Photo Session Prep Tips

Updated: Aug 17, 2021

So your Shot by Summer photo session has been booked. Now what?

Now is the time to prepare and the sooner, the better.

Get a facial! The best way to prepare your skin for its closeup is to hire a professional to do all the dirty work. Be sure to schedule your facial at least a week before your photo session. This will give your skin plenty of time to recover.
Set a skin routine! Using a gentle cleanser, toner, hydrating eye cream, and your fav moisturizer. Do not forget to remove all makeup with micellar water or makeup wipes before you begin.
1. Exfoliate! It is recommended that you exfoliate your skin 2-3x a week the week before your photo session. Please be advised that this is a suggestion only and you should follow the skin regimen that best fits your skin type and sensitivity level. If you already exfoliate regularly, you should be ok to continue doing so.
2. Moisturize! We all know what dry skin causes, don’t we? FLAKY SKIN. Don’t forget to toss in an eye cream and a moisturizing lip balm.
3. Hydrate! Please see tip #2b above for why. (Also try to limit alcohol consumption to during this time.)

Get a wax! Schedule your hair removal appointments (waxing, threading, or tweezing) at least 3 days before your photoshoot. We want everything to appear fresh and crisp, but we do not want you swollen in your photos. Trust me, sis!
Keep up with your skin! Using a gentle cleanser, toner, hydrating eye cream, and your fav moisturizer!
Hydrate! I should not have to explain. Water makes the world go 'round.
A little mani/pedi action! Get a fresh manicure and pedicure so you have baby soft soles and disciplined cuticles in your photos.
Girl, go to bed! Beauty sleep is vital…we know this. Try to establish a healthy sleep routine and eliminate distractions so that you have no trouble winding down and falling asleep. More sleep = you look better. Don’t ask how, it just works!

Skin time! Using a gentle cleanser, toner, hydrating eye cream, and your fav moisturizer!
Gently exfoliate! This would be a perfect time to add in a lip scrub for baby smooth lips.
1. Hydrate! I’m pretty sure you get it by now.
2. Shave! Be sure to exfoliate your skin before you shave, not after.
Practice the poses! Grab a mirror and practice a few poses, noting which angles you prefer and what facial expressions best flatter your features. I want you to arrive at your photoshoot confident and prepared so we are able to best utilize our appointment time getting these shots. (Ask me about my “Pose Inspo Guide” Pintrest board if you need help getting started.)
The ‘ol spoon trick! Put a set of spoons in the freezer for tomorrow.
Go to bed on time this time! Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your photo session so you appear energized and refreshed in your photos.

Last chance to pamper your skin! Do not slack off on that skin routine. It will pay off!
Spoon it! Grab the two spoons from last night and apply to any puffy areas of your face for ~5 minutes.
Time for the beat! Arrive at your makeup appointment with a bare, moisturized face.

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Summer Williams Shot by Summer