Please know that these are just my recommendations and by no means do you have to bring everything (or anything for that matter) I’m recommending. I want to capture who YOU are, not who you think you should be.  So first and foremost, bring what makes YOU YOU, and makes YOU comfortable.

Girls

Clothing – 1 formal (think prom dress) outfit, several casual outfits (skirts, summer dresses, pants, shorts) 1-2 “going out” outfits (think what you would wear to a dance club).  Try to avoid patterns, plaids, large words (except school attire), horizontal strips. Bright solid colors are great.  Multiple shoes to match all outfits. Make sure to bring scarves, purses, jewelry, hats, etc to accessories your outfits.  If you want any black and white portraits, make sure to bring a dark colored outfit.  If you bring light colored outfits, make sure to bring/wear light colored under garments.  Black bra’s show up through white shirts.  Also applies to the bottoms.  If you bring a spaghetti strap shirt or strapless top, make sure you have a bra to go with it.  If you want to bring something sexy make sure Mom/Dad ok’s it beforehand.  If you bring a short skirt or dress, bring a pair of spandex or cheer shorts to wear underneath.  This will help minimize any awkward/uncomfortable moments.  Bring more outfits than you think you’ll need.  Iron your outfits the night before and avoid folding them as the wrinkles will show.

Grooming

Hair - Avoid getting a new haircut the day before.  If you want to try a new haircut, do it 1 week beforehand so you can figure out if you like it and how to fix it.  Bring any items that will quickly allow you to change your hair style.
Nails – avoid getting your nails done right before the session, typically you should do this the day before.  Nails and fingers will show so make sure you think about them while getting ready.  Clean properly groomed nails will make a big difference in your portraits.  All this applies to toenails as well.
Makeup – Apply a “little”(don’t overdo it) more makeup than normal…kind of like you were going to a formal event.  Make sure mascara is clean and free of clumps.  Extra mascara will make your eyes stand out more.  Don’t worry about the random pimple or small break out as these are easy to fix in post-production. Try to bring some translucent powder.
Avoid Tanning for at least a week before your session.  Burned or peeling skin is not flattering.  Avoid having tan lines that will show with your outfits.
Glasses – Buy or borrow a pair of non-glare glasses or frames without the glass.
Things to keep in mind…light colors, tight fitting, and horizontal lines make you appear heavier than you are.  If you don’t like your arms, don’t bring sleeveless/tank top shirts.  Darker colors, looser fitting, and vertical lines are slimming in portraits.
Bring your own props.  Class rings, musical equipment, books, flowers, balloons, sports equipment/apparel, iPod, glasses, shoes…items that make you….you.
Bring a friend.  Friends bring a level of comfort and relaxation to you and that’s what we’re going for during your session.  That person will also know if you are looking and acting like yourself, which is important.
If your session is in the Spring, bring more Spring colored outfits.  If it’s in the Fall, bring more Fall colored outfits.
Get all your outfits and accessories picked out and packed the night before to avoid any stress the morning of.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!  Be wild and free.  No one will see your images until you OK them.

Guys

Clothing – bring at least 1 nice button up shirt, 2-3 collared shirts, 2-3 casual shirts (T-shirt), comfortable fitting pants and shorts.  2 pair of shoes. Iron any outfit that needs ironing.  Bring a belt that matches your outfits.  Try to avoid patterns, plaids, words, and horizontal strips.  Bright solid colors are great.  If you want any black and white portraits, make sure to bring a dark colored outfit.  Bring hats if you typically wear them.
Grooming – Depending on how fast you get the 5:00 shadow…Shave the night before.  If you quickly get stubble shave about 3 hours before the session to avoid red irritated skin.
Make sure to clean and groom your finger nails
Avoid getting a haircut the morning of your session.  Haircuts should be gotten the day before your session and new hair styles should be gotten at least 1 week before your session to allow enough time to figure out how to style it.
Avoid Tanning for at least a week before your session.  Burned or peeling skin is not flattering.
Glasses – Buy or borrow a pair of non-glare glasses or frames without the glass.
Things to keep in mind…light colors, tight fitting, and horizontal lines make you appear heavier than you are.  If you don’t like your arms, don’t bring sleeveless/tank top shirts. Darker colors, looser fitting, and vertical lines are slimming in portraits.
Fashions come and go so avoid bringing too many “fashion trendy” outfits as you probably won’t like them in 1-2 years.
Bring your own props.  Class rings, musical equipment, books, flowers, balloons, sports equipment/apparel, iPod, glasses, shoes…items that make you….you.
Bring a friend.  Friends bring a level of comfort and relaxation to you and that’s what we’re going for during your session.  That person will also know if you are looking and acting like yourself, which is important.
If your session is in the Spring, bring more Spring colored outfits. If it’s in the Fall, bring more Fall colored outfits.
Get all your outfits and accessories picked out and packed the night before to avoid any stress the morning of.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!! Be wild and free. No one will see your images until you OK them.