the prep guide
family, motherhood and maternity
our Professional tips
Please be sure to read this fully prior to your session. We are here to help you through the process and to make sure the entire experience is fun and enjoyable.
LADIES & GIRLS
Ladies Clothing:
Remember, you have access to my client closet, which includes a variety of beautiful dresses ranging from size 0 to 18. However, you’re always welcome to bring your own pieces if there’s something special you’d like to wear.
The right clothing can make a big difference in the final look of your images. For a timeless and elegant feel, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns. Neutral and earth tones always photograph beautifully and never go out of style. If you’d like a pop of color, I recommend deep, rich jewel tones for a bold yet sophisticated touch.
MEN & BOYS
Mens Clothing:
Men and boys are the easiest to style! I highly recommend a tailored suit or a simple white, long-sleeved button-down shirt with dark dress slacks. This look is classic, timeless, and complements any setting.
For added variation, consider incorporating suspenders, a bowtie, or a vest to elevate the style.
Ladies: If you’ve already chosen your dress color, select a complementary color for the men in your life to create a beautifully cohesive look in your photos.
Feel free to bring several pieces in for your shoot. I cannot guarantee we will use all of them, but there can never be enough options.
The Basics to Bring:
LADIES / GIRLS
Bring Skin-Tone Panties/Bras
(loose fit to avoid red lines/indentions on skin. Match as close to skin tone.)Bring Skin-Tone Slip
(not required but some of my dresses are sheer, keep this in mind when shooting outside. Panties and bra are fine if you are okay with it.)Spaghetti Strap White Tank Top
Easy on/off shoes.
The Basics to Bring:
MEN / BOYS
White Button Down Collar Shirt.
Dark Dress Slacks/Chinos
Dark Jeans
Easy on/off shoes.
Layers.
(fall/winter, think vests, pullovers, etc.)
Expecting Mothers
When to Schedule: The best time to schedule your maternity session is between 28-32 weeks. This is when your baby bump is typically at its fullest and you'll still be feeling comfortable enough for posing.
Watch Me Grow: Capture your baby's journey with FREE milestone sessions at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months! Each session includes one complimentary fine art digital image to cherish forever. You do have the option to add on more images from each session if you wish.
All maternity clients qualify when they purchase:
✔️ 10+ digital images
✔️ 16x24 wall art (or larger)
✔️ An album or heirloom boxCelebrate this special time with memories that last a lifetime!
Tips & Tricks to prepare
PREP & SCHEDULE
Hair & Makeup: Professional hair and makeup is always recommended to help you look and feel your best. I recommend scheduling your appointment for a few hours before your session.
Nails: A clean and polished look is best. Please ensure your nails are well-groomed before your session. If painted, choose neutral, natural-toned colors and make sure there are no chips or imperfections."
False Eyelashes: If you wear false lashes or get extensions, opt for a natural, subtle look rather than dramatic or overly thick styles for the best results in photos.
Rest & Hydrate: Make sure your drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session. Water flushes toxins from your body, making your skin look more healthy and also helps shed extra water weight. It is also a good idea to avoid alcoholic beverages at least 3 days prior to your shoot if you can. Also be sure to get a good nights rest before you shoot!
Protect: While some ladies prefer tanned skin, it is important not to be exposed to direct sunlight in the weeks leading up to your session. Not only does this cause sunburn but also increases the chance of suntan lines. If you must be in direct sunlight, please limit your exposure and protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen. Spray tans are not recommended. If you do get an airbrush tan, get one very light and protect the bottom of your feet from solution.
Groom: If you plan on having grooming services done, please do them at least 3 days before your session. This ensure that all red bumps or reactions are at a minimum. If you plan on having your hair cut, dyed, or bleached, please make sure this is done 2 weeks in advance so you have time to repair any mistakes.
SESSION DAY
Session Day Outfit: We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing (especially bra and panties!) to your session to avoid any lines or indentations on your skin. Tight clothing can create uneven coloring and make it difficult to edit. Additionally, please avoid any restrictive clothing or accessories that may leave marks on your skin. Loose, flowy dresses or tops paired with comfortable leggings are a great option.
Arrival: Please be sure to arrive at your session no earlier or later than your scheduled time. It is important to make sure you are on time so the day moves smoothly and that your session is not cut short due to tardiness. I prefer my clients to be relaxed and not worried about time, so please know the importance of showing up on time.
Guests: You are welcome to bring guests to your session! For outdoor sessions, they’re welcome to join as long as they do not interrupt the session. For studio sessions, due to limited space, guests are not allowed inside but may wait in the car.
Timeline: My sessions do not have a strict time limit (unless otherwise stated), allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. On average, sessions typically last between 1 to 2.5 hours.
After the Session: Once your session is complete, I will fully edit one image from your gallery as a preview of what you can expect. This image will be ready within 48 hours. After that, we’ll schedule a Image Reveal —either in person or online via Google Meet—where you can review all your images. During this time, you’ll select your favorites, and we’ll discuss the editing process to ensure your images look absolutely magical. If you have any specific requests, this is the perfect time to share them!
The Beauty of Jewel Tones: Elevating Your Session with Rich Hues
Flattering on All Skin Tones: The beauty of jewel tones lies in their versatility. Whether you have fair porcelain skin, warm olive undertones, or deep ebony complexion, jewel tones have a way of enhancing your natural beauty. They create a harmonious contrast that makes your features pop, resulting in stunning photographs that celebrate your unique radiance.
The Classics: Earth Tones
Neutral earth tones are a great choice for a photo session as they are timeless, classic and versatile. They provide a natural and cohesive look that compliments a variety of skin tones and backgrounds.
Earth tones like beige, taupe, ivory, brown, gray, and olive create a soft and natural palette that is easy on the eyes and doesn't distract from the subject. These colors are great for outdoor sessions, especially in natural settings like the beach, forest, or desert.
Questions?
I hope this prep guide helped you! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am so excited to work with you!
Email: ShanteLondonPhotography@gmail.com
Text: 804-404-3282
Please allow 48 hours for us to respond.