TWO MONTHS BEFORE:

• Book makeup artist and hairstylist - make sure they come to YOU!
• Start looking at locations for your shoot.
• Get clear on your brand words and the direction you want to take for your shoot.
• Create Pinterest Boards & brainstorm ideas/looks for your shoot.

ONE MONTH BEFORE:

• Start putting together your wardrobe.
• Check out sites or businesses that rent clothing, accesories or ask friends to borrow items.
• Research props, rent them or borrow from friends?
• Start preparing a “Shot List” for your photographer - this will be a list of all of the "must have shots" for your photoshoot.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE:

• Try on all of your outfits with undergarments and take a photo of yourself with your cell phone. Does everything fit properly? Are there any straps poking out? Do you need to have anything adjusted?
• Book appointment at salon and have your hair trimmed, your roots touched up (if you color your hair) and throw in a nice deep conditioning treatment for some extra shine!
• Have your eyebrows professionally cleaned up.
• Decide if you want to try clip in hair extensions to add some extra volume.
• Guys make sure your suits are properly tailored! No loose clothing
• Moisturize like crazy. 

ONE WEEK BEFORE A SHOOT:

1. Watch your diet: Stay away from alcohol, sugar and salt.
2. Drink LOTS of water each day.
3. Do something physical each day. Go to gym, take a yoga or even a long walk each night. Movement makes you feel better!
4. Create a playlist of your favorite music to listen to during your shoot.
5. Iron, steam, dry clean all of your outfits and put them on hangers.
6. Organize accessories and undergarments for each outfit.

TWO DAYS BEFORE:

• If you plan on getting a spray tan this is the time to do it. If you do decide to tan be sure it’s an airbrush tan. Do NOT use oils or take hot showers after tanning.
• Get a manicure and pedicure - stick with classic neutral colors.
• Keep drinking that water!
• Guys consider getting an old fashioned straight razor shave with hot towels and the works!
• Men when you go in for your haircut, ask them for some extra “grooming” Trim any nose or ear hairs - and be sure the back of your neck is smooth and clean.

THE DAY BEFORE:

•  Hang all of your outfits in your car so you're not rushing in the morning.
• Do you have your accessories packed?
• Are all of the matching undergarments, etc., packed? Spanx, strapless bras?
• Pack your photoshoot prep kit.
• Tell your friends and family you’ll be busy and will be shutting your phone off tomorrow for your shoot!
• Get a good night’s sleep! You can drink a herbal tea with a bit of raw honey. Listen to a guided meditation or soothing music to help quiet your mind. 

15 Things that should be at the shoot.

1. A Makeup Artist, Makeup & Hair Products:
   
2. Music:
   
3. Lint Roller:
   
4. Lotion:
5. Toiletries:  Tampons, spray deodorant, mouth wash in your studio bathroom.
6. Bobby Pins/Safety Pins: You never know when these will come in handy!
7. Props: Pearl Necklace, Vintage Phone, Bird Cage Veil, etc.
8. Socks: EApart from using them on  your feet to walk around the studiover, a client who lacks a bit in the bust department or has brought in a bra that needs a fuller look, the remedy can simply be to roll up a sock and put it to the corner under each breast. Crazy but it works!!
9. Double Sided Tape: This comes in so handy! This helps remedy straps falling, bra gaps or ill fitting clothing.
10. Sewing Kit: You might have to fix those last minute wardrobe malfunctions!
11. Nail Polish/Nail Polish Remover: Women tend to overlook their nails! Nothing is worse then a close up with chipped nail polish, the wrong color nail polish for an outfit or a conflict with a desired image or composition.
12. Robes:  Apart from making great props, robes keep you comfortable between wardrobe changes, especially when wearing lingerie. 
13. Concessions: Snacks. Carry your favorite (Cookies, fruits, nuts, chips, vegetables etc) to sustain your energy and mood.
14. Beverage: Water is a must. Hydration is of ultimate importance. Favorite Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Coffee, lemonade, citrus juices.
15. Alcohol: Wines and cocktails are perfect to get you to relax and convey more natural emotions especially if you are doing intitmate or boudoir photography. Make sure to bring your favorite cocktail or wine.

Wardrobe: I usually get the best results with primary colors or the colors of the rainbow ROYGBIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet) Wearing colors close to that provides great contrast and yield the best results especially for darker complexions. Black and white work great for all complexions.

Boudoir Props & Accessories

• Lingerie
• Stuff toys
• Pets like a cat or small dog
• Leather boots
•  High Heels - Pumps
• Adult novelties (Whips, Handcuffs, Belts, Cigars, Filter cigarette tips)
• Jewelry (Pearl Necklaces etc, Fashon Rings Extra large, small doesn't matter)

On Location Props

• Full Length Dressing Mirror
• Couch
• Chair
• Barstool, preferably no arms.
• Fan
• Step ladder
• Window that lets in natural light. (Optional)
• Christmas lights for (background effects)