Check for permits/closures/weather predictions

It’s important to triple check that there aren’t any unforeseen seasonal closures, construction, or restoration closures that would keep us from shooting at your location. It’s worth a call to ask about normal open & closure dates and other factors that might affect the accessibility of your spot. Having backup location in mind if something goes wrong is always a good idea with an outdoor location on public land. It’s also good to know what the weather will be like at the time of year you’re wanting to have your shoot.

Then double check to see if we need a photography permit if we shoot on public land.

Book flights/lodging/transportation

Refer back to my ‘Travel Tips’ to help save on money. I’m also open to staying with you, your family, camping or sharing an airbnb with you to help save you $$$. And if it works out on both ends I’m also more than happy to get picked up and dropped off at the airport to save on paying for a rental car!

Outfits

• Bring 4-5 tops per person and 3-4 bottoms per person.

• Bring a dress, jumpsuits, or overalls.

• Jackets and layers that you'd want to be photographed in.

• Bra that works for your outfit or consider nipple pasties if your outfit shows bra straps.

• Bring shoes that makes sense according to our shooting location.

Jewelry + accessories

Hats, sunglasses, scarves, necklaces, earrings, rings, etc... Just avoid wearing bulky watches (Apple/Fitbit) so they don’t distract from your faces when I’m getting close up shots.

Book hair + makeup artist

Refer back to my ‘Recommended Hair + Makeup Artist List’ if you're leaning towards hiring one for your shoot

Backpack

This is only if we will be hiking to your location. Having a backpack to carry your outfits, shoes, water bottles, snacks, etc.. will be very helpful. For most hiking shoots you will wear active clothes that are comfortable to hike in then once we get close to our spot we can find a tree or foliage to hide behind to change into your outfits. If you're looking for a durable, compartmentalized backpack I highly recommend Patagonia.

Plan for fun activities

If you're interested in making your photo shoot more intentional and meaningful, brainstorm some ideas that you two love doing together and incorporate that into our shoot. Scroll down to see some ideas on different activities you can do!

ONE WEEK BEFORE CHECKLIST

Pack in advance

Have your outfits, layers, shoes, accessories, jewelry together. If you're still stuck on which outfits to wear for our shoot feel free to text me photos of what you have in mind! Use this time to create your playlist and I'll play your tunes for our shoot!

Make an itinerary

By this time you should receive an email or text from me on a time and place to meet for our photo shoot. If I'm traveling with you, lets confirm lodging and/or carpooling together. If you haven't heard from me about a week before your shoot feel free to send me a little text or email!

Travel confirmations

Confirm lodging and transportation. Double check that your permit is confirmed. Pick up travel currency and confirm travelers insurance.

Check the weather

Double check the weather a week before our shoot. Make any necessary outfit adjustments or notify me if we need to have a back-up plan.

Review back-up plan

Review your back up plan option for locations just in case. It’s a good idea to also double check your destination for any recent changes to closures. Give the local park ranger or an employee/host where you’re staying at (if they are familiar with the area) a call for peace of mind.

Make any appointments

Check your nail polish. Remove any chipped nail polish. Treat yourself to a mani! Make appointments to get a hair trim or any touch ups

ACTIVITIES CHECKLIST

Arrange your activities and gather any special gear or additional support you need. Bring extra layers, trail maps, hand warmers, headlamps, sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, and plenty of food and water.

Here are some ideas

Hiking, Skiing, Swimming, Sailing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Sky Diving, Horseback Riding, Zip-lining, Stargazing, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Scuba Diving, Bon Fire + S’mores, Sunset Watching, Yoga, Camping, Make Breakfast + Cuddle in Bed, Scenic Drive, Create Art Together, Picnic + Pizza, Grab Coffee + Desert, Play Boardgames, Skateboarding, Bowling, Drive-in Movie, Roller Skating, Drinks at your Favorite Bar, Pillow Flight

 DAY BEFORE CHECKLIST

Iron out all your clothes

Hang them or fold them neatly (Marie Kondo that sh!t). We don’t want huge wrinkles!

Organize

Your outfits, shoes, accessories, jewelry, layers and organize them in the car. Download an offline map of our location from Google Maps if we're going to a secluded area, download your music and playlists, or podcasts for the roadtrip.

Pack a little bag of essentials

Makeup products, lotion, bobby pins, hair tie, safety pins, mints, hairbrush, tissue paper, sunscreen, hand-warmers, bug spray, etc…

Activities

Have your items together to make your activities happen! (i.e. gather firewood, lighter fluid, and s'more ingredients if you're wanting a bonfire moment).

Preparation logistics

Confirm your hair & makeup artist, bring your permit (if needed), fill the car up with gas if it's a long road trip.

Check your man’s facial hair

Even a little touch up around the neck is good.

Extras

Bring bottled water, snacks, beer, etc...