Time To Get Ready to shine!
“As long as you show up, it’s going to be AMAZING! That’s it. That’s all you have to do. I’ve got the rest. Can’t wait to see you!””
Hello, Beautiful! I am SO excited to be photographing you! I tend to over-communicate with my clients so they know exactly how to prepare and exactly what to expect throughout the whole process. Hope you don't mind ;) Feel free to re-visit this prep guide as often as you’d like.
First thing’s first: START REFLECTING
Exactly what kind of images are you hoping to walk away from your session with? Do you find yourself drawn to anonymous images that show off the body? Portraits? Editorial style? Have absolutely no idea? It can be very difficult to articulate your own style, so we don’t ask you to. Instead, the first thing that I ask clients to do is to create a "secret" Pinterest board for their photo session. If you are not a Pinterest user, you can also just send me some photos, but I find that the secret board on Pinterest is the best way for you and I to get a good visual of the concept we're going for. Go ahead and "follow" me HERE. Once that's done, I want you to create a Pinterest board titled " (YOUR NAME) Photo Shoot" (it's very important that you name your board with your full name because otherwise I'll have a hundred "MY PHOTO SHOOT" boards and won't know who is who). Then, add me as a collaborator. Without thinking too much about it, I want you to PIN anything that speaks to you and your style.
We have lots of boards on our page for you to reference, but you can also take it upon yourself to venture out into Pinterest or pin images directly from this page or the rest of our website!
Try to turn off your fear and over-thinking at this point. Don't say things like "OHH that's so beautiful, but I would NEVER be able to pull that off!" or "I WISH I could look like that!". That's not the point of this exercise. After pinning 25 or so images, I will very easily be able to get a visual of your style and the type of images you are interested in. Do you like sweet, bright, and bubbly? Do you like dark, moody, and seductive? Do you like shots that capture the entire body? Do you like close-up teaser shots of body parts? Do you prefer more modest portraits? We'll find out together! The purpose of this is NOT to find photos to replicate! It is inspiration and now that we'll both know the kind of images you really like, it will be easier to deliver a set of photos that are YOUR STYLE, as long as it syncs well with my artistic style.
Our Location.
Our space is built and designed for photos. Gorgeous natural light, stunning clean simple sets, even the most flattering paint color for all skin tones (yes, we thought of everything). You will receive the exact address in an email prior to your session. HOWEVER, I also love shooting in new places! If the schedule permits and for an additional fee, we can discuss having your session in your home or an alternate location.
Types of Images
There are lots of different types of image categories to work with. I’ll work with you to match your aesthetic and we’ll create magic! What are your favorites?
Classic Boudoir Style
If you’re here to show some skin, we’ve got you covered. The Lakesha Miner boudoir style is elevated, effortless looking, and a beautiful celebration of the female form. Most boudoir style images are shot in lingerie, in one of my many robes, partially nude, or while wearing some form of loungewear.
Timeless White Sheet and White Shirt
This is by far the most popular and common style here at Lakesha Miner Boudoir! You can’t go wrong with styling your set with white sheets and/or a white button down shirt. I provide these items, but feel free to bring a shirt that might be important to you.
Glamour/HEADSHOTS
You will feel comfortable showing everyone (if they’re so lucky!) your classic glamour images. You’ll be fully clothed, but still sexy and confident.
Comfy, Cozy, Sexy
The title says it all. Sweaters, jackets, layering pieces. Whatever you makes you feel sexy!
Pre-Shoot Tips
BE SURE TO…
*…get your beauty sleep! Seriously! Photoshop can't fix tired.
*…BRUSH YOUR LIPS- sounds weird, right?! Dry lips are very hard to fix in post processing. In the days leading up to your photoshoot, use your toothbrush while brushing your teeth to also make a few passes over that pucker of yours. This will help shed dead skin. After that, apply a moisturizing lip balm...repeat repeat repeat. If you’re looking for a KILLER product recommendation….I LOVE Lansinoh Lanolin!! You can score a tube of it on AMAZON, and don’t be alarmed that it’s labeled as balm for your nipples. It’s a jack-of-all trades balm that was originally released as a lip conditioner, but because it’s 100% lanolin and odorless/tasteless/colorless, people soon discovered you could do nearly anything with it. Nursing moms love it for cracked nipples, I love it for luscious lips and a cheek highlight, I’ve heard of people using it on dry heels/elbows/knees, etc. For less than $10, a tube of this stuff will last you a REALLY long time. Another great option that works everywhere on the body, including lips, is Cerave Healing Ointment (I use this EVERYWHERE!).
*…make it an opportunity to pamper yourself! Go a few days before your shoot and get a manicure and pedicure! This will give you a finished, polished look. Chipped polish can be distracting.
*…lather on the lotion! Supple is key for beautiful skin! Be sure to moisturize twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. On the day of your shoot, use a non-bronzer illuminating lotion. If you're having a hard time finding an illuminizing lotion without color, you can absolutely just go with an oil based lotion like Argan Oil Moisturizer or Coconut Oil Moisturizer. Don't use tinted lotions or anything with color. We will have some moisturizer at the studio for you to use if you don't have a lotion you love.
*…have extra wardrobe options! Bring several outfits (at least two), a pair of pumps if you’re a shoe girl, and accessories only if you usually wear them. We may not use it all, but it never hurts to have options. Often clients will bring a smattering of wardrobe options and I’ll just style up some different looks that they maybe weren’t thinking and they end up loving them.
*…plan ahead. Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photo shoot like feeling rushed or late! You should plan for traffic and arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled start time.
*…make a playlist! Music will really help you get into the super model zone!! Try to select music that matches the concept of your shoot. We have a bluetooth speaker at the studio to stream your tunes if you bring them! We also have a pretty kickass set of photo shoot playlists that tend to jive well with most people.
*…trust me. I won't make you do anything that is going to make you look bad. I'm a pro. I've been doing this for a long time and I know how to make a woman look good with killer poses, strategic lighting, and appropriate camera angles. I have quite literally worked with EVERY body type and insecurity. I've got you covered. Don't stress. (Easier said than done, I understand.)
DON’T YOU DARE…
*…spray tan before your shoot. I know you think many women feel better with a tan and that many women accomplish that by means of spray tans...but I assure you, even if you don't see the streaks and unevenness with your naked eye, the camera will pick them up. You will photograph a lot more tan than you think you look (especially given that my specialty is low-key lighting and black and white imagery). Trust me on this!! On that same note, no tinted lotions or bronzers on your body. Even after this warning I get a lot of women who message me to say that they’ve been spray tanning for years and they cannot fathom not doing so before a photo shoot. Of course I will still photograph you, but unfortunately our standard retouch will not account for spray tan correction, so just keep that in mind. I promise you can run straight to the spray tanner right after your appointment.
*…bring a construction hat (or other props). If you have jewelry that has sentimental value, absolutely bring it! But avoid jerseys, military apparel, weapons (yes, really), sports equipment, masks, etc etc etc for your first photo shoot experience. One of the only acceptable props is a regular hat (fedora, cowboy, floppy beach).
*…party the night before your shoot. If you're nervous, try a bubble bath and a yoga class. Hangovers aren't sexy. Lawwwwd do I know it.
*…drink red wine to calm your nerves. Don't drink a bottle of red wine right before you show up in efforts to calm your nerves! #1-It will stain your teeth and lips. #2--Drunk doesn't photograph pretty either. HOWEVER, I'm admittedly an advocate of a little bit of booze to soothe anxiety if you are super nervous. SO, I set a firm 2 drink maximum limit for my clients on the day of their shoot. Champagne or white wine is a good option because it won't stain your mouth and will still calm you down a little. You're welcome to bring a small bottle with you to the studio. We have non-alcoholic refreshments to offer you.
*…forget to stretch. Many of these poses, while they look effortless, are quite unnatural feeling. Take a few minutes on the morning of your shoot to stretch your arms, legs, hips, and especially your back. People are surprised to see how sore their muscles get after something as silly as a photo shoot, so any extra flexibility you can add by a quick yoga flow will only benefit you.
*…get a new haircut/color immediately before your shoot. Now isn’t the time to experiment with a whole new look.
*…talk smack on yourself. I don't want to hear about how you hate your hips. I want to hear about how you LOVE your legs. A great attitude will go a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience! HOWEVER...if you really feel the need to discuss the thing that bothers you the most about your body, just let me know by saying "I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___". I will be extra careful to play down your "flaws"...but I will ALSO make it my challenge to take the best damn image featuring your ____ so you have a new-found appreciation for it ;)
SO….what are you worried about?
It happens all the time…a client’s photo shoot is a few days away and she begins to panic. I get a terrified e-mail in the middle of the night begging for me to talk them off the ledge. They want to cancel, they just haven’t had the time to prepare, you name the excuse, I’ve heard it. So let me be proactive here and tackle the most common trepidations I hear, so that maybe you won’t be hyperventilating in the middle of the night on the day before your session.
*STRESS ACNE. Yeah, it happens. Pimples suck. If you think for one second that every woman you see pictured on my website was magically pimple-free on the day of their session, you’re taking crazy pills. We retouch blemishes and bruises with ease on every photo you see. No problem. No stress. Let that pimple try it’s hardest to ruin your day, but your photos will not be a permanent reminder of it.
*BODY ISSUES. I long for the day that women are comfortable in their skin at all stages, for the day that women embrace their wobbly bits and beautiful side creases. That said, I know women well enough to be realistic and understand that many women struggle with self love and no matter how much I tell them they are beautiful, they wish they would have lost just a few more pounds before their session. If that is you, I can assure you, that this ain’t my first rodeo. The majority of the women that come in to see me are working on loving themselves, but struggle. They don’t approve of the size of their thighs, their belly pooch, their dimples. I take women’s feelings very seriously and never want to make anyone uncomfortable. While this is a body positive studio, I will also light and pose you in the most flattering possible way while I shoot you from the best possible angles.
I’ve spent hundreds if not thousands of hours photographing all kinds of women, all extraordinary in their own way. I’ve learned all the tricks to ensure that I am featuring the attributes that women most love about themselves, while paying special care to downplay areas of concern. While I’m going to make it my very best effort to change your mind on what you consider to be your “flaws”, I don’t expect every woman to be ready for that yet.
So, one more time, louder for those in the back: YOU ARE AMAZING TODAY. NOT 15 LBS FROM NOW, NOT POST-PLASTIC SURGERY….You.are.amazing.TODAY and I can’t wait to show you!
*POSE ANXIETY. This one’s easy. You don’t have to know how to pose…not even a little bit. I will walk you through every step of the way. I will get into the poses myself and have you mirror me. If we didn’t get it right on the first try, I’ll gently redirect you. It’s not YOUR job to take amazing photos, it’s mine. And I’m pretty competitive about taking amazing photos.
*BEING ON YOUR PERIOD. Yep, it’s the worst. No, it will not affect your finished product. We run an all-female studio and we ALL understand the plight of menstruation on photo shoot day. We keep extra strength Advil and feminine hygiene products on hand, and we have zero qualms with 30 bathroom breaks. Start your morning with some fresh fruit and a heating pad and we’ll take it from there. No worries about bloat or blemishes.
*BEING THE ONE CLIENT THAT I AM UNABLE TO GET A GOOD PICTURE OF. If you’re thinking that all of the women featured on the pages of my website and social media are models, you’re sorely mistaken. I have NEVER….EVER had a client who didn’t love their photos. You don’t have to love EVERY SINGLE ONE of them, but you will love most of them. And you will be shocked that you could love photos of yourself this much. I WILL rock out your photo session and I WILL get a whole bunch of killer images of you. I always do. But if you come into the shoot with an open mind and with trust in me, we’ll get EXTRA. And extra is always good. I’ve never met a woman who I couldn’t capture beautifully. That includes you.
Wardrobe Tips
HONESTLY, and I'm not even close to exaggerating here, wardrobe is really not that crazy important for the way that I shoot. Please, please, please don't stress out over wardrobe. Don't feel the need to run out and buy all new things. I can do a completely versatile and awesome shoot with a single scarf, or the sheets, or a sweater. Truly. Don't stress about it.
Here's some wardrobe tips to calm your nerves and help you decide what to bring::
*THE NUMBER ONE WARDROBE RULE IS:::: Do NOT bring outfits that you don't love! I can't tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt them to say "I really don't like the way I look in this one, but I'll leave it up to you!". If you don't like the outfit, it's likely that you won't like photos of you in the outfit. Leave it at home.
*Try to incorporate a variety of pieces into your wardrobe selections. Bring something formal, something casual, something super textured and fun, something more modest, to something black and sleek...you get the idea.
*It doesn’t have to be complicated…in fact, we welcome simplicity! We love to work with wrap dresses, pretty scarves, sheets, white button down shirts, jeans, jackets and coats, or anything you love.
*Pressed and Pretty: Make sure your wardrobe selections aren't wrinkled, and cut all the tags off of your sheer items before arriving.
*Have several outfits picked out and we can go through them together before your shoot to determine what will photograph best. Depending on the option you pre-chose at booking, we will have time for 2-4 outfits.
*Avoid tiny busy patterns as well as neon colors. They are often harsh on-camera and a bit unflattering so try to avoid them. Solids and neutrals look great on everyone. When in doubt, stick to jewel tones and neutrals.
*If opting for boudoir-style, lingerie is NOT a must. Don't be afraid to get creative! For a boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh high fish nets would go great with a cropped sweater or graphic tee. A gorgeous bra can be paired with a long flowing skirt. Your favorite tank top can be paired with no pants. A SHEET can be used for everything. Your 20 year old favorite tee shirt paired with cheeky bottoms will get the job done just perfectly. This is about YOU and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren’t. If wearing thigh-highs, buy them 1-2 sizes TOO BIG according to the size chart on the back. Buying them in a size that supposedly "fits" according to the package size chart will likely result in the stockings giving a bit of thigh muffin top ;) We can get them to stay up for each "pose", or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.
*For beauty or portraits, structured and/or statement pieces work amazing. Your favorite blazer or jacket, a cocktail dress with an interesting neckline, a wrap dress, or just a bodysuit and jeans….we want you to look and feel like yourself (just on your best day).
*When in doubt, just bring in some of your favorite wardrobe items and let me style them for you. It’s part of the service and I’m happy to do it.
*My shoot style is very "I'm-not-trying-too-hard-chic"! We go for the "I woke up like this" look as often as possible. We want these photographs to be timeless and look fresh and new 20, 30, 50 years and beyond. For that look, wardrobe is even LESS of an obstacle.
*Structured pieces and solids look great on camera as well as items with texture, and those that are form fitting to show your figure.
*Have yourself properly fitted for lingerie if you will be wearing it for your session. I recommend going to a local lingerie boutique to have yourself properly fitted.
*I have a client-closet that you can “shop” once you arrive. If you’re coming in for mostly boudoir portraits, I’ve got you covered. No need to go shopping you feel overwhelmed or run out of time—I have more than enough pieces in my closet! For even more personalization, please send me your bra and dress size at least a week before the photoshoot. Also, here are some ideas I curated on Amazon: Boudoir and Beauty.
Celebrating all figures
All women, I truly believe this, are beautiful!!! Curves, no curves, all shapes, all sizes, are beautiful. I often get questions from clients saying "I'm curvy--so what should I wear?" or "I have no butt!". Here's a few tips based on the most common "complaints" I get from women and how to enhance those features with wardrobe.
*Curvy bodies- BRING ON THE FORM-FITTING ITEMS! I adore bodysuits, tight dresses, and nothing at all….especially for voluptuous bombshells. We often see curvy women trying to cover up more, but often that has the opposite effect they think it will. Allowing me to pose you so that we can see your figure and celebrate it is the way to go!
*Flat-butts- Thongs tend to make a butt look fuller than full-coverage bottoms or g-strings. Play around in the mirror with different styles to see what you like best. And don't worry, I'm a PRO at creating curves in posing where there aren't any otherwise! I can get a killer booty shot with any level of curve (or lack thereof).
*Shorter legs- High heels with a THIN heel rather than chunky! Avoid shoes with thick ankle straps or a square toe. Nude shoes naturally elongate the legs.
*Thin/no curves- That’s all in the posing-girl! Form fitting options and nothing at all work great as I pose the heck out of you to make you look and feel bodacious.
*Small chest- Underwires and balconettes are lovely, as well as NO BRA AT ALL (my personal favorite for small chested women!) And also, small boobs rock. So please don't feel the NEED to create extra "oomph" unless it's something that really concerns you.
*"Mom boobs"- If your breasts are a bit lower or “floppier” than you’d like them to be, just be sure to snag a bra with some support, or form fitting bodysuits that will keep them at bay. Posing will play a huge role here, and I’m really good at that. So…bring your mom boobs my way and we’ll embrace the hell out of them!
*Surgery scars and stretch marks- My personal belief is that scars tell a story. Sometimes clients wish they didn’t have to be permanently reminded of that story, and other times, clients embrace their scars and say they’re a part of them. For this reason, I will never edit out a scar or stretch mark unless a client specifically requests it….and if they do, in fact, request that retouching, I will happily do that at no additional charge. This is a VERY personal topic and it’s not my decision to make. I welcome scars and stretch marks, but I also support a woman’s decision to conceal them if they would like!
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*For portrait-style sessions, I recommend sticking with basic wardrobe pieces that you love. Solid colored sweaters, tank tops, dresses, and the like will photograph amazing. Avoid busy patterns. Opt for classic wardrobe that will stand the test of time.
What to Expect...
A couple of days before you shoot, you can expect to get a confirmation from me, just making sure we are on the same page about your makeup start time, shoot start and end time, and location...and I'll also ask if you have any last minute questions!
On the day of your shoot, your hair and makeup will be done by a member of our glam squad unless you’ve requested a natural beauty shoot. You should have your face clean and moisturized, and your hair dry and ready to be heat styled when you arrive. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing or a lightweight robe while getting makeup done and let us know in advance if you have any skin allergies at all. While you're getting lovely, I will take a peek at your wardrobe selections and start putting together looks so we can hit the ground running when you're done with hair and makeup. Once you're done with makeup, you can get into your first look and throw a robe on over it.
Once the shoot begins, you can expect me to give you tons of encouragement and direction. I will not expect you to super model pose throughout your shoot. I will show you what to do, and encourage improvising whenever you feel comfortable. I will say things to elicit laughter whenever possible, too...so be prepared (or, actually, don't. It's better that way.)
The poses generally aren't very comfortable and your shoot will give you more of a workout than you anticipate. But I assure you, I know what I'm doing. Get a good stretch in the morning of your session, and the evening after your session. A couple of ibuprofen might need to happen for those lower back aches, but it will allll be worth it!
Your shoot time will FLY by. That's a good thing!! That means it wasn't awkward or boring. Just the right amount of fun! We do run a tight ship at the studio in regards to our schedule, so you’ll most definitely be out on time but never early.
At the end of your shoot, we will help you pack up your things and we’ll get you scheduled for your photo reveal appointment so you know exactly when you’ll be seeing your images. We’ll also give you a high five because, GIRL, you rocked it.
Within 2 weeks of your shoot, you will have your photo reveal appointment with me so that you can see all of your proofs and order anything you'd like. You should be prepared to place your full order on the day of your photo reveal and ordering appointment. Most clients find themselves upgrading their album and adding images, and also purchasing a piece or three of wall art, but note that no further purchase is required.
At your photo reveal appointment, we’ll relax on the couch or Zoom and show a slideshow of some of the highlight images from your session before diving in to viewing your entire collection of at least 50 images. You’ll have the opportunity to flip through our beautiful album options and see all of our other available products. We know you’re going to love your images, and these reveal appointments are so much fun. We can’t wait to share your photos with you!
Within 3 months of your photo reveal appointment, all of your purchased products will be ready for pickup, and sometimes sooner! We’ll send you an e-mail letting you know when your products are ready for pickup, or with your tracking number if you live out of the area and we are shipping to you.
Within 6 months of your photo reveal appointment, you’ll want to do this again. Trust us ;) Existing clients get dibs on photo shoot time slots because we believe in special treatment.
Any questions?? PLEASE don't hesitate to ask—I'm here to help!
HOMEWORK
AHH, I bet you didn't think you'd ever have to do homework again, did you? Think again, beautiful! First, I want you to head on over to Pinterest and create a secret board called "(YOUR NAME) Photo Shoot". Follow me, and then invite me to join your board that you’ve named “__YOUR NAME__ PHOTO SHOOT”, and I want you to spend some time pinning images that speak to you. See my tip on this up above in the "Planning" suggestions. Don't put too much thought into your pins, I just want to get a general idea of the aesthetic style you’re drawn to. If you don't have a Pinterest account and don't feel like creating one, then just email me a sampling of at least 20 different images you've found online that you like.
Be sure to join the Lakesha Miner Photography Facebook Group to interact with past clients and share your excitement about your session!
Please familiarize yourself with the pricing of products/images/images.
Next, complete this form for me!