SEAN NELSON PHOTOGRAPHY Q&A
I’m very excited to capture great images with you! It is normal to feel a little nervous if this is your first photoshoot. To help ease your nerves, below I compiled a list of questions and answers I think will help you prepare for our shoot!
Q. This is my first shoot, what should I expect?
I will guide you through the entire process to help you feel comfortable. I usually bring a portable speaker for music and for fitness models; a cable band to help you get pumped for the shoot. It’s my job is to guide you through the entire shoot while taking great shots!
Q. I’m new to posing, do you have any tips?
Here is a link to a great video to help with you posing. Try practicing these poses in the mirror.
Q. Anything I can do before the shoot to look my best?
Trying on outfits to dee that they fit is a good start. Feel free to send me pictures of the outfits iif you need any help deciding. Another good idea is shaving/waxing a few days beforehand will prevent any skin irritations during the shoot. Grooming your nails is another big one. Getting a spray tan is huge unless you have very dark skin. It is important not to get a tan that is “too dark”. Please wash your hair the day before or the day of the shoot.
Q. Where are we going to shoot?
I will let you know when we book or the day before the shoot. Sometimes when I’m traveling I won’t have a firm idea on location until the day before. Rain or dry, the shoot will go on. If weather is bad I will have an alternative indoor location.
Q. Should I get to the shoot early?
I always suggest getting there 15 minutes early, I also suggest routing the trip with google maps ahead of time to see how long it will take with traffic. I prefer google maps over apple because I have had experiences with Apple Maps providing the wrong directions.
Q. What outfits should I bring?
The best way to find out is to ask me! Location is a factor on what to bring as well. The best inspiration for ideas is to go on my instagram: http://instagram.com/SeanNelsonPhoto and see what is being worn for shoots. If we shoot on a beach, bikinis would be a great option. For fitness shoots, the goal of the outfits is to help show off your body or physique. With any outfits, please make sure tags are not visible, so make sure they are cut off before the shoot if they tend to stick out. A good tip is to be care with white outfits with spray tan, the tan can easily stain the outfit.
Sexy Style: Anything lacey or sheer. Bodysuits, heels, booty shorts, loose T-shorts, cut up jean shorts, bikinis/lingerie.
Hard Fitness Style: Bikinis, tight tank tops, one piece leotards, lingerie, crop tops, water, oil
Couples Style: dressed up, dressed down, as little as possible, outfits that fit your style.
Edgy Style: Boots, booty shorts, hair tie, darker colors, ripped out shirts/bottoms, lingerie.
Gym Style: Gym outfits (sports bras/shorts) hair tie, towel, tank tops, handwraps, leggings.
Fashion Style: One piece swimsuits, swimsuits, high waisted shorts, accessories (jewelry), heels, headwear.
Boudoir Style: Heels, corsets, button down shirts, garters, necklaces/bracelets.
PLEASE cut the tags off of your outfits. Tags are no fun when they appear in photos :)
Q. Should I have a makeup artist/hair stylist or should I do it myself?
I recommend everyone find a makeup artist but it isn’t mandatory. I think it helps to have one less thing to worry about before a shoot. If you need help finding one, I can try to suggest a few. There is a package add-on where I will provide the makeup/hair artist for you so you have one less thing to stress about.
Q. Anything I should tell the Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist?
I prefer natural looking fake eyelashes over over the top ones. I am more of a fan of the natural look in general. Ask the MUA to use makeup that does NOT have SPF and to set the makeup. If they use any kind of powder, have them use colored vs. white for the same reason. Ask your hairstylist to use soft hold hairspray.
Q. Should I bring food & water?
It is highly recommended to bring food and water. Bring something that can survive the weather and easy to eat.
Q. I have sensitive eyes, is that ok when we shoot in the sun?
I have sensitive eyes as well. Looking at the sun is one of the most difficult things to do. If you foresee the sun being an issue, a couple ideas would be to bring a hat and/or sunglasses that would fit your looks. Please let me know and I can help avoid the sun in your eyes.
Q. What if it’s windy or raining?
I try to check the forecast beforehand. If I see circumstances being extreme like heavy rain I will try to reschedule if I don’t have an indoor location alternative. Sometimes wind is unpredictable so my tip is if it’s windy, please bring a hair tie. Remember, the wind can destroy your hair style within minutes!
Q. Does my time changing between looks count against my shoot time?
Yes. If you want to really maximize your time, please have your looks organized and have your first look already on when arriving.
Q. Can I bring friends or my significant other?
Absolutely. I prefer that you have someone come if it’s your first shoot. They can watch my equipment and I will be able to put them to work haha. It is important that anyone who comes will give us space and not interfere with the shoot or make you feel uncomfortable.
Q. Do you mind if I bring alcohol to the shoot?
It’s completely up to you. I find it a great way for newer models to relax more thus helping create greater images.
Q. I don’t have a car, will you provide transportation?
It depends on my schedule but I can sometimes try to at least take you to or from the location. Sometimes I have back to back shoots so I suggest you have the rideshare apps Uber/Lyft downloaded on your phone to use if I am not able to.
Q. How can I view the pictures after the shoot?
I try to have the photos online for you to look at within 10 days. Once you select the edited photos on my site, please give me 2 weeks from when you selected the images to have the edits delivered to you.
Q. I would like additional pictures, is that possible?
Of coarse! I offer additional edits and un-edits for a cost depending on your package: http://sean-nelson.com/rates
Q. I’d love to shoot at different locations for our shoot, is that possible?
It would depend on my schedule but sure! Your shoot time begins when I snap the first photo and the traveling between locations would count against the package’s time.
Q. Can we shoot somewhere that might take an hour to drive to?
It depends from situation to situation. Depending on the package and travel time, an additional travel fee may be added.
Q. Can the photos be posted on social media?
Yes! I would love you forever if you give me any kind of credit when posting on social media. If used for any kind of business marketing outside of personal use, my permission is required ahead of time.
Q. How do you accept payment?
I’d collect by the end of the shoot. Preferably cash. The retainer can be done by paypal , Vemno, CashApp or cash.
Zelle: SeanNelsonPhoto@gmail.com
Vemno: @SeanNelsonPhoto
CashApp: $SeanNelsonPhoto
Paypal: SeanNelsonPhoto@gmail.com (Please send as gift to friend/someone you trust).
Q. Can you make my butt bigger in photoshop?
I try to not overdo editing. I make minor adjustments to improve the image but I do not want you to expect me to create something that isn’t already there. My goal is to make you look on your best day.
Q. What kind of style of editing do you go for?
I go for the more natural look. The way I best explain it is: I try to make you look the way you would look on your best day. I am not huge into the plastic skin look or removing wrinkles and folded skin. I do however minimize their appearance.
Q. Can I have the entire background of the one photo replaced with something of my choosing?
This can be done for an additional cost depending on the situation.
Q. I have to last minute cancel, will I get my retainer back?
Any cancelation will result in forfeiting the retainer.
Q. If I wanted to extend our shoot the time we shoot, is that possible?
It depends on my schedule after you. If there is time available. then yes.
Q. What if we get kicked out of our shooting location or the location is no longer available?
I will try my best to find a different location within our time constraints. Situations such as this rarely happens. I try to avoid this from happening.
Q. I noticed the unedits are not as high in resolution as my edited photos, how come?
The unedits that come with each package are at a web-sized resolution. At an extra cost the unedits can be provided to you at the original ultra high resolution.
I hope these questions help! If you have any additional questions, please give me a call or text: 267-808-7040 or email me: SeanNelsonPhoto@gmail.com. I look forward to the beginning of our collaboration!
Thanks,
Sean Nelson