How to slay your Charleston Studio Portrait session

Studio photos can feel intimidating. But with a little prep, you’ll walk in glowing and walk out with portraits that make people do a double-take. Maybe even screenshot your face… because legends aren’t born on auto mode.

Wardrobe: Don’t Be That Person

Coordinate your squad. Pale/light colors paired with dark colors = disaster. I’m serious. It will not work with the way I shoot or edit. Your photos will scream “oops” instead of “iconic.”

Savage side note: If someone shows up in cream next to navy velvet… your family portrait instantly becomes “what happened here?” energy. Pay attention. This is non-negotiable.

Pick Your Aesthetic

• Fantasy: Big gowns, layered textures, epic vibes. 12 hours of editing for one iconic work of art.  Storybook meets magazine cover.

  Side note: Pajamas = canceled aesthetic. Don’t test me.

• Simplicity: Minimal, clean, timeless. Solids only. Zero busy patterns.

  Savage truth: “I threw on whatever” vibes = nope. Your photos deserve better.

• Painterly: Dark jewel tones—emerald, navy, amethyst, burgundy. Fancy fabrics = your friend. Long sleeves = elegant. Bare arms? Hard pass.

  Savage truth: I get asked to Photoshop bare arms constantly. Stop. That much skin belongs in boudoir or a gym ad, not your family portrait.

• Vibrant Holiday: Bold, saturated colors—deep red, forest green, gold, navy. Layers optional. Pastels/pale colors next to darks? Disaster.

Wardrobe Hacks

• Pale + dark combos = chaos you cannot fix in editing. Pay attention.

• Logos, busy patterns = no.

• Hang your clothes—wrinkles are enemies of the camera.

  Savage thought: If your outfit survived a hurricane, we’re doomed.

• Shoes show. Bring clean ones.

  Side note: Crocs with sequins? I see you, and I judge.

• Group shots? Coordinate everything. Chaos does not photograph well.

• Parent warning: I am not a babysitter or child care expert. Prepping and controlling your kids is your job, not mine. Don’t hand me chaos and expect me to tame it with a camera. Don't look at me sideways- you know it's true.

Extra Prep for Boudoir or Maternity

• Undergarments: Nude, seamless, strapless. No peeking.

• Skin & Hair: Wax/shave day-of, exfoliate, moisturize (skip oils).

  Savage truth: Nothing ruins a seamless backdrop faster than a slip-n-slide arm. Don’t be that person.

Hair & Makeup

Professional styling is recommended. No stylist? Come photo-ready. Studio glam isn’t included unless planned.

Savage thought: “I tried a little” is a choice… and it’s a bad one.

Mood & Inspiration

Pinterest boards, Instagram inspo, mood boards? Send them.

Side note: Guessing isn’t a vibe. Your vision deserves receipts.

TL;DR

• Pale/light + dark = chaos you cannot fix in editing. Seriously.

• Skip color combos that fight each other

• Avoid bare arms unless you’re a fitness model or boudoir pro

• Clean shoes only

• No oil on skin

• Parents: controlling your kids = your job, not mine

Savage final thought: Prep well, show up confident, and let’s make magic. And yes, you can look like the cover of a magazine without trying too hard. ✨