Reinforcements –  these can be the baby’s other parent, siblings, grandparents, or anyone else whom your baby is comfortable with. These people are useful for creating distractions, or getting in the photographs themselves. Generational photographs can be taken too, if the right people are present. Any people you invite along should bring outfits that coordinate with what you and the baby are wearing, 

Blankets and Props – if you would like to have a photograph of your baby lying on a family heirloom quilt or blanket, by all means bring it with you. You may also wish to bring a stuffed animal or favourite toy as well. 

Maternity Photographs

Moisturize that belly!

Gather your props to bring along – ultrasound printout, alphabet blocks that spell your baby’s name, baby shoes, stuffed animals, flowers, whatever you’ve seen in other maternity photos that you like.

Wear whatever you feel comfortable and pretty in – long, flowy skirts, especially solids are nice, and strapless bras that coordinate with them. Tube dresses are great for showing off your shape. Bring a pair of regular jeans, not the belly panel ones. A button-up shirt also makes it easy to transition into showing your belly.

If you’re doing semi-nude/implied nude photos, bras and underwear will create noticeable lines on your skin, so wear loose-fitting clothing to the shoot. You can add undergarments as necessary for photos later in the shoot.

Bring your significant other! They’ll make a great prop for your photos, and greatly expand on the number of different photos you can make during your shoot. They should bring outfits that coordinate with what you’ll be wearing, or a dark long-sleeved shirt or sweater and dark pants. The focus should always be on you, your expressions, your emotions, your personality, your joy and your connection.

 

 

Contact me at 416-481-7634, or send an e-mail to christine.cover@gmail.com