Thank You. So much.
For taking your valuable time to subscribe, and for taking action.
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I want to personally Congratulate you on your follow-throughtowards creating big success in your business through the use of
powerful & impactful images
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tell the world who you are
without saying a word.
This is The Caroline White Photography
PHOTOSHOOT PREP GUIDE
I’ve taken many years to collect all the info contained in these pages.
I hope you will use the many tools contained within
in your business & for your next shoot,
whether it’s with me,
or even another photographer… (of course that would just be crazy though!)
But seriously though, I truly care about you getting RESULTS!
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“Know thyself.” William Shakespeare
Questions for You + Your Business
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Who are your customers?What demographic, age, gender and income level are they?What are their fears? What are their frustrations?
You can be as general, specific or varied in your
answers as you like. Everyone is in a different
place in their business, and all businesses are
constantly changing and growing.
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Rate the below qualities by importance for communicating with your audience. (1 being of very low importance, 5 being very high) You can fi" in your own as we".
Then circle the most important 3 qualities.
trustworthiness long-established loving
fun / joyful proven safe
authority cutting edge ethereal
skilled creative corporate
smart collaborative tough
strong feminine masculine
commanding inviting sexy
clean sensual light / spirit
inspiring technical in-demand
technological academic hip
modern simple elegant
relationship bold/ballsy ballsy
family popular informative
healthy expensive/luxury knowledgable
beautiful custom chic
calming user-friendly / easy
What is your highest goal in your business?
What is your highest goal outside of business?
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How do you see your business changing in the next 6-18 months?Paint a picture of what is most likely, as well as your ultimate lottery-genie fantasy. (Hint: These can be wildly different!!)
How do you spend the majority of your time in your business?Are you one-on-one and in-person? Are you on the phone or Skype a lot?Are you traveling? Speaking to groups? Writing & Journaling?Doing something physical? In meetings with your team?Talking with other companies? What activities inspire you?
Consider working your daily activities into your shoot concept. You may think your day-to-day
activities mundane, however your ideal customers and buyers will find what you do interesting
IF it is captured in a creative, iconic and captivating style that captures your unique personality.
If your business gives you a lot of FREEDOM, then incorporate your real-life activities into your
shoot, even if you think they are not directly related to your business.
What 3 companies, people or brands do you most associate yourself with,aspire to be similar to, or feel in alignment with? From the point of view of the buyer or consumer, what 3 adjectives best describe each of these companies? (You should end up wi# no m$e #an nine adjectives ;)
V-necks, textured fabrics, and layering are great.A nice variety of different colors that compliment you:
jewel tones, earth tones, pastels, primary colors, neutrals.
Bring at least 2 options per look that you plan to do, but no more than 3 options pereach look that you are doing. In other words, don’t bring nothing but tanks tops,
but don’t fill up the entire trunk of your car with clothes! Most people bring a suit case and another bag.
Always bring comfortable shoes in case you go out “in the field” or on location,especially if you want a nature or urban element.
For 3/4 shots, wear plain pants/jeans/skirts that do not distract,and that you feel comfortable sitting on different surfaces/cross-legged in.
Be aware: pants and skirts will seldom be in frame, (unless requested by you).
Try on all your outfits a week before, and again a couple days before.Sit, stand, walk, & even dance…just be sure to MOVE!
Know how your clo#es make you f%l, as we" as look.
Check out magazines and websites that have people you admire or identify in them andtake note of what they are wearing. (Hint: Pinterest, Instagram & Google images...)
Be aware of what is current, but also know it will be out of style at some point…If your ideal branding is current and up-to-date, try to still bring some classic pieces that wont
go out of style in 6 months...(You don’t have to spend a lot, just be creative! Costume rental houses, friends, stylists,
designers and st$es wi# good return policies are just a few possibilities.)
If you have chosen to use my rockstar makeup and hair person (highly recommended)come with CLEAN, DRY, FRESH hair.
Consider getting a blow out just before your shoot... DON’T get product happy with your hair.
Bring bottled water & a snack if you think you will need it. Don’t eat a big meal beforeyour shoot, but don’t come hungry if you know it will make you cranky…Plan well in
advance so that you aren’t rushing around the morning of your shoot.
Alcohol is allowed and even encouraged in moderation of course. If having your picturetaken is truly scary, there is nothing wrong with a little nip or a glass of champs!
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What to Bring to Your Shoot?
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Women
Remember: different tops require different bras and undergarments.
This is one of those most often forgotten things…
And a great top with no bra is no good…
Very Imp!tant:Glasses should have non-reflective lenses or coating.
You don’t want a distracting glare on your glasses covering up your beautiful eyes!The best glasses are made of non-reflective material.
The next best thing is to have a coating added to your glasses.
The Basics:Nice suit jackets, pretty blouses, jeans, sexy tanks, cute tees, dresses, sweaters.Avoid cap sleeves if you are muscular.Try to avoid highly trendy clothes if you plan to use your images for a while.Busy prints can be okay, just make sure you also have very simple options too.When prints are busy, I tend to frame pictures very close-up because I want it to really be about YOU.
Extras: Cardigans, scarves, jewelry, unusual makeup for specific looks, vests for asporty look, blankets or towels to sit on at the beach or park.
Men
The Basics:Suits, ties, blazers, hoodies, jeans, tees, Sleeveless undershirts/tank tops (fine I’ll just say it: “wife-beaters”), dress shirts, khakis, polos, sweaters, corduroy or denim jackets.
The most common wardrobe mistake #at men make is &inging ties #at distract...
k%p it very simple and very subdued.
Buy at least ONE PLAIN SOLID tie - Black, navy, grey, brown…
Extras: Vests, caps, hats, bow ties, military uniform, sports jerseys, leather, dog tags,bandana, jewelry, watches.
Men - You may choose the option of shaving halfway through your shoot in order to get a wide variety of shots, so bring whatever you need for shaving.
Triple check your bag and your checklist a day or two before
West CoastSpiritual
Health & WellnessLife Coach
at HomePlayful & GroundedHer Own Backyard
Water, Nature, Movement
Travel WriterDocumentarian
Producerwith
Elements of:Nature
ANDUrban, 2nd World
Corporate CEOConscious
Billion DollarIntrepid
Corner OfficeTexture
ExpansiveHigh Reputation
EstablishedRetail Designer
shiftinginto New Thought
Metaphysical GuideEthereal light
flowinginteracting 1-on-1
Young Seattle basedProject Manager
Fast Growing Travel SiteBusiness Casual
Corporate office lobbyleather & wood club chair
Forward lookingMasculine
SpiritualOut-of-the-Box
WriterSpeakerLeaderSimple
Interesting Framingcloseup, focus on eyes
Downtown LAEntertainment Attorney
Law firm lobbyMetal, Gold, Glass
Authoritative yet friendlyTailored Suit
High ContrastHip glasses
Health Food ExpertRaw Food Chef
AuthorBlogger
TV PersonalityIn the Kitchen
At home in the CountryNatural + Dose of Style
TravelingLife and Business Coach
Outside of the BoxFeminine, Real, Ballsy
Party Girl turned HealthyGold background
Red BalloonsFun, Celebration
Lifestyle & BusinessCoach
Dessert ExpertIndulgent
20’s to 50’sRenewal
AdventureFoodie
Well knownPublic Radio Personality
SimpleClose-up
Personality DrivenVariety of candid + direct
Black and Whiteand color shots
Medical DoctorSurgeon Family Practice
Higher EndYet Accessible Approachable Inspiring Trust
Empathetic
Dynamic Fun & SexyInternational
Business CoachWomen FocusedFun, Bold, Bright
Styled, In-FashionJump off the Page
Positive + Inspiring
Movie ExecutiveCable & Independent
Industry 20+ YearsEconomical
Easy to Work withLeader
HollywoodMajestic + Comfortable
Upstate New YorkTherapist,
Author,Animal & Nature Lover
At home journalingAND
In a wide-open fieldw/ dog, golden light
SOME BASIC CONCEPTS
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Where to Shoot?
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Hotel City Stoops In Studio
Home Magnificent Architecture Farmers Market
Office & Building Grounds Historic Landmark Your Neighborhood
Beach or Riverside Bookstore Your Kitchen
Public Park City Hall A borrowed space
The Beach Yoga or Dance Studio Warehouse
Nearby Hills Rooftop Cafe
any open airy space that has good light - exposure to a lot of sky spaceany open airy space that has good light - exposure to a lot of sky spaceany open airy space that has good light - exposure to a lot of sky space
any indoor space that has big windows that get good light or bright “bounced” lightany indoor space that has big windows that get good light or bright “bounced” lightany indoor space that has big windows that get good light or bright “bounced” light
Attention/Intention Technique
It is completely normal to feel nervous or uneasy when a camera is pointed at you.
Most people have some fear of the camera. Try imagining something you
like, or someone is in the camera, talking to you, communicating with you. Listen
to them, pay attention to them, connect with them. The photographer may work
great, especially if they are willing to play different roles opposite you. Getting
your attention off yourself with help ease your nerves - and your photographer
should keep an eye on anything that needs fixing or changing. Express any
specific worries beforehand and your photographer will worry about those things
so that you won’t have to worry.
Your “scene partner” could be a loved one, an animal, a baby, a place, a kind of
food, or even an inanimate object. Everyone is different. The beauty is that your
“scene partner” can be your secret. Put descriptive verbs and phrases in your
mind like: INVITE, DIRECT, COME JOIN THE PARTY, YOUR IN GOOD HANDS,
I UNDERSTAND, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, CELEBRATE, WE’VE GOT THIS...
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!e Talk without Talking Technique
Trying to communicate some#ing specific to your ideal client?
It is common to want to speak out loud to that imaginary person, and that is
totally okay - just be aware that while you are talking, 9 times out of ten it will not
be a usable image. If talking out loud GETS you there - then great! Talk away -
just know that the best images will be of you when you are not talking out loud -
so the moments after. There is a way around this though!
You can put your words in your mind (and actually breathe through your nose if
you can) and simply make noises - squeaks, hums, inflections that capture what
you want to say using sounds, but without words. This makes you naturally
expressive, appear communicative and engaging, gives you something to put
your attention on, and you can also do it so quietly that no one will hear
- but just try it!
(Mira Kelley)
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!e Importance of Posture ~ or ~ “!e Turtle”
You may find your photographer correcting your posture - don’t let this get you
down. Our current day computer culture has taken over nearly everyone’s posture.
Posture is the best way to sculpt the body in-camera and without photoshop. There is
an element to many photoshoots that is somewhat like yoga, or finding the peace and
comfort within the tension or so-called un-comfortability.
Consider trying one of these posture techniques, or perhaps several,
or even all of them if you are feeling ambitious:
• Try to imagine a string pulling you upwards, through the top of your head,
making you long and tall.
• Engage and pull in your abdominals (this may also help relieve any facial tension).
• Pull your shoulders and shoulder blades back, and pushed down,
to give yourself a nice long neck, a look and feel of poise.
• If sitting, bend or crease at the hip, to bring your face closer to camera,
but without collapsing your posture.
• Bring or slide your chin slightly forward (i.e. The Turtle) for an especially
flattering look that removes double chin (which actually everyone has).
• Feel free to move and “shake it out” too.
• You don’t have to be a statue.
• You can always come back and “re-set” your posture.
• Ask for help from your photographer if you want help with any
particular body issues.
• Remember your photographer cannot read your mind (ok, maybe sometimes,
but it’s not a guarantee)
• If you feel the need to really move, try to put that movement into your hips,
or plant one foot and move the other foot around. Feel the music.
• Take a dance break, spin and STRETCH. I myself stretch a lot throughout shoots
and invite clients to mirror me, or do whatever feels good to release tension.
• Put a pen, a cup, a phone, or some object in your hands to give you something
to play with when your hands are off camera - you can channel any nerves or
tension into that object.
• Choose clothes that flatter and support good posture.
• Men - you are lucky to have those structured suits!
• Structured clothes let you get away with more relaxed postures.
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WORDS OF WISDOM
to Looking your best(and averting disaster)
Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before—the kind where you don’t
need an alarm to wake up. Cut back on smoking (or quit!)
to reduce redness and inflammation.
Avoid alcohol & greasy or salty foods for a week before and drink LOTS of
water. This will help prevent puffiness, dehydration, broken capillaries, red
eyes, etc. Exercise! But don’t work out TOO much on the day of, or the day
before the shoot. You want to be energized, refreshed, alert, and open.
PRACTICE EXCELLENT POSTURE
LEADING UP TO YOUR SHOOT
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Even though I never shoot in direct sun--If you have eyes that are extremely
light sensitive, I recommend practicing looking at somewhat bright lights/
objects (not the sun!) for just a couple seconds at a time without squinting.
The eyes are the windows to the soul—don’t close the blinds!
Not wearing sunglasses on your way to the shoot will also help your eyes
adjust to the beautiful Los Angeles natural light, as well as not leaving
indentations on your gorgeous face! And I know it sounds silly,
but feel free to practice in the mirror a few times!
Women: You are welcome to &ing a stylist $ creative direct$ as long as
#ere is some pri$ communication betw%n a" of us.
If you have sensitive allergies, and know that you are sensitive to being near
trees, grass, or any dust, plan accordingly, if you have chosen to be
outdoors (applies to location shoots).
Probably the most important thing to bring to your shoot is your most
confident and yet still open self.
All the hair, makeup, wardrobe and lighting can’t hide a negative attitude.
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Treat your shoot like you would your most important job — After all, we want
your images to propel you, to help get you all kinds of amazing opportunities
and I want your investment to pay you back times 10 at least!
Be certain in who you are and what you are doing, but also be ready to go in
a different direction, just as on a big movie shoot. And have fun!
I always have fun. I love shooting. That’s my favorite part!
If you have any specific needs (a certain background, framing, certain
angles on your face, wardrobe, expressions, characters, or whatever else
you can think of), simply let me know in advance of your shoot.
Although I am an expert, I still want to hear your genuine opinions, thoughts
and feelings about whatever!
I will do my absolute best to accommodate any requests.
Shooting with ANOTHER photographer?
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How dare you! Just kidding.
I understand there is only one of me, so from time to time, people may be forced toshoot with another photographer, or perhaps you have some photographer friend,
or are helping a photographer who is just getting started to build their portfolio.
Some words to help you when you are working with photographers:
Having had my photos taken about 20 times professionally, I have picked up a fewlessons and tricks. Most photographers are actually very sensitive people. We areartists. I feel lucky to have built up a pretty thick skin in my 10+ years as an actor
Hollywood and New York (I even did standup for a couple years!)...It is pretty hard tooffend me, but just be aware that some photographers are easily insulted or offended,
and you may not even realize you are doing it. I understand there is a differencebetween not liking how you look, and not liking an image in an of itself, but not every
photographer knows, or should I say FEELS the difference.
Try to be specific with your photographer about what you like and don’t like, andwhen in doubt, always be positive, while still expressing your true feelings, and getting
whatever it is you need to feel comfortable and on-target. Charm and genuine-ness willget you everywhere. Photographers ideally need to feel inspired by their subjects, so
go ahead and inspire them with your wit, your playfulness, your gameness, yourcommunication, your ideas...chances are you will get more time, attention, care andinspiration - you get what you give, right? If you are excited, your excitement will be
contagious. Really it is just about being yourself, and allowing your gifts to come out toplay. All these “tricks” are actually deceptively simple, and based on common sense.
I was completely charmed by a client who noticed that I didn’t snack during theshoot, even when she took a snack break. I wasn’t conscious of it because there wasalways something that I felt could use perfecting or adjusting - a light, some clothes,
styling, backgrounds, diffusers being adjusted, timing the sun with a particular locationand particular time of day, referring to the inspiration board, testing lenses... But she
expressed concern and care for me, and it absolutely inspired me to go that extra milefor her. She also was not afraid to voice what she likes and dislikes, who she was, and how
she wanted to be captured, so she got EXACTLY what she wanted from the shootand more. Sometimes it is much more subtle than that though. If your gut tells you thatyou need a certain kind of energy to shine, be sure to work with a photographer of that
type of energy...
When I was very young, really attractive male photographers completely made meinto a shrinking violet, with a deer-in-headlights look. I wanted too much to impress them, so the
real me would sort of hide. Oddly, I responded well to mean or eveninappropriate photographers. (Oy! Can you imagine?) My competitive nature got all “I’ll show you how hard it is to phase me!” and I became fierce and risk-taking in front ofthose cameras. But I knew that those same photographers were making many other
women extremely uncomfortable.
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I recommend trying to connect in some way with your photographer prior toshooting, but let me also say this: meeting beforehand can be wonderful, but there isone important person that is not going to any of those client-photographer meetings,and that person is: the camera. Yes, the camera is a person! It walks into a room like amovie star - everyone is suddenly aware George Clooney is in the room. Everyone’s
behavior starts to change. (Ever hear of reality TV?) I often try to pretend in meetingsthat I have a camera - silly perhaps - like I actually make my hands into a view finder
and describe what I am seeing, what amazes me, I start directing. That also gives me alittle taste of how people feel about cameras. Most people are a little bit afraid of
cameras, which is totally normal, because few people have been photographed by aprofessional who really gets it.
The point of meeting is just to feel some sort of connection, comfortability, andbelief in each other. This can be done in many ways. On the phone, Skype, by sharing
pictures, videos...your instincts cannot be wrong - your opinions may be - but yourinstincts, by definition, are never wrong.
So trust your instinct when choosing a photographer, and continue to trust yourinstincts and impulses throughout your shoot as well. Even if you do something “wrong”
it brings you to the moment after which is often where the real gold lies.
Important Questions to ask your potential photographer:
• What kind of usage do you grant, for how long, and in what mediums?
• Do you watermark the images?
• Do you give a disk of images? Are they high resolution?
• Do you put a time limit on shoots? How many people do you shoot per day?
• Do you shoot film or digital? Do I get to see the images as we go?
• Do you put a limit on how many imaged you will take?
• Do you provide help with choosing images? Do you retouch?
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And of course - be sure to ask yourself:How does this person make me FEEL?
Do I think they are or could be inspired by me?Are they excited about me?
Photography Can Be Scary!
Almost every single person I have photographed has had some fear around having their pictures taken - this is totally and completely normal. I still feel it myself when someone
turns the camera on me, and I start to go into my head. Try to find a photographer that ENGAGES you in a way that makes you feel even just a
little bit less self conscious - or even a lot too!
My best overall advice is this - a quote I think I stole from Oprah
(who maybe stole it from Maya Angelou?)
“Your first instinct, be definition, cannot be "ong.”
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There is no “doing it right” in photography. There is just “going with it” “feeling it”, trying stuff, experimenting, playing...I am totally comfortable and accustomed to clients with
extremely specific desires and wants, and I usually spend the early parts of a shootmaking sure that we get the necessities, while also warming up - that being said - someof the most magical things happen when you just let go. It’s alchemy, it’s vibing off each
other, it’s being in the flow.
People often say within the first 5 minutes of shooting: “What should I DO?” or “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
There is no “should” or “supposed”. We are having a conversation, and it is myjob (And obsession) to capture what happens, while gently nudging you and giving you
little things to do here and there.
Breathe. Be. Feel. Stretch. Shake it out. Dance. Re-compose. Jump. Plantyourself. Listen. Feel the music. Imagine. What if? Play. Hold your secret. Twist.
Cha-cha. Re-set. Breathe. Be. Look. Feel the light. See.
It is all within you. No one else can be you but you. You are there. You got this.