How to Prepare for Your Session

Tips for Men

What to Wear:

What to ear

     We covered bringing three “looks" to your photo session. More specifically, what should these looks include? For your three looks I suggest: The Casual Male (i.e. tight fitting t-shirt, dark jeans), The Business Casual (i.e. button up shirt, no tie, sport coat), and The Business Man (i.e. suit and tie).

     What does a “look" consist of? A more traditional look could include a combination of: suit, collared shirt, tie (with tie pin/bar), pocket square, cuff links, socks, shoes, and additional accessories as desired.

     A more casual look could include trousers, jeans, blazer, sweater, hoodie, open collar shirt, or black or white t-shirt.

     Whatever you bring should be clean and pressed. Choose colors that make your eyes stand out and your skin look healthy. If you aren't sure what to choose, ask a trusted, fashion-savvy friend.

Pay special attention to ties and pocket squares. These are very important so bring your best.

Grooming:

Grooming

     If your hair needs a cut, schedule it accordingly, giving the cut time to grow out or be fixed before your session if necessary.

     If you are clean shaven, please plan to visit a professional barber the morning of your session. We want you to have the cleanest, sharpest look. Alternatively, if you are a five o’clock shadow guy, trim your beard prior to your session accordingly. If you have manicured facial hair, please shave and trim as needed.

     If you have full facial hair, please condition it.

     Make sure you trim any stray ear, nose, or neck hairs, and also your eyebrows.

    Whitening your teeth professionally or at home is highly recommended, since you will most likely smile during your session.

     Drink plenty of water in the days before your session. It’s nature’s most effective “facelift.” Your skin will look better and you will feel better.

     Moisturize your skin, including your hands, with whatever men's skin care line you currently use. If you don't have a favorite, Cetaphil makes an excellent face wash and moisturizer, available at Duane Reade. Exfoliating is a paramount step in the preparation process. If you don’t already have product you use, you can either wash your face with a washcloth and gently massage your face cleanser in small circles around your face (including your lips) to help remove any dead skin OR add a small amount of baking soda (not powder) to your cleanser and use your fingers to gently massage small circles all over your face. This also helps to reduce pores and oil. Don’t forget to do your lips.

     It is very important to use a lip balm of your choice to keep your lips moisturized and healthy looking. You will not look ‘glossy’ on camera. Carmex is a good choice.

     Please feel free to bring any skin or hair products you may use with you. It is helpful to have on hand for touch ups.

Self-care:

Self-care

     This bears repeating: drink plenty of water. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. This does not include coffee, which can actually dehydrate you.

If you drink alcohol, refrain as much as possible in the days leading up to your session, and definitely do not drink the night before.

Try to get as much sleep as you can the night before you come in.

Review what you and Amber discussed in your pre-session consultation and prepare physically and mentally.

Your session is going to be a lot of fun!

Vision:

Vision

     Keep your clothing consistent with your ‘personal brand’ and with your audience. You want to look like the person who shows up to the meeting. Don’t choose anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable and confident wearing to your most important meeting to date.

     If you keep all of these tips in mind, you will be better prepared for your session and it will show in your pictures.

Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!

SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.

We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.