Intro
Thanks for being a creative partner in our photoshoot!
Every shoot develops differently depending on the location, styling, mood, and the creative energy we both bring. Part of the process is allowing room for unexpected moments and discovering things naturally as we go.
Rather than chasing rigid posing or perfection, I prefer to leave room for movement, spontaneity, experimentation, and natural interaction throughout the session.
While I can direct and guide as needed, I encourage you to think beyond static posing. Small shifts in posture, movement, expression, or interaction with the environment often create the most compelling images.
I also encourage you to spend some time gathering references, mood ideas, wardrobe concepts, films, music, locations, or aesthetics that inspire you prior to the shoot. Even rough ideas can help shape the direction of a session.
Experienced models often arrive with a strong understanding of body awareness, movement, angles, and expression, while newer models may rely more heavily on guidance. Both approaches are completely fine. The important thing is staying engaged, communicative, and collaborative throughout the process.
Hair, Makeup & Styling
Hair, makeup, and styling should be discussed in advance.
In general, lighter and more natural-looking makeup tends to photograph best for my work. I also usually prefer avoiding heavy or overly dramatic false eyelashes unless they’re intentional to the concept or styling direction of the shoot.
For outdoor sunset shoots, time moves quickly, so there usually isn’t enough time for multiple complex hair or makeup changes.
Most shoots typically follow one of these approaches:
- Starting with minimal or natural makeup and maintaining that look throughout the session
- Gradually building makeup intensity with each outfit or look
- Ending with the boldest or most dramatic styling toward the end of the shoot
- Gradually building makeup intensity with each outfit or look
- Ending with the boldest or most dramatic styling toward the end of the shoot
The same idea generally applies to hair styling as well.
Wardrobe
We typically shoot two to three different looks, usually discussed in advance.
Sometimes unexpected combinations work better on camera than originally planned, so having extra options available is always helpful.
Accessories can also add variety without requiring full outfit changes:
- Hats
- Jewelry
- Jackets or layers
- Scarves or sweaters
- Footwear options
- Hair ties or clips
- Anything that feels authentically like “you”
- Jewelry
- Jackets or layers
- Scarves or sweaters
- Footwear options
- Hair ties or clips
- Anything that feels authentically like “you”
Please also consider comfort and practicality for the location. Many of my shoots involve walking, uneven terrain, beaches, dirt paths, climbing over driftwood or rocks, or short hikes into locations. Bring footwear appropriate for the environment, even if it won’t appear in photos.
If we’re creating images involving artistic nudity or implied nudity (always discussed in advance), please also bring something comfortable and warm to quickly cover up between shots.
Comfort and Essentials
Please bring:
- Water
- Snacks
- Layers or warm clothing depending on weather
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Music or playlists if that's helpful for you
- Snacks
- Layers or warm clothing depending on weather
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Music or playlists if that's helpful for you
Arrive rested if possible, stay hydrated, communicate openly. Bring ideas, questions, and creative input.
My goal is to keep shoots relaxed, collaborative, and low pressure while creating images that feel natural, intentional, and emotionally authentic.
With gratitude, Randy
