1) Choose a location that’s personal
One of the coolest parts of a lifestyle photo shoot is choosing a location! Some ideas include where you got engaged or a mini date revolving around an activity like a picnic or miniature golfing. places you like to hang out on the weekend. Southern California has many hidden gems like: Disneyland, Getty Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street/Union Station, Universal Citywalk, Griffith Observatory, a lighthouse, local carnivals or fairs, Venice beach, Santa Monica pier, beaches in Malibu, Greystone Mansion, or the Canyons.
(Some locations may require a shooting permit. Locations beyond 10 miles of 90405 will require a travel fee of $3/mile round-trip.)
2) Buy a new outfit!
As if you needed a reason to go shopping~?!? I love when my couples wear outfits that really express their personality. To get some cute outfit ideas, check out some of your favorite fashion magazines or catalogs. I highly recommend anything from Anthropologie. I photograph people from head to toe, so don’t forget to accessorize from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet… and please get a manicure. Things that don’t photograph well: small checker patterns in 1-2 colors (causes morray patterns in digital pictures), spaghetti straps, large graphic and logo tees, matching t-shirts in the same color. Good outfits are well accessorized, CAN match in the same color hues, and is something you’re comfortable in! On the day of your shoot, bring a couple of outfit options and I can help you choose what will look best for pictures. Here’s a couple of resources for beautiful custom headpieces: Bedford Falls and Bows-n-Berries (samples below). Both designers are able to custom make a special headpiece to match your outfit or wedding dress!
3) Plan on shooting during golden hour!
Also known in the cinematic world as “magic hour,” this is the hour right before sunset and after sunrise. It offers beautiful diffused light, warmer hues, and long shadows. In the middle of the day, the bright overhead sun can create blown out highlights and harsh shadows, not so good for portraits. A typical lifestyle photo session lasts an hour, which might seem like a long time… but I’ll be shooting pretty much nonstop. Time will fly by fast! We can definitely add extra time to your shoot if you’re planning to do multiple locations and multiple outfit changes. If we must shoot in the middle of the day, that’s ok… we’ll make it work!
4) Bring personal props to make it your own
Depending on the location of our shoot, you want to make sure and bring things that will keep you fresh and happy. These things include snacks, drinks, extra makeup, a change of clothes for an outfit swap (even if you’re planning on only shooting in one outfit), and a handful of smiles. You also want to bring some personal props like lanterns, candles, luggage, vintage chairs, feathers, cameras, candy, bubble blowers, etc. If you want to use balloons, get them in a number that is important to you. (If you’ve been together 8 months, how about 8 balloons? If you’re celebrating one year, you can get just 1 balloon or 12 balloons.) A great beauty tip: bring some Visene to get natural white eyes and apply teeth whitening strips on yellowed teeth 2 weeks before your shoot.
5) Professional Hair and makeup
You will want to make sure to have your hair/makeup professionally done for your photoshoot. If you’re planning a wedding, book your hair/makeup trial run on the same day as your engagement shoot to save money. Guys- don’t be shy to get a little hollywood too! (I won’t tell). Get a haircut a week or two in advance and consider applying foundation/powder for the shoot. If you need a recommendation for a stylist, contact celebrity stylist Tanika or the ladies of Fiore Beauty. Rates typically range from $75-250 depending on service. Trust me it’s worth it, you’ll both look like a million bucks!
For more help with location or styling for your shoot, feel free to contact me for a consultation. sherri@sherrijphotography.com
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