All You Need To Know About Our Shoot

This page is for client’s that have booked for a portrait session. – It aims to answer any questions you have. How I work, how to prepare for a shoot etc. If for any reason you find yourself asking other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

At The Studio

  • In order to get the best out of the shoot it is important that you feel relaxed and comfortable. So when you arrive at the studio, we will probably sit for a coffee or tea, go through some key points and the clothing items you’ve brought along with you.
  • Then we will start doing some test shots, some poses and facial expressions.
  • We will go over the portraits together on the computer, look at key points of posing, expressions, eyes and so forth before continuing.
  • It will be a relaxed, easy going and fun shoot.

Studio Address:

Rue de l’ Arquebuse 24, 1204 Geneve.

Key Points:

A lot of photographers do the following and these are things I certainly do or do not do:

  • Your personal space is yours, so I avoid touching my clients and will ask you if I have to help straighten up a tie or shirt collar etc ( or for whatever reason).
  • I don’t take 800 images during a shoot. – I try to get it right and avoid the “hit and miss” or “shoot until we have something looks good”.
  • There’s no such thing as “One Hit Wonder” where the first shot is the best shot; there’s always better.
  • I aim to build up a connection with you and that’s the difference between a snap shot of you and real portrait. Not “A Deer In The Headlights” kind of look.

Preparing For A Shoot

Skin Care & Hair:

  • No oil based moisturiser. – It will make you look shiny and greasy.
  • No powder based makeup. – It looks terrible and blotchy in flash photography.
  • Use water based makeup.
  • It’s easier to start with a little makeup and add to it. So start with a little (eye liner, moisturiser etc) and we can go from there.
  • Men & Women: If you need remove hair (pluck eye brows, shave legs, shave etc) then please do that the day/ night before. – It looks better.
  • Make sure your hair is well looked after before our session. It might be worth going to the the hair dresser before to get it looking good. Bad hair can make the difference of a great portrait to an ok portrait. Please bring a brush.
  • A makeup artist and hair stylist can be available at an extra cost. However, I will need to know in advance.

Clothing & Tops:

  • Bring neutral or bright tone colours.
  • Avoid white/black tops (it will make you look dramatic and white tops competes with your face).
  • Avoid floral or pattern tops. – The design will compete with your expression and face and we want to show your face as the main subject.
  • If we are doing a full body portrait, please avoid wearing black (or white) pants.
  • I can set up and iron or a steamer if needed.

Other & Important Stuff:

  • For whatever reason and no matter how nervous you are, don’t have an alcoholic drink before.
  • Please don’t arrive late, in fact it’s better to turn up early.
  • Don’t cancel within 12 hours of the shoot. – I book the studio, organize my time (before & after), travel and so forth to work with you.

Got a question or thought that’s not here? – Drop me a line.