If you have not yet taken the opportunity, please see the About page to learn more about my background and my philosophy of photography. Please be aware that any person posing for me will be required to sign a release form. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.
If you are reading this, you are most likely considering having a professional photographer capture your beautiful self. I am so happy to have you here in my home, photoGary.net! I have taken quite a bit of time to make this website a rich and thorough resource for you. Contained herein, you will find several helpful tips, suggestions, and resources to help you help me get the best image possible for you. On top of that, you will find a great deal more detail about working with me including my personality, my shooting style, facilities, etc. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the process. I am here to take care of YOU!
First off, you should realize I am a very laid back and personable photographer. If you don’t already know me, you should know I like to laugh and have a good time. My mother always told me to find a job that I love, and I will never “work” a day in my life. I believe in this fully, and I hope you feel that during and after your shoot. I believe highly in making your photo session an enjoyable one. Having photos taken can be stressful enough, and it is my goal to make you feel supported and comfortable. When we get together, we will spend some time going through what you would like to accomplish. Chances are, we have already talked and I will have a pretty good idea. I will go over details with you and come up with a plan together. I will take your ideas and concepts, and meld them with my expertise and knowledge. The end result will be a wonderful and real image of you that you will enjoy for years.
If you are coming to my studio, first realize you will be working in a home. There are several advantages for doing this. A professional studio is often cold, uncomfortable, and impersonal. You will be provided with a spacious changing room and restroom/shower facilities should they be necessary. Coming for a shoot directly after work? No problem. Running behind and need to check your makeup and hair? Easily done. Need to clean up after we are done? You will have whatever you need to make that happen. I always provide a few amenities for my guests. I will tailor the type of music you enjoy into the studio experience. Music is a great way to help you get into the mood you want for your photos. Wanna listen to dance music to make you smile? Do you like to listen to musicals while you smile? DONE! I have a fully stocked refrigerator in the studio for water and soda. Do you have a favorite wine you enjoy? Bring it with you! In short, I want you to feel comfortable and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Photography is an art form. There are several factors to consider when you are seeking high quality, thoughtful images. Things like setting, lighting, composition, equipment, preparation, and a partridge in a pear tree. Having a great photo is something that is not as easy as it sounds. There are so many distractions that can take away from your image. In order to minimize those distractions, consider the following tips:
- Be well-rested and avoid alcohol and cigarettes the night before (both are bad for your skin). Be well hydrated (dehydration also affects skin). Some who retain water choose to avoid water for a few hours immediately prior to a shoot. If this is an issue, drink a small black coffee or glass of red wine 30 minutes before the shoot.
- Make no drastic changes to your appearance within three days of your photo shoot. Tanning dries out your skin, and shaving leaves razor bumps even on the best skin. If you’re changing your hair, get it cut at least a week before the shoot so it has time to adjust to its new style.
- Eat! You should consider coming to the shoot after eating because feeling hungry can make you uncomfortable during the shoot. Discomfort will show in your photos. Consider bringing a snack if you are concerned about getting hungry during the shoot.
- Hygiene: Be sure to be freshly showered, and hair ready. Facial hair should be trimmed neatly. Avoid shaving or plucking the day of the shoot if your skin is sensitive. I can retouch some minor razor burn, but if you tend to get red and puffy, avoid this right before the shoot. Be sure eyebrows are groomed, teeth are clean, and lips are not dry. If necessary, please bring a lip balm/moisturizer with you. Moist lips always look better. If your lips are chapped, this will greatly alter your look. Take this into consideration when coming to the shoot.
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Full bathroom for your use. Clothing: All you intend to wear should be laid out, clean and ironed the night before. Wrinkle-free clothing will help make your image much more professional. I highly suggest bringing your clothing on hangers to avoid wrinkling on the way to the studio. You will be able to hang your clothing in the studio. With clothing, choose things that you enjoy wearing, and that convey your own style. Depending on the service you are requesting, you are welcome to change clothing as often as you during the allotted time. Accessories are perfectly fine like jewelry, scarves, jackets, etc. (for men or women!) Whatever you are wearing, it should fit well and you should feel comfortable in it. Avoid logos and large prints as they detract from your focus: your face. Consider a complimentary color to your eyes. Try these ideas: Eye color: pale blue, wear: lilac or pastel pink. Eye color: light brown, wear: honey brown or green. Eye color: dark green, wear: plum or peach. Eye color: mid-to-dark blue, wear: gold or peach. Eye color: pale green, wear: lavender or blue-gray. Eye color: dark brown, wear: olive green or camel brown. Eye color: hazel, wear: moss green or purple.
Work area with stocked refrigerator. - Makeup: You have the option of using one of my Affiliates to help you with makeup prior to the shoot. As a part of my continuing education, I am learning how to use new techniques with makeup for photo shoots so ask me about this! If you are planning on doing your own makeup, be sure to use a light application. Less makeup is better than more. Cover blemishes with a light concealer. Consider using a fine translucent powder to avoid shine. Shine can drastically alter your image and is not easily retouched without grossly altering your appearance.
I hope this helps you prepare! If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me! I want to hear from you!