I just wanted to remind everyone that I have posted a whole list of ways to prepare for an upcoming portrait session on the blog in the "tips for clients" category. I will be adding to this category periodically, but here are a few more portrait session tips for now.

How to prepare for your photo session...

Practice smiling and posing in front of a mirror. Seriously! If you know how it feels to give a natural, relaxed smile versus a posed, cheesy smile then you're more likely to do it in front of the camera.

Look through magazines for posing ideas. Pay attention to how models pose and practice a posing on your own. Try to memorize a few poses that look good in the mirror.

This is not the time to try out new beauty routines or hair colors/styles. Get a slight trim, touch up your roots, or get a deep conditioning treatment if needed.

Do not wax or shave less than 3 days before your session.

Get a manicure (and pedicure if necessary), but keep your nails natural and inconspicuous.

Stay hydrated, avoid salty foods and alcohol, and get plenty of sleep in the days before the session.

Avoid extra sun in the week before your session. If you already have tan lines then plan outfits accordingly.

I've been working on print orders and albums this week so there's not much new stuff to put on the blog. Instead, I decided it's a good time to run a contest. The winner will receive a limited edition art print that has been matted and signed. You just need to stick it in a frame and hang it on the wall!

To win, you need to correctly identify the city in my vacation photos. I will be posting new photos regularly, and you may submit one guess each time a photo is added. I will not be posting incorrect guesses so those who visit and guess with each photo will have an advantage. If you don't get a response within 24 hours then you can assume your guess was incorrect. Friends and family with inside knowledge are not eligible  :)  Good luck!

Photo #1