LET’S SHOOT!

PREPARING FOR YOUR PHOTO SHOOT EXPERIENCE

A LETTER FROM KARA MARIE…

I don’t take it lightly that you’ve chosen me to capture you. It is an honor and a privilege each time someone who is on a mission to see themselves shows up in front of my camera with their trust and vulnerability.

Some reach out to me because they have fallen out of touch with themselves.

Some reach out to me because they are celebrating a win.

Some reach out to me because they’ve suffered a loss.

Some haven’t felt seen…really seen…in longer than they can remember.

Some are fighting for their lives.

Some are reconnecting with who they were before children.

Some are embracing their advancing years.

ALL are doing it for the right reasons.

 

I am here, with gratitude and servitude to capture you, to celebrate you, to see you.  It is my pleasure. Thank you for choosing me.

 

XK

for a successful shoot…

read this.

When it comes to setting us up for success as it pertains to our creation time together, communication is everything.  I’ve been blessed to call this my full-time profession for over 17 years and have photographed thousands of glorious humans in this time. Therefore, I’ve encountered every hesitation, insecurity, and question you may have and have taken the liberty to create this extensive guide so you know exactly what to expect.


It’s important that you dedicate a little bit of time to reading through, contemplating your preferences, and communicating them to me before your shoot so we can maximize results that properly celebrate your utter awesomeness.

So…read on, my friend…read on.

REST ASSURED…

YOU ARE ABLE TO BE BEAUTIFULLY CAPTURED AT ANY STAGE OF YOUR LIFE, YOUR HEALTh, OR YOUR BODY STORY.

A common misconception that I’m desperate to eradicate is that one has to be in peak physical condition/has to endure a rigorous transformation/has to feel completely comfortable in their skin in order to have a photo shoot. Please know that not a single soul walks into the studio- ripping off their clothing- declaring “I AM PERFECT. You’re WELCOME!”. You will be pleasantly surprised at how incredible you can feel and look in photographs when you’re in a safe and comfortable space, and in the capable hands of a seasoned professional who will capture you thoughtfully. NO ONE has EVER told me at the end “I wish I wouldn’t have done this.”. I have, however, heard a lot of regret from those who have NOT had a photo shoot experience sooner because they were waiting to feel better about themselves. Feeling better about yourself is the main side effect of this experience.

you will not be the first person that i canNOT get a good photo of.

Aside from over-communication, a large part of the reason that my clients are blissfully satisfied is because I make this process REALLY comfortable and easy. Yes…even for you— the one who says they are awkward and un-photogenic. You won’t be expected to know what to do, you won’t be expected to have any modeling experience, and you aren’t expected to show up as a beacon of confidence who loves everything about themselves. I will get to know you. I will guide you. I will encourage you. I will teach you. I will be your hype squad. We will succeed.

ACNE, BRUISES, AND OTHER BLEMISHES WILL NOT RAIN ON YOUR PARADE.

These natural things do tend to happen right before a photoshoot, but don’t worry. While my retouching philosophy is one that is extraordinarily light-handed and style-focused, I will happily remove temporary blemishes for you. This includes pimples, scratches, cuts, bruises, and welts.

As for scars— I believe those are a beautiful part of your unique story and if I notice one on you, I will typically ask if you are comfortable to tell me about it, and if it’s ok for me to photograph it. I love to take beautiful scar photos. The same goes for stretch marks. In the event that you prefer the scar to be removed, please let me know at your shoot.

My philosophy…

In my current chapter, I am a photographer who artfully captures people as naturally as they’ll allow me.

What does that mean?  

It means showing up as yourself is not only enough…it’s the whole point. Most of my subjects are without clothing, not as an aim to be provocative, rather as a exploration of having nothing to hide, as a celebration of the body and soul as art, as a dismissal of facades.

It means we’ll go beyond guiding you towards confidence in your skin…I aim to show you that true beauty and confidence are not skin deep. 

It means I care more about your insides than your outsides, and I want you to, too. 

It means I’ll be spending more time asking you questions before my camera makes an appearance…to understand who you are, what your preferences are, which personality traits you’re most proud of, and what makes you feel most like yourself.

It means I will see you. I will show you all the beautiful things I see in you.  

It means a glamorous makeover, a team of stylists, or a shopping trip aren’t necessary nor are they recommended.

It means there will be less structure and posing,  more playing and connecting.

It means there will be wind and blurs and blinks and real expressions.

It means that I prefer to abstain from erasing the evidence of your life experience from your forehead. I won’t be fading the markings of thousands of your smiles from around your mouth, or disappearing the signs of having grown a human being inside of you. Eliminating these badges of honor would be contradictory to the entire purpose of this work.  

It means you won’t look at your images and be disheartened to see yourself unrecognizably retouched at the preferences of your photographer.

It means you will connect to your experience, your images, and yourself more. You will learn something about yourself and develop a deeper sense of appreciation for who you are.

It means that not everyone will be ready to work with me yet, and that’s ok. I wasn’t ready for this chapter myself even 10 years ago. The relationship between the artist and the sitter is one that should feel aligned, not forced.

I am ready, but only when you are.

 

XK

PREPARATION CONSIDERATIONS

  • How do you want to be represented in these photos? What types of images speak most to you? What will make this photo shoot experience a success to you? I will ask you to complete a brief, thoughtful, and important "homework" assignment at the end of this guide that will help you to determine the path to the best results.

  • As quite apparent, wardrobe plays a negligible role in my work. The majority of my clients are in a state of undress for their shoot. While this is not a requirement, I encouraged a "less is more" approach to styling for their session, which really just means "keep.it.simple".

    I will have some sheer fabrics, scarves, and other minimalist layers on set for us to use. I will typically start your session with at least one of these items draped over you until we have the chance to break the ice and you are comfortable.

    You are also welcome to bring a few simple pieces such as your favorite jeans, a simple camisole, a solid color bodysuit, or oversized shirt/sweater. The goal here is to not hide behind lots of layers, and if using clothing at all, for it to be understated.

    Please don't stress out over wardrobe. Don't feel the need to run out and buy all new things. I can do a completely versatile and awesome shoot with a single scarf, or a little black dress, or nothing at all. If you bring anything, let it be something you really love and connect with.

  • My photo shoot offerings have changed over time as I’ve gotten more and more dialed in on the message I want to spread to my clients and audience.  I believe that every single person is ready and worthy of being beautifully and artfully captured without the need for a makeover transformation.

    As such, I no longer build hair and makeup services into my photo shoot experiences. I encourage you not to do anything out-of-the-ordinary for your hair and makeup on photo shoot day, and to be photographed as naturally as you're comfortable.

    A tinted moisturizer and clear lip balm, or a natural makeup look is usually perfect for these sessions. However, listen to yourself-- if your go-to is a full makeup look, I won't prevent you from showing up however you feel the most YOU. Truly. Just know that it's not required, you gorgeous thing, you!

    Hair consideration: if you've got hair, we tend to move it/blow it around quite a bit. I recommend avoiding any products that may make it hard to do so.

    If you do decide to book yourself a professional hair and makeup artist on your own accord, I do ask that you communicate to them that I am a natural light photographer and therefore they do not need to apply heavier “stage” makeup…my shoot style and post-processing style tends to reflect heavier makeup than to the naked eye.

    I’m always happy to field direct questions on this.

  • Again, don't do anything out of the ordinary for you. If you typically groom your body hair, then feel free to do so for your photo session, just being aware of timing so you don't have unnecessary irritation.

    If you don't usually groom your body hair, then there's no need to do so specifically for your shoot. I welcome your most natural state and preferences.

    Fingernails and toenails- same thing. Do what you normally do and love! The only thing to avoid would be excessively chipped nail polish.

    Skincare treatments are only recommended if it's part of your regular routine and if you have appropriate recovery time prior to your shoot. Hydrated skin is ALWAYS glorious to photograph, so a face and body moisturizer on the morning of your shoot will be beneficial.

    Spray tan lines and blotches...especially super fresh or way overdue for a refresh...are much more obvious in camera than to the naked eye. For this reason, I recommend avoiding spray tans for the month leading up to your shoot. While I do shoot in black and white, typically the darkness around the hands, knees, ankles are still noticeable and very difficult to retouch. In other words-- I won't make any demands but please proceed with caution.

  • A nice bath or shower and good night's sleep is the best preparation for a photoshoot. Avoid consuming too much salty food or alcohol, drink a ton of water, and have your wardrobe, if any, packed up the night before your shoot. Take another read through this guide and your answers to the below homework while sipping on some chamomile tea, and tell yourself "tomorrow is going to be an amazing day!".

    Take a peek at the driving directions to the studio or meeting spot indicated in your confirmation e-mail, and use Google to check how long it typically takes to get there at the time you'll be driving.

    Don't stress. Easier said than done, I know, but truly-- all you have to do is show up (preferably not rushed), and I've got you.

    Sweet dreams.

  • Be sure to give yourself plenty of time in the morning for your usual morning routine, plus 10 minutes of quiet time.

    Hydrate some more, EAT SOMETHING (do not fast for your photo shoot please. I can't count the number of times we've had people who are accustomed to fasting still have a faint moment during their photo shoot due to adrenaline. Eat something, even something small, so you have the energy you deserve for your shoot), brush your lips with your toothbrush (trust me-- ohhh so plump and pretty!).

    Don't stress over your hair and makeup. Do your normal routine or even less.

    Please dress in loose clothing that isn't likely to leaves line on the skin, and is relatively easy to slip on and off.

    Leave your house/apartment/hotel with time to spare, just in case.

    Arrive to your shoot 10 minutes before the start time, I will be ready to greet you.

    If it was pre-determined that I will be coming to you, I will arrive approximately 15 minutes early.

WHAT WILL THE SHOOT BE LIKE?

It’LL be way easier, more comfortable, and more fun than you think!

Everyone is nervous, it’s natural. I assure you, I’m good at calming nerves and guiding the whole process so it’s as breezy for you as possible.

Before we begin the shoot, we'll have a little chat to review your "homework" assignment (below) and make sure we're on the same page about your goals for the shoot.

I'll explain to you my process and how the shoot will unfold pretty organically, often pausing for chit chat, a stretch, or sometimes a dance break.

I will have you step into the restroom to disrobe and slip into either the outfit you brought, or if we are shooting nude, I will provide you with a robe.

I put you in place and explain and demonstrate what you’ll do first. The first 10 minutes or so is like a warm-up...it's meant to get you comfortable in front of the camera, and for me to observe your mannerisms and natural movements while I take some test shots and establish my camera settings while we chat.

This warm-up is so low-pressure that I tell my clients that we just assume we’re not going to get ANY keeper shots out of it (spoiler: we always do).

After our warm up, we’ll move a little faster-paced, typically because I’ve spent the last 10 minutes being inspired by your natural existence and I’ve got loads of ideas.

The shoot will unfold organically with my guidance. I will get lots of variation (the longer the shoot package you booked, the more variety on types of images I’ll be able to create in one shoot), and will be your cheerleader the entire time.

When it’s close to the end of the shoot, I’ll ask you if there’s anything that you would like to capture before we wrap up— often times I’m not the only one who gets inspired during a photo session- so I’m always happy to try to make your ideas a reality.

If nothing comes to mind for you, I’ll commence the “grand finale” which often results in my very favorite shots of the session. This is when I give you a series of movements or facial expressions to do in rapid succession and take a barrage of photographs— often the quick paced nature of this portion brings out the best, most natural expressions.

You will not be able to believe HOW FAST time has gone- that’s a great sign. You will wonder if we really even got anything. We did. A lot. Promise.

You will spend the rest of your day walking a little taller and will text your friends to tell them about it. You’ll be proud of yourself. Proud to be you. You will feel seen. Because I saw you.

TYPES OF PHOTOS

There are many different types of images that are within my wheelhouse and part of my offerings with any photo shoot collection. The number of different variations we will be able to achieve during your session is largely dependent on the package that you selected at booking. For the Petite Curation, being a 1 hour shoot, we will have time for 2 or 3 different types of images. In the Muse Curation package of 1.5 hours of shoot time, we’ll have time for 3-4 different variations of image styles. In the largest Masterpiece Curation of 2-3 hours, we’ll have time to capture a bit of everything that you’re drawn to. We won’t think about replicating specific shots, but it is helpful to be able to point out which types of images resonate most with you and what you would like to accomplish during our time together. You’ll reference these categories when completing the “homework” form at the bottom of the page.

RELAXED PORTRAITS

Most everyone would like at least a couple of relaxed portraits during their session. Whether simply clothed or nude, relaxed portraits typically feature your face and a natural pose that feels almost candid in nature.

FIGURE DETAILS & CROPS

Ready for your close-up? Don’t worry- usually these crops are done in post-processing and not actually captured an inch away from you. I adore photographing the human form and all of its beautiful lines and curves, peaks and valleys. These artful captures are typically minimalist and make for beautiful wall art pieces as well as stunning album pages.

ARTFUL NUDES

Artful nudes (or dramatic nakedness as Chat GPT called my work) are my specialty. These images celebrate the human spirit as well as the form. The nudity of this style of imagery is not intended to be sexual in nature, merely a celebration of shedding the inhibitions, of being one’s most natural self with nothing to hide behind. If you’re feeling nervous about being captured in this way, I want to assure you that I create a very safe place and make it a very comfortable process for you. We’ll work our way up to fully disrobed, and only when you’re ready.

CREATIVE TECHNIQUES

Double exposures, fine art edits, conceptual work, and other creative shooting/editing techniques are some of the aspects of my work that I enjoy creating for my clients the most. Typically speaking, these images take longer to capture and edit, so it is recommended to have selected the “Masterpiece Curation” that will allow for more shoot time if these styles speak deeply to you.

BOUDOIR-STYLE

A little more intimately driven, boudoir-style images tend to lean more on the sensual side. This can mean that you’re styled in lingerie or a white bedsheet, there could be more emphasis on lying/lounging poses, or perhaps facial expressions will be a bit more flirtatious.

EDITORIAL PORTRAITS

Editorial portraits are just that- editorial. They look like they could be in a fashion magazine or an album cover. Slightly more involved in posing, shooting, and the editing process, this style of image is more “polished” and fashion oriented.

FAQ

  • If you will be wearing wardrobe for your shoot, you’ll want to bring that. Think simply. No need for glamorous wardrobe or buying anything new. The studio will provide draping fabrics and sheer fabrics to stylize nude sets, as well as a robe for in-between sets.

  • It is encouraged to arrive to your session as your most familiar self, having your skin, hair, body hair, and makeup the way you prefer to be photographed. In efforts to ensure that our clients feel most like themselves and to support the message of not needing a makeover transformation in order to be photo worthy, we do not build hair and makeup services into our packages.

  • For The Masterpiece Curation, you can expect to be at the studio for between 2-3 hours. This collection is slow-paced and comfortable, allowing plenty of time for get-to-know-you conversation, set changes, and snack breaks as needed. We recommend clients block out the day for this experience to not feel rushed or anxious before or after.

    The Muse Curation will have you at the studio for around 1.5 hours.

    The Petite Curation is Kara Marie's bite-sized offering, and clients can expect to be at the studio for just over 1 hour.

  • For both the Masterpiece and Muse curations, a remote viewing experience will be offered to theatrically review and select images together approximately 3 weeks after the photo shoot date.

    For the Petite Curation, your first experience with your images will be in print when your storybook is delivered to you. Upon receipt of your printed art, your matching web resolution files will be digitally delivered to you for personal use. The total turnaround time is roughly 4 weeks for the arrival of the Italian storybook shipment from Italy.

  • Based on ethical and artistic preferences, Kara Marie’s standard natural retouching process, only temporary blemishes such as acne, scrapes, and bruises will be removed. The image enhancement process involves contrast, exposure, cropping and background clean-up, as well as expert black and white conversions. Should you have any specific requests or questions, these conversations are always welcomed and encouraged.

  • Only the finest craftsmanship will do. Kara Marie partners with a fine art lab in Dolomites of Italy, using the best photographic papers, woods, and Italian leather. Albums and wall art typically have a 3-4 week turnraround time and will ship from Italy with express 72 hour shipping.

  • Yes, you can absolutely bring 1 friend along with you to your photo shoot experience. We will ask that friends not interfere with the shoot process , but are always welcome to be encouraging from the sidelines and be a good support in celebrating you.

    We do ask that romantic partners not be present for studio shoots, as clients can subconsciously altar their expressions/body language/personalities according to what pleases their partner rather than themselves.

IMPORTANT HOMEWORK

IMPORTANT HOMEWORK