Fantasy Photo Session Checklist

How to Plan For Your Fantasy Photo Session

Are you ready to have some fun?? Here's a great list of things to think about when coming up with your photo session. Includes how to come up with your character or where to find some ideas, hair and make-up, wardrobe and accessories, and miscellaneous info.

Plan your character

• What type of character would you like to be? A strong, independent character, vulnerable and romantic, a classic fairy tale, fierce warrior, mythical goddess, or something futuristic?
• Think about what clothing they would wear, hairstyles, make-up, accessories, etc.
• Search the internet for inspiration: Pinterest, Instagram, Google image search.
• Let your imagination run wild!

Hair/ Makeup

• Make-up can really enhance your character, so practice a few times at home to get the look just right.
• Contact a make-up artist and work with them to get some ideas.
• If you want a tan look, do some tanning a few weeks before your session to avoid peeling skin or burns. Be aware of any tan lines that may show with your outfit.
• To provide a variety of images, feel free to change your hairstyles as you change your wardrobe. Try hair up, down, or pulled back.
• Bring any personal items you might want for touching up, such as make-up or a hairbrush.
• Make any hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments for before your session. Make sure your roots are touched up and you aren’t wearing chipped nail polish to your session.
• Also consider face and body paint, or even glitter makeup.

Posing

• Find Inspiration. Search online and keep a reference file of shots you like. Shooting only one expression will result in a boring, monotonous set of images. Have photos to show your photographer for ideas on what you may want.
• Relax, slow down, and don’t force anything. Don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect. When in doubt, just smile. Your photographer will help guide you as well.
• Expect me to move you around to different spots to capture images. The more variety we get, the better your selection.

Clothes

• Thrift stores are a great place to start when looking for clothing ideas. Remember to check out the blanket/sheet/fabric section for materials or patterned fabric to use. Also, check out costume shops.
• Cut the tags off items so they aren’t sticking out, especially sheer fabrics.
• Keep mundane jewelry to a minimum. Watches that are large and bulky can be very distracting.
• Be careful about undergarments. Editing out bra straps or panty lines is difficult and time-consuming. Choose clothes that properly cover your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
• Be prepared for inclement weather if shooting outside.
• If you have pets at home, bring a lint bush/roller to catch all the stray hairs.
• Think about what your character would have with them, holding, or using: crown or hat, sword or other weapons, jewelry, mask, spell book, wings, tail, claws or sharp teeth, etc.

Choose a Location

• Talk to your photographer ahead of time to come up with the best location to suit your character. Suggest a few places you might like, and your photographer will do the same.

Misc Tips

• Be On Time! Show up early to give yourself enough time to get ready before the session.
• Drink a lot of water, and keep hydrated.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before. Photographers don’t like cranky clients!
• Shave and moisturize your legs if they will be visible.
• Wear a clear deodorant.