15 Do's & Don'ts

For the Big Day!

AH! You must be pumped... and a little nervous... That's okay! I mostly get questions about what you should and shouldn't do before a session, and let's chat about it! Check out 15 Do's & Don'ts for your big day below! Stuck on what to wear? No worries, we got you covered... or at least half covered if you know what I mean ;)

1 - GETTING A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

Nothing is more important than being super well rested. Like, cmon do you want bags under those eyes? LOL! We know the day before a big thing like this can keep you awake for hours, but trust me, REST!!! You're going to want some energy when working with me!


2 - DO STAY HYDRATED ALL WEEK

Just like you should anyways, you need to keep hydrated the entire week of your session. Being hydrated helps maintain great, glowing skin. We want to be glowy, baby!


3 - DON'T GET A SPRAY TAN

I know, I know, we all want to be tan, glowing Goddesses, but TRUST ME... you won't want to get a spray tan the week of your session. Imagine the tan lines!!! This is also important if you've never gotten one before, you aren't sure of how your skin will react. I promise, with or without that tan you'll be gorgeous.


4 - DON'T CHANGE YOUR HAIR

Unless you do this regularly and know you'll be fine, we recommend not doing anything wildly different to you hair the same week as your session! Dying your hair can sometimes leave your scalp discolored as well, make it look like you have a hairline that's not even yours lol! So try to do your new do a little in advanced, that way it still looks so nice and fresh, but not TOO new.


5 - STRETCH

Babe... you already know we are about to get into some wild poses! It's very important to stretch the day before and the day of your session. We don't want you pulling any muscles! It'll also make posing super easy!


You didn't think this was a relaxing shoot did you? ;)


6 - DON'T DRINKING/SMOKING

I mean, I ain't your boss but getting high or drunk before a session can really show in photos! We don't want that!!! Unless you're going for that kind of vibe lol. Having a shot or two before coming to the studio isn't recommended but it might be your way to releasing your nerves, and that's okay!!! We also don't allow any drinking or smoking in the studio, unless it's non-alcoholic!


7 - DON'T BOOK AROUND MONTHLIES

Alright, I know, it's hard! Some of us are irregular, but if you can, try to avoid booking around your monthlies. Us ladies get super bloated, and I'm sure you want to avoid pads and strings! Try your best... and if not, we'll fix it, I promise!



8 - WEAR LOOSE FITTING CLOTHES

Making sure to wear loose fitting clothes to the studio is super important. We all know jeans and some types of leggings can leave super harsh lines on your body. So let's avoid that! Not to mention, it's a lot more comfy to show up and leave in comfy sweats, like THE BEST EVER!!!


9 - TRY IT ON

The most important thing ever, if you're bringing your own lingerie, is to make sure it fits. The worst thing is showing up and what you fell in love with might've been the wrong size. Especially since some sites run smaller or larger than usual. But no worries, if there's a wardrobe malfunction, we have a client closet that runs from XS to 6XL!


10 - BE EXTRA

I know, you probably will look nuts but trust me, you want to be extra. The day before your session make sure you check, check and recheck your beauty bag! Make sure you have your outfits, maybe a brush, or things to touch up that makeup before your close up! Not a bad thing to be extra prepared. Don't be afraid to bring back up outfits too!!


11 - NO BODY OILS

I KNOW, I KNOW... It makes your skin look stunning, but it can get super messy and stain sheets/backdrops. Plus I have satin sheets, imagine sliding off the bed during your shoot? Some lotions work the same, and sometimes even greater. Another great tip is so EXFOLIATE! AH it makes you so shiny.


12 - CLEAR DEODORANT

I mean I think you know what I'm talking about... white deodorant sometimes isn't the best looking thing in town... or you can go without, I don't judge.


13 - EATING BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Now I'm not telling you to starve yourself, I want you to be healthy for your session. But try to avoid big meals before your shoot! Big meals lead to bloating and we all know we hate being bloated. It can even make you a little tired, kind of like after Thanksgiving Dinner when you want to take a nap! lol! Eat something light and healthy! We also provide snacks/water here at the After Dark Studio!


14 - TREAT YO SELF

This is sooooooo important. Go get a facial, go get a pedicure, go get a manicure, maybe even get a massage. You want to feel super relaxed, and also like a brand new woman!


15 - BREATHE

Last, but so mostly important... BREATHE. I know its super nerve-wracking to come to a place where you've never been before and get half naked in front of some random woman but I promise, I want you to feel comfortable, calm and safe here. Always. You want to release the nerves, breathe and strike a pose!