THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR PORTRAIT PHOTO SHOOT
What is a portrait session with Carmen R. Photographer and how does it differ from photoshoot experiences you’ve had before?
Glad you asked. Read on below.
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Curiosity has brought you this far on your own, and I’m here to help bring it all together for you.
There’s a chance you’ve participated in a photoshoot before - most commonly when you were married, or maybe you’ve treated yourself to a boudoir session in the past.
There’s also a good chance though that you’ve never had professional photos taken at all. Either way, if you've landed on this page it’s likely because you saw something different that intrigued you, and you want to know more.
In this guide you’ll learn:
The spirit behind a portrait photo shoot with Carmen R. Photographer
An in-depth overview of the session experience
Tips on how to prepare for your session
The answer to your “what will I wear?” question
Ideas for how you’ll display your images (are you an album person or a wall art person?)
What to do next once you’ve decided this experience is right for you
This portrait session experience is about more than the finished image printed on the page. It’s an opportunity to ask yourself “who am I now?” and to have the answer mirrored back to you, reflective of all your different facets and inclusive of all the joyous emotion that helped to create it.
In our portrait studio, we value connection and expression. We understand that no two people are alike, and that no person is 100% one thing. We’re on board with the philosophical concept that we each have many different faces or sides to our personality.
Me? I’m a book collector whose books sit unopened on a shelf for years before they’re ever opened - I have a subscription to Vanity Fair magazine for the pictures and the fantastic articles (which also are rarely consumed), and can deep dive into a subject until 3 a.m. for no real reason, leaving no stone unturned. I’m an introvert who really values alone time but who spends every single weekend with her two closest groups of friends. I see myself as an extension of my family, but I also recognize myself as an independent and strong person who can really remember who I was before. I see myself as a deep thinker, connected to the earth and my maternal relationships. I’m a hippie at heart, but I’m also practical and realistic. I’ve held high-stress, important jobs, and now I’m into more artistic endeavours that let my nervous system chill out. My favourite images of myself are black and white. The ones I’ve taken in my studio with my favourite canvas backdrops behind me. The ones that make me feel like I can see myself on the outside but also hint at something more internally. The ones where my eyes look kind and wise.
You’re the equivalent of each of those things too, in your own way. The spirit behind this portrait experience is to give you the opportunity to open up to someone with a real interest in who you are. It’s a chance for you to explore your complexities, decide which of those sides you want to celebrate, and express yourself in a supportive environment. The simple act of snapping a picture does not equate with the act of building a relationship and creating, together. How do you want to see yourself? What parts do you want to share, and how much?
That’s what we do here, and that’s why this is perfect for you.
How sessions work:
THE CONSULTATION
Usually done through Zoom call (but in-person is also an option!) your photoshoot consultation is also known as a design and planning session - this is the opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better, which is a critical part of this process. Your session can be anything from fully clothed, “come as you are” soulful portraits, to full hair and makeup with your evening gown, to implied nudity and everything between and surrounding those ideas. Building a relationship is important, as this can be an intimate experience!
The consultation is also the time during which we’ll talk about any inspiration you have or any goals you’re hoping to achieve with your photo session. We’ll go over ideas for wardrobe (shopping in your own closet!) and how you want your hair and makeup.
Another important part of the consultation call is the discussion around art - how are you going to enjoy these portraits? We’ll discuss options for packages, albums, and wall art. You’ll show me potential areas to hang images, and I’ll take notes on your personal style so I can prepare mockups that will make your heart sing.
These chats usually take around 30 minutes and generally take place 2 weeks before your session date.
THE PHOTO SHOOT
On the day of your photo shoot, you’ll arrive at the studio with all of your pre-planned outfits and a fresh face ready for makeup. My amazing hair and makeup artist will be informed of your wishes, but she’ll still chat with you to make sure you both have an understanding of what will work best for you.
While you’re in hair and makeup, I’ll be busy hanging and steaming your clothing options. I’ll plan the order and how we’ll move around the studio, so when you’re finished in hair and makeup we’ll be ready to dive right in.
You might feel nervous. This is normal.
What do I do with my hands? Where do I look? Am I doing this right? Not to worry. This part is where I really take the reigns. I’ll be informed by our previous conversations, I’ll be guided by your natural movements and body language, and I’ll guide you (and your face and hands) just where you need to be.
While you’re in the studio you’ll be surrounded by epic examples of the very same kind of wall art YOU will be taking home. I'll show you wooden image boxes and leather albums, totally customizable to your tastes. It’s a perfect way to start imagining exactly what you want (and a perfect way to get a little impatient about having yours in your hands like, now!)
THE REVEAL AND ORDERING SESSION
Before you leave the studio on the day of your session, we’ll get our calendars out together and decide on a date to meet once again through Zoom for your image reveal.
You can expect to feel overwhelmed. You can expect to cry. You can expect to say “is that ME?” You can expect to love way more images than you thought you would.
I’ll figuratively hold your hand as we sift through each capture, ultimately deciding what you just can’t live without. We’ll talk about which stunning images will become a perfect piece of wall art, and which ones you just have to have in your album.
Once your decisions have been finalized, I’ll get to ordering your beautiful keepsakes and you’ll have them in your hands 6-8 weeks later. Quality takes a little time!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
Drink lots of water the week leading up to your session. It really does help your skin glow!
During the planning session, take note of the outfits you decide to bring. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack these up - you want your photo shoot day to be as low-stress as possible.
Don’t forget accessories - pieces that are special or unique to you, or things that you’re known for, will make your photos more authentic and interesting.
Bring extra outfits! If you have something you really want to try, or even something you’re on the fence about, it doesn’t hurt to throw it in. We may just get to it, and it may end up being your favourite!
On the day of your session, come with a clean face and hair. If we have any type of nudity planned, it’s best to wear loose clothing beforehand to prevent indentations in your skin.
WHAT TO WEAR
Check out the link below to download the complete style guide I created for you!
What to wear is something we’ll talk about at length during your design and planning session. In general though, there are a few universally accepted suggestions:
Form fitting is almost always better. Loose and baggy clothes tend to make you appear bigger in camera.
Jewel tones are a safe bet for a pop of colour.
Accessorize! Statement jewellery adds visual interest. Choose something meaningful to you for intimate shots.
Think texture. Texture adds visual interest. Can you detect a theme? Choose various fabrics (leathers, weaves, faux fur, etc)
YOUR WALL ART, YOUR ALBUMS
The intention of this experience is to provide you with just that - an experience. And when you’re done, you’ll want to remember every moment. You’ll feel like a new version of yourself, with more confidence and self adoration than you ever anticipated feeling. You might have a hard time choosing, do I want art on my walls or an album to share selectively? Or do I want both?
And really, you can’t make the wrong decision here. Our albums are hand crafted and exquisite. Our wall art is, well.. hand crafted and exquisite. Whatever you can imagine, you can have. Be it canvas, glossy acrylic, matte metal, or a framed print - whichever medium that best suits your images is available to you. If you’re pining over an album, your options are endless. With materials from leather to linen, there really is something that you will find just perfect. And you’ll be able to see them and feel them during your session. When the time comes, your decision will be easy.
Our clients have an emotional connection with their artwork. The mere idea of a printed piece that represents their strength, their authenticity, or their joy staring back at them each morning as they rise, or each afternoon as they return home from a hard day - their artwork is a reminder of who they are at their core, a reminder of the many qualities they have to be proud of.
And when you can’t possibly just choose one - one vibe, one mood, one expression, one emotion - this is where the album really shines. A dear client, Cory, had a treasured quote engraved inside the front cover of her album, and she said it best: “this album really tells a story. A story of love, light, and grace. I take it with me everywhere, and it will be on display at my funeral. I love it that much.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m nervous. Is this normal? How do I feel better about this?
Yes, you’re normal. Almost nobody is completely pumped and confident getting photos taken. The beauty thing about this process is that the nerves you’re feeling right now will melt away by the time we have our first phone conversation. Then you’ll see my face on video chat and I’ll start to feel like a friend. By the time you arrive at the studio, your nerves will have gone from raging rivers of emotion to little jitters here and there. By the time you’re finished with hair and makeup, you’ll be feeling more curiousity than nervousness. And the beauty thing about THAT, is that I’m there to guide you the rest of the way. It’ll be all good.
Is hair and makeup required?
Nope, and you may choose not to partake in the hair and makeup artistry that’s included in your session fee, especially if you’re planning to do a Come as You Are session that’s geared more toward documenting your everyday beauty than going all-out. Either way, the hair and makeup are complementary and included with the session, and the choice is yours.
When do you book your sessions?
Usually a month out, and photo shoot days in our downtown Red Deer photo studio are Tuesdays and Fridays.
When will I get my album/art?
I try to run a tight ship and get your reveal and ordering session done right away so your art can be ordered immediately. Depending on the time of year, your finished product will be delivered within 6-8 weeks.
Hi, I’m Carmen.
I photograph people (mainly women, but I don’t discriminate!) in my downtown Red Deer photography studio.
I love connecting with my clients and showing them a beautiful side of themselves they sometimes can’t see yet on their own. Photography brings me joy, and I can’t wait to share that joy with you as you realize your true and authentic beauty through this process.
LET ME SHOW YOU HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE IN YOUR AUTHENTICITY