How to Prepare for a Photoshoot

Jenna Moore • June 15, 2024

Some truths are universal when it comes to portrait sessions and if you’re anything like me you want to be ready to put your best forward for it. Especially being that sessions are a big investment these days and no I’m not just talking about the currency that gets exchanged in the process, the investment that is the most important is actually the time we spend together. After all, who doesn't want to make the most of their investment?


The mutual respect and celebration of the crafting of art is a process.


As a photographer I’m keenly aware that we all have busy lives and they never slow down. And that's where I come in, during our session I work consistently to craft an experience for you to be able to be fully present with me in the moment. However, wanting to know what to wear or what tips will help you hit the ground running beforehand are just as important, so here's a few that’ll get you camera ready.


1. Skin care is an important first step - even with the wonders of photoshop and retouching we still want our skin to have a healthy canvas, especially if you will be opting to have makeup done. Sidenote, it’s also always included in your session with me as well! So in the days leading up to your session go ahead and drink more water and stay hydrated, we are after all made up of sixty percent h20. 


2. Sleep is vital - during the session you’ll get the most out of your experience, along with what yours truly devises, by arriving as fully rested and clear minded as possible. Photoshoot days can be a little more tiring than you’d expect, so it's definitely a good day to treat yourself to your favorite pick me up on the way to your session. At the end of the day we want the same goals through your session to be achieved, for you to shine in your confidence and to have a great time doing so!


3. Wardrobe isn’t as tricky as you might think - if you’ve never had your color scheme done for your wardrobe no worries, I love color theory. During our consultation we’ll create a mini vision board to bring your ideas to life. In the meantime though it’s a great time to start thinking about what colors and patterns you enjoy and what you feel like expresses you. Are you bold and colorful or mysterious and into royal hues? Have fun with it and it’ll show through into images you love. 


4. Practice makes you kinda ready, sometimes even perfect - practicing your expressions and even your outfits with accessories in the mirror is one of the biggest hacks that doesn't get spoken about often enough in photography prep guides. Even if you hate being in front of the camera, practicing some poses or facial expressions can help ease that anxiety slightly leading up to it. 


5. Keep it simple - after all, what's the point of investing your time, energy, and finances into a shoot if you’re not going to have fun with it? Ideally your future self will thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone a little and mixing it up!


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Booking a Session: The Process Insight

By Jenna Moore • September 15, 2024
Step one: Inquiry Step two: Consultation Step three: Booking Step four: Your Session Step five: Post Consultation My distinctive approach to the sessions I undertake centers around providing a handcrafted experience tailored to each portrait session and event I document. The initial phase, much like any significant event, involves a detailed discussion and collaboration to shape your vision for the session. My ultimate aim is to capture the essence of your images through this creative journey, with me serving as your dedicated artist. Going back to my art school roots, we will brainstorm and map out your session from inception to completion, often drawing inspiration from mood boards we curate on Pinterest. If you can’t find what you’re searching for on Pinterest, rest assured, I’m here to assist. If you’re concerned about not having a fully fleshed-out vision prior to our consultation, there’s no need for worry; I’ve got you covered! As an experienced professional in my field, I’m well-equipped to present a range of ideas and ensure they align with your vision, as customizing and designing for your brand is of utmost importance. I’m eager to guide you in selecting your style and producing content tailored to your needs. To begin, we’ll explore colors, wardrobe choices, styling elements like hair and makeup, and finally, the location to finalize all details. In preparation for your session, I recommend reading this blog post where I share a few essential photoshoot preparation tips to help you feel your best and fully prepared. The five steps in this process are designed to be enjoyable and seamless, allowing you to return to what you love most and savor your everyday moments—just remember, your session will be a special one, and together, we’ll showcase your brilliance.
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Grace | Professional Headshots in Houston

By Jenna Moore • August 15, 2024
When it came time for Grace's headshots we discussed her desires to celebrate her upcoming graduation of her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and in prep of her LPC which I'm excited to say she completed just this Spring! For her session it was important that she be ready for the new clients she'd take on as a therapist with a professional and welcoming presence. Here's a little insight into our pre session questionnaire! What kind of expressions do you feel most comfortable with? (e.g., smiling, serious, relaxed) Relaxed and smiling (maybe with teeth showing) Is there a specific color scheme or tone you'd like to incorporate in your headshots to align with your personal branding or industry? Blue is my favorite color and second is green. I'm delighted to let you know that your session includes professional hair and makeup styling. To tailor your experience, I'd love to know whether you'd like a natural or glam makeup look for your session. If you have a particular style in mind, feel free to share an image here or send it over via email. I really like a more natural but put together look. Winged eyeliner, a bit of smoky eye, and nice lip color, but nothing too glam. Have you had headshots taken before? If yes, what did you like or dislike about them? Yes, the angles were not flattering, but they didn't take a lot of time to work with me. Due to my size, I am honestly a little nervous about taking them. Have you reviewed any headshots you particularly liked, and if so, what aspects of those images stood out to you? Please feel free to link them here from pinterest to allow me a better understanding of your stylistic preferences. I would have to look into this and get back with you. Are there any specific facial features or angles you're concerned about or would like to highlight? My double chin is my biggest concern, along with the skin texture of my face. I would really like my eyes to be highlighted in some way. I appreciate my full lips. Would you like to emphasize any particular aspect of your personality through your body language? Warm and friendly but professional How can I, as a photographer, make you feel relaxed and confident during the photo shoot to capture your authentic self? I am going to be picky about my pictures. To be patient with me and my concerns. I'd rather the pics to be taken inside only due to my concern with getting too sweaty, but if the weather is somewhat more tolerable, I may be open to it.
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Oona | Professional Headshots in Houston

By Jenna Moore • July 15, 2024
When you book a headshot session with me we start with an in-depth questionnaire post our initial consultation to continue the collaborative effort. When Oona contacted me she was coming to the end of her trip to the states and needed some updated headshots for her business as a healer and witch doctor. She wanted to convey a sense of spirituality with elevated images for her brand and she trusted our collaboration of her vision. So before we get to the results of her incredible session here's a small glimpse into the process! What is the primary message or emotion you want your brand to convey through the photographs? An air of elegance, luxury, authenticity, depth, power, ancient knowledge, modern approachability (think of the air of a queen of Sheba, or Egypt), Can you describe the overall aesthetic or style you envision for your brand photography? Blue colours (I have the hex numbers). Background: ocean, sky, cosmos works well. What are the key products or services you want to showcase in the photographs? Courses and private sessions of a spiritual nature (not New Age, not religious) but divine in the sense of the ability to transcend human limitations - anything from fire-walking to becoming invisible and levitating. Do you have any specific props or accessories that you would like to incorporate into your branding session? Perhaps my harp but I am not sure about that. Are there any particular colors or color palettes that are important to represent your brand? Gold, Dark Blue, Bright Blue, Light blue Do you have any specific poses or compositions in mind that you would like to incorporate in the photographs? My face lit up with the light of a candle in devotional pose, but also just a good normal picture and whatever you suggest. Are there any specific images or examples from other brands that inspire you and align with your vision? If you use Pinterest please create a vision board for your session and drop the link here as well! I'll send some photos per email. How do you plan to use the branding photographs? Are they for your website, social media, print materials, or other marketing channels? Yes, website, flyers, social media. Is there anything else you would like me to know or consider before the branding session to ensure we capture your brand's essence effectively? Not at this moment.
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