When and Where
Where
- The first thing to decide is what kind of shoot you want: studio or location.
- It comes down to the look you want.
- The more thought you put into it, the more interesting your shoot can be. Here are some other things to consider:
Studio Shoot
- Lighting can be designed specifically for your features and for the moods we want to create. It can be classic, beautiful, edgy or a combination.
- Studio shoots can happen in any weather and at any time of day.
- Air conditioning will keep your hair, makeup and clothes from wilting in the heat and humidity.
- A changing room makes switching outfits quick and private
- Music can help set the mood for the shoot.
- My studio also has some outside spaces to work with including a small forest of crepe myrtle trees and a nice pool area.
- Studio shoots tend to allow more pictures to be taken and more clothing/look changes.
- Parents have a comfortable place to hang out (away from the actual shooting space) so that they are not always watching you. They can peek in occasionally if they are curious.
Location Shoot
- Locations can bring meaning and a sense of place to a portrait.
- You can choose either indoor or outdoor locations.
- For the best light, outdoor shoots typically need to be done early in the day or late in the afternoon.
- Bathrooms and changing areas may not be available.
- Weather conditions need to be considered.
Location Ideas
- family ranch or lake house
- parks: Turtle Creek and Lakeside
- your home or your parent's home
- downtown: fountains, skyline, bridge
- Deep Ellum: murals and graffiti
- fair grounds: ancient looking walls and architecture
- If you see a place you like, you can always snap a cell phone pic and send it to me. If you’re not sure about where you’d like to have your portraits taken, give me a call. I’d be happy to talk with you.
When
- If you have a deadline, try to book your shoot at least 6-8 weeks before any deadlines you might have. These deadlines are typically in early fall.
- Waiting until the last minute may mean there are no shoot slots left for a relaxed, full session. I try not to schedule more than two full shoots in one day, so that we will not be rushed.
- If you need a weekend shoot, space is limited, so schedule ahead of time.
- Can I do a shoot this week? Call us, and we will see if we can fit you in. The booking calendar is always changing.
- If you don't have any deadlines, schedule it in the season you like best if you're doing a location shoot: fall for leaves, spring for flowers...
- Remember that it's hot outside in Texas from about mid-July through mid-September (this is also a very busy shoot season). During those times early morning or late in the day are a bit cooler and the light is better.
- Studio shoots are not limited by time of day or season and my studio has some outdoor locations just outside the door.
- Less busy times during the year are February-mid April, mid June-mid July and mid September-mid October. Try to avoid shooting in December before Christmas. We get very busy with production then.
Inspiration
- My goal for your session is for it to be fun and to reflect your style and personality. I find the best shoots happen when you come with some ideas of your own. I will use them as a starting point to create something unique for you.
- Feel free to browse my website and my instagram page for inspiration. You can also create a board on Pinterest with the ideas you find. Pin things such as clothing, poses, location ideas and moods. Send me an invitation to join, so I can see what you like and what inspires you.
- I have a lot of Apple Music playlists to set the mood in studio shoots or you can bring your Spotify list. You can also bring your own playlist (just make it generally upbeat). I love hearing new music and might even ask for a copy.