Ok, let’s get real for a moment. You see perfectly posed and professionally-captured pictures on Instagram all the time. They are in a field with a flower crown or against a brick wall drinking coffee, and they just look majestic.  If you’re anything like me, you think Hey, I want to look majestic, too. I’m going to schedule a photo shoot! But alas, I put off getting a photo shoot done for 3 years. I was either too overweight, not tan enough, or I simply did not like the way I looked in photos. I had all the excuses not to do a photo shoot. You think I’m exaggerating, but y’all, my headshot was 15 years old before I finally broke down and got some new photos taken. So, I set out (like most things I do) and did my research on how to conquer a photo shoot.

Here are 3 things that helped me rock my photo shoot:

 

1) Make a playlist

Let’s be honest. Photo shoots can be awkward. You are staring into the lens of a camera, trying to figure out what to do with your face, your hands, your legs, ugh. It’s a lot. BUT I found that making a playlist made me relax and have fun (here’s the Spotify playlist I made). Having music in the background takes away some of the awkwardness and allows you to have fun at your photo shoot.

2) Invite the right photographer and the right company

It is super important that you find a talented photographer that you can trust to provide a positive experience. I knew a photographer that I could trust and relax with, and it made all the difference. My photographer was Hannah Doty Photography. She’s a friend of the family, and she’s fantastic.

It’s just as important that you invite the right company. I invited my bestie, Shelly, to show up and help me. She made me laugh, smile, and most importantly, keep my chin up (NO DOUBLE CHIN).

And my last and most important tip…

 

3) Hire a professional make-up artist

I had my make-up professionally done by Adrienne Duncan at Soul Beauty. It turned out to be the best decision and money well spent. Truthfully, I was a little shocked at first at how MUCH make-up was on my face, but my photos came out AMAZING. Thank you, fake lashes.

BONUS TIP: I researched Tyra Banks’ Smizing tips…yes y’all, I did! And I’m not ashamed of it.

Well, there it is! 3 ways to make the most out of your photo shoot. Now, go show everyone how beautiful you are.

 

Seek joy,
allyson