HEY THERE
Congrats on booking your session! I totally get it took a lot of guts to do that and you might be nervous or have questions on how to get the most of your shoot. This Prep Guide gives you all the nitty gritty..but honestly your biggest job is just showing up!
FYI, there is no stylist at your shoot, I will include below some info to a salon that is located across the street from the Shinola. Personally, I am more about your hair looking great (and workable) as having the perfect makeup done. Getting a simple blowout would suffice (because I’m going to mess with it anyway) and stylists normally charge $30-80 for that service.
WARDROBE: WTF DO I WEAR?
THE SHINOLA HAS A CERTAIN LOOK! (It’s kinda mid-century modern).
These are some suggestions I have on what to bring for outfits (up to 2 looks but we can totally just do one!)
• Jewel tones (purple, red, gold, emerald green etc) would all look good
• Black always works!
• Any of the comfort/sporty lines (i.e. Calvin Klein) in white, black grey would look good
• Simple bodysuit with thong
•Just panty or thong or nakey!
I SUGGEST STAYING AWAY FROM:
• Any ‘high-maintenance’ outfits (i.e. anything with lots of pieces/parts) like hard to do garters, stockings or ensembles. Don’t waste your shoot time having to put an outfit together. 🙂
•Corsets or anything period looking
• You could do some lace but I’d stay away from anything too frilly
• Stay away from floral prints, crazy patterns and neon colors!
SKIN + NAILS
WHAT I DON’T RECOMMEND:
Excessive Tanning. If you feel you need a little color then go for it but I suggest getting a full, even body tan via spray or old fashioned booth (but avoiding severe tan lines). A big reason—whatever you wear for the shoot (or if you decide to be nude for some shots), having really dark legs and a super white butt doesn’t photograph well.
NAILS
Since you’re only wearing up to two outfits, if you’re into nail color then choose something that goes with both. Or, just go clear. And I would suggest having whatever you do to your hands that your feet match. 🙂
SHOES + BOOTS
If you love high heels however, they DO photograph well. I would suggest going with a 3″ heel or higher however as lower heels have a tendency to look kind of weird. Also, nude stilletto heels do wonders for making legs look really long.
OTHER FAQs
I’m worried about the posing, I don’t know what I’m doing.
That’s totally fine! I will tell you what to do (and even demonstrate the pose for you in most cases). Easy peasy!
How long will all of this take?
We will have approx 1 hour, that is why I don’t suggest bringing outfits that are complicated.
Can I bring a friend?
To the room itself, no. You can have a friend wait in the downstairs lobby though.
How long until I see images?
Your ordering appointment is a separate, scheduled appointment that we can do either in-person or over Zoom about 1-2 weeks after your session.
Are all the images edited?
Absolutely. Not every studio will edit all of their proofs, but I’m a big believer in showing finished images only.
Should I come earlier than my scheduled time?
You could show up like 10 minutes early and wait in the downstairs lobby. I will text you and come down to get you.
Where is the Shinola Hotel?
The Shinola is located at:
400 WOODWARD AVENUE, DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226
Where should I park?
Fyi, the Shinola offers Valet Parking and it’s $35. The other option I’m currently aware of is reserving a spot through here: SpotHero
Where can I get styling done before my shoot?
Due to limitations on the room, we are not able to offer styling services as part of the shoot. Across the street from the Shinola is Salon 6 that offers both hair/mu services. Please be aware, Friday and Saturdays (the days of the sessions) are the busiest for stylists, don’t wait to book an appointment.
Salon 6, 1441 WOODWARD AVENUE, 313.486.1966
I am looking forward to photographing you! Thanks 🙂
~Trish