Thank you for booking a portrait session with me. I am so excited to photograph you!
I share this with every client: I hate being in front of the camera. I know, how cliché, but it's true, and it's exactly why I love this work. With a team of professionals (photographer, hair and makeup artist, wardrobe stylist), you'll get photos you're confident showcasing. Most clients want to update their LinkedIn profile the second they see their photos, but please wait for me to send your final, retouched image rather than snagging something from your proofing gallery.
Below you'll find tips and advice on how to prepare, along with a few questions to help us plan something that looks and feels like you. Over the next few weeks, take a little time for yourself. Drink plenty of water, get good sleep, and if there's a haircut, manicure, or skincare routine you've been putting off, this is a good excuse to finally book it. You don't need a full day at the spa, an at-home version is just fine.
Before we shoot, I'd love to know how you want to come across. Approachable? Authoritative? Is this for a new role, a promotion, an award? The more you can tell me, the better I can help you get there.
Send me a few thoughts before our session, bring your favorite playlist, and I'll take it from there.
Please don't hesitate to call (804) 330-7429 or e-mail me hunter@hunterhenkel.com if you have any questions.
Warmly,
WHAT TO WEAR
I highly recommend checking out Personal Stylist Cassandra Sethi, or connect with Richmond based Roxanne Nicolas of The Fashioneaseta for outfit curation and color analysis - bonus!
One week before your photo shoot, fully plan and organize your shooting wardrobe and accessories. Wait at least 5-6 days before your session to try on each outfit, so take some time now to gather all the outfits you're considering, including underwear and jewelry, and lay everything out before your appointment.
- Do Laundry. Remove lint and press if needed. Tighten all bra straps for some extra lift.
- Polish Your Jewels. Wedding rings and other jewelry should sparkle.
- Try It All On. With footwear, and make your final wardrobe and styling decisions. Be sure every thing is prepped and ready before the appointment.
- Get Organized. Group the coordinating pieces of each ensemble together on the same hanger. Example: Top – Bottom – Bra – Spanx + Necklace.
FLATTER YOUR ARMS
Varying sleeve lengths is another great way to add extra diversity to your gallery. If arms are a trouble area for you, pass on cap sleeves, which are hard to pull off since they emphasize the widest part of the arm. Choose instead a 3/4 sleeve or longer. To show a little shoulder without baring arms, try an off-the-shoulder top. You could also add a scarf or cardigan to a strapless or sleeveless dress, which can be draped over the arms—showing just a hint of skin.
SKIP BULKY JACKETS
Unless your blouse is very fitted (and doesn't have shoulder pads), you'll want to opt instead for a snug cardigan, which may be a better choice if you're interested in having a business-friendly photograph.
BRING NECESSARY UNDERPINNINGS
Consider the underwear you'll need for each outfit. Darker looks call for a strapless bra or nude thong. Black bras look best under dark clothing, and nude bras are always better than white. Shapewear is awesome for concealing any wobbly bits.
ACCESSORIZE
Bring jewelry, hair accessories, and scarves or wraps to complete each outfit. Choose timeless over trendy. Forget shoes, as your feet won't be showing.
BRING 5 OUTFITS
With the chance to wear several different outfits, you can aim for a variety of styles. Try to bring outfits that are unique in color and/or mood. While this guide showcases dresses only, feel free to bring your favorite jeans, or a lovely blouse.
SOMETHING LIGHT AND ETHEREAL
Bring something in a light shade of blush, nude, cream or white.
SOMETHING DARK AND SMOLDERING
Black, Navy, or Charcoal will all work well.
SOMETHING SEXY
You can be an understated sexy in a blazer with no shirt.
SOMETHING COLORFUL
"To me, clothing is a form of self- expressions - there are hints about who you are in what you wear"
-MARC JACOBS
BEAUTY GUIDE
Get a Manicure. Soft neutral colors work best. While you're at it, toss in the pedicure (go for any color you like on toes).
Buy Groceries. Plan a healthy shoot day breakfast and snacks.
Clean Your Rings. For a fast and easy DIY option, try using a toothbrush & toothpaste to clean your ring.
Wash Your Hair. Fully air dry or blowout your hair, but avoid using hot tools such as curling or straightening irons. Before bed, put your hair up into a loose top-knot for volume.
Very Short Hair? Wait to shampoo until the morning of the shoot.
Shave. Touch up your body hair situation, remember underarms, and legs, and possibly forearms, bikini, and upper lip.
Tweeze Eyebrows. Double check for any strays.
Get Your Beauty Sleep. Be sure to strive for eight hours
Eat Breakfast. Think protein and complex carbs
Bare Face. Wash and apply your usual moisturizer
Moisturized Body. Apply lotion or oil
Clean, Dry Hair.
Arrive On Time with your Favorite Music. Plan to be at studio at your appointed time, but bring music that inspires you to feel how you want to look.
...AND HAVE FUN!
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
118 N. 2nd St, Richmond, Virginia | (804)330-7429
