Our custom sessions include a planning consultation. We’ll help you choose all your outfits, accessories, shoes, etc. from your own closet, and we also have a studio closet of curated clothing items and accessories. Because we’ve already planned out what everyone’s wearing, you can just grab and go on your photo shoot day. So, you don’t have to worry!
Check that all your outfits fit appropriately. Avoid clothing that is uncomfortable, too tight, or too loose. Avoid blousy or boxy shirts and jackets. For women, we recommend form fitting long sleeves or 3/4 length sleeves. Solid colors are best. Stay away from busy patterns or brightly colored clothing as they will detract the viewer’s attention from you. Don’t forget shoes, jewelry, appropriate undergarments, hosiery, belts, ties, and other accessories to go with your outfit. All clothing should be clean and wrinkle free. You’d be surprised how much detail the camera can capture. We do have a lint roller, clothing steamer, garment tape, and safety pins available at the studio. Wear darker colors with darker backgrounds. Wear lighter colors with lighter backgrounds.
For Headshots & Personal Brand: Our headshot sessions include 3/4 length shots, both seated and standing. So, please plan on dressing the lower half of your body appropriately to be included in the photos. Clothing should show your style and personality, but also convey a message of professionalism to those who see your images. Bring multiple outfits for your session. We’ll help you pick what works best. We recommend wearing dark colors such as black, navy blue, gray, brown, dark purple, maroon, or dark green. Suits are great if they make sense with your profession. Layers with a light-colored shirt underneath and a dark-colored jacket or sweater on top are great.
For Families & Group Portraits: Coordinate your clothing colors and fabrics with the other people who will be in the shots and your home décor if you’d like wall art. Choose 2-3 colors to create a color palette to work from.
For Themed Sessions:
For fall sessions, we recommend wearing casual outfits with dark colors such as navy blue, brown, dark orange, maroon, dark purple, black, dark green, or gray. Blue jeans, ankle boots, and jean jackets work well to complete a casual look. Feel free to bring fall colored blankets, throw pillows, or props to personalize your session.
For holiday sessions, we recommend wearing formal outfits, casual outfits and/or Christmas pajamas with holiday colors such as red, green, gold, silver, black, brown, cream, ivory, or beige that make sense with the background of set. Flannel shirts, sweaters, and jeans are all great. Don’t forget dress shoes, boots, scarves, etc.
For winter wonderland sessions, we recommend wearing formal dresses and suits with light blue, navy, white, and silver colors.
For Valentine’s sessions, we recommend wearing formal dresses and suits with red, pink, gray, white, silver, and black colors.
For spring sessions, we recommend wearing formal dresses and suits with pastel colors such as light blue, light purple, light pink, light green, light yellow, gray, white, or silver colors. Floral hair pieces, flower bouquets, baskets, etc. can be brought to personalize your session.
Maternity: Wear a gown because you are a queen! Wear jeans and a bra or cute top or button down sweater.
What about hair and makeup?
For men, natural is best. Be sure to have your beard or mustache trimmed prior to your session and your eyebrows groomed. We can use a translucent powder to remove shine from your skin at the shoot if you’d like.
For women, we highly recommend camera ready, professional hair and makeup for your shoot.
If your session includes hair and makeup, please arrive with clean, blow dried hair and no product in your hair. Your skin should be clean and lightly moisturized with no makeup on. A matte look with no shimmer or shine is best.
Here are a few hair and makeup artists that we work with regularly and highly recommend. You can contact them directly to set up your appointment and work out payment, if hair and makeup is not included with your session. You’re going to want to book your photo session at least two weeks out to ensure your hair and makeup artist is available.
- Katie Ealy – 734-612-7598
- Sue Stirling – 312-282-0600
- Beauty Bar & Boutique – 734-667-1310
You are also welcome to have your favorite hair and makeup artist come to our studio as we have a dedicated hair and makeup area they can use. Just coordinate the timing and details with us.
What else should I do to prepare for the shoot?
Getting a professional facial, hair cut, hair color, and eyebrow waxing about a week before the shoot can ensure that you will look your best. Do not do these things the day before your session. Be sure to eat well, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest leading up to the session as well. Taking proper care of your body (or not) will show in your images.
What about Illness and Covid-19?
If you feel sick or have tested positive for Covid-19, please call and reschedule. As you enter and leave the studio, please use the hand sanitizer by the door. We have an air purifier machine that circulates and filters the air. We disinfect commonly touched surfaces at the end of each day. Masks are optional, but highly recommended for those not being photographed. The photographer, our employees, and our contractors will be happy to wear a mask during your appointment should you request them to do so.
Where is the studio?
The address for our studio is 40305 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188. Our studio is located on the south side of Michigan Avenue at Lotz Road in the same plaza as Subway, Jonathan’s & Mailbox City just before the McDonalds. Our entrance is on the side of the building closest to Michigan Avenue. You can park right in front of our entrance.
When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive a couple minutes before your scheduled session time. This time will allow us to start your session on time, relax, check your hair, change outfits (if necessary), etc. without losing any time from your session.
When will I get my images?
We will review your images in person after the shoot (usually the same day) to choose which images you’d like to purchase. Once you choose which images you’d like, the final digital images are usually delivered within two weeks of your selections. Printed items are typically delivered within eight weeks. If you have a deadline, be sure to let us know when you book your session.
How much retouching do you do?
Retouching provides the highest level of attention to detail and includes things such as reducing or removing wrinkles, blemishes, stray hairs, scars, tattoos, shiny skin, and dark circles, as requested. The key is to enhance the image without making you look fake.