Portrait Session Tips

Clients frequently ask if there are any specifics to consider for a portrait session. Each session varies based on locations and subjects, but a few things I suggest:

Pin Up and Boudoir Portrait Tips

1. Groom yourself like you’re going on your honeymoon weekend. Shave anything that needs shaving, wax what needs waxing, tweeze, trim, etc. Also don’t forget to touch up your roots! It’s likely that you’ll be up close and personal with your photographer, stylist and make-up crew so good prep means you can relax knowing nobody is staring at your fuzzy bikini line.

2. Don’t forget your nails! Have well trimmed and shaped toenails and fingernails, trim and moisturize cuticles, and paint your nails. If you have an aversion to polish- and least do a clear coat on all twenty digits.

3. If you want to wear a garter belt and stockings, avoid anything that is designed to “stay up” on its own. Rubberized thigh highs and “stay ups” can make even the most toned thighs look like sausage. There are lots of online retailers that specialize in classic stockings that won’t bind your legs. Also, if you have less than toned thighs, a good trick is to find some completely sheer “sheer to waist” pantyhose as a foundation. (Make sure they are not control top! A good choice is Sheer Energy Sheer to Waist- they have the green stripe on the box.) The pantyhose will make your legs looks great, and then you can pull the stockings over them to have the stocking look with toned upper thigh.

4. It’s all in the face! Pin-Ups are all about facial expression & personality. Find your personal pin-up personality. Are you smoldering and sexy? Cute and playful? Figure it out and spend some real time in front of the mirror finding out what expressions are best for you. Do what comes comfortably and most natural and your pictures will show that. We can always tell who has practiced faces before the shoot, and even a little practice means better pictures.

5. While you’re at it, practice poses you’ve seen in classic pin-ups, or modern pin-up photos you admire. Have a friend/lover/family member shoot you with a point and shoot or even a camera phone. The quality of the image will suck, but you’ll be able to see if you nailed a flattering pose or not. This way, when you get to your professional shoot, you’ll be sure and get your money’s worth!

6. Take some time to tell your photographer about what you see as your biggest assets and problem areas. It helps them choose poses and angles to hide what you don’t like, and show off what you do. A good photographer should be able to pose for just about anything.

7. Mention any moles, birthmarks, scars that you are self conscious about. The photographer doesn’t know whether you consider your mole a “beauty mark” or a “flaw”, so be specific about what you may want wiped out in Photoshop.

8. Understand that you “Get What You Pay For”. If you want good, professional-looking shots for your portfolio, expect to pay a professional that has proven results. Same is true for make-up and hair. If the photographer doesn’t provide these services, take the time to find a good hair and make up artist that can take care of you. Bad styling makes for bad photos.

9. Photoshop is a tool, not a miracle worker! The misconceptions of Photoshop drive me nuts! Photoshop is a tool to create certain effects or to fix minor flaws. Over photoshopped images with total lack of clarity are just not quality images. You want an image of an enhanced you — not someone unrecognizable. If you want a painting — hire a painter. You should be realistic — do not expect to lose 20 years or 20 pounds through Photoshop. Expect a beautiful image of the true you.

10. Make a CD or bring a loaded MP3 player with all of your favorite songs. Have the photographer play it while you pose. It will help you relax and have more fun.

11. Embrace and use double stick tape. This will help keep clothing where it should be while providing maximum cleavage.

12. Be on time, but not more than 15 min early. Photographers usually have tight shooting schedules. By arriving late, you are cheating yourself out of time. By arriving early, you are cheating someone else.

13. Don’t be afraid to be over dramatic or really ham it up. Wild expressions, big eyes and huge smiles are encouraged. Those cheesy ones are very often the best. On the other hand, sultry, sly smirks and dark, smoky eyes are very sexy looks too.

14. When posing, try to keep your tongue firmly glued to the roof of your mouth. This will slim your face, and cut down on the possibility of double chin.

15. Always point your toes! Your feet should never be at a 45 degree angle. Pointing your toes adds grace, while elongating and emphasizing the shape of your legs.

16. On the same note pay close attention to your hands and keep them soft. Imagine you are holding a raw egg in the palm of your hand, and keep the hands soft and graceful. Study ballet hand positions. Nothing ruins a great shot like hard and sharp angles or fists with the hands.

17. If the costuming is not provided- make sure you have a matching set of lingerie that fits well. Try on what you are bringing ahead of time. It really sucks when people show up with things they haven’t worn in years, or brand new stuff they haven’t worn before — and get all dressed up — just to hate the way the clothing fits them.
On the subject of wardrobe — there is a huge difference between a quality corset with steel or animal boning, and a cheap plastic off the rack clearance item. A quality corset will enhance your bust, and slim your waist dramatically. A cheap corset will just make your torso into an unflattering box shape.

18. Create lots of angles with your body without pointing a joint to the camera. Never point elbows, knees, or armpits directly to the camera; this is extremely unflattering. Instead create angles where these joints are pointing away from the camera.

19. When doing those “staring off to the side shots” stare into the photographers strobe light (softbox, umbrella, whatever) but not past it. The light will brighten your eyes and be flattering. If you look further than the light, not only will your eyes be dull and dark, but you’ll show too much of the whites of your eyes, giving a zombie effect.

20. Trust your photographer. If you’ve taken the time to research and choose someone because of their reputation and portfolio, don’t insult them by telling them how to do their job. We do this to make you look awesome, and nothing is more frustrating than a client who won’t let us use our experience and training to give you the best possible outcome. 

-Besides clarifying, recognize that pinups actually have lots of sub-genre's like WW-II classics,  Betty Page (including nudity), to today's Suicide Girls/Zivity work (tattoos and piercings with extreme props and clothing choices).  So be clear not just on the theme/genre (ie: pinups) but the concept (ie: 1950s kitchen; vintage, cherry patterns, aprons). 

Payments can be made to:
Jillian Reynolds
via Venmo: @Jillian-Reynolds-13
or 
via CashApp: $JLReynoldsPhoto

In addition to art shows hosted in local CT galleries and private shops/restaurants, individual pieces and full exhibits are scattered along the east coast and into the mid west.

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