Andrew Grant Photo, Andrew Grant Photography, AndrewGrantPhoto.com

Preparing for your shoot
Every shoot is different, but here are some general guidelines for preparing for your session. Andrew will email you specific instructions prior to your shoot.

Andrew in U magazine
Click the U Magazine cover (left) feature story, "Camera Ready" based on an interview with Andrew Grant

Relax
First and foremost, relax. Andrew and his team strive to create a fun, relaxed and comfortable environment.

Skin care
Moisturize your skin by drinking plenty of water, using a high quality moisturizer and avoiding hot showers.

Exfoliate your skin (important for both men and women) once or twice in the 24 hours before the shoot (we recommend Clinique face scrub). Be sure to moisturize your skin after exfoliating.

Do not get a facial or peel within seven (7) days of the shoot as it may cause your skin to "break out".

Do not use any self-tanners a week in advance of the shoot and avoid other tanning methods and sun for at least three days prior.

Use lip balm for a week before the shoot to prevent chapping and to help smooth your lips (we recommend Origin's Cover Your Mouth).

Enjoy a restful night of sleep and a full meal before the shoot.

Avoid alcohol the evening before the shoot to avoid swelling around the eyes.

Consider waxing your arms, upper lip, etc. (if needed) several days before the shoot.

Eyes, lashes, brows and nails
Bring eye drops that moisturize and remove redness if you are experiencing any eye irritation

Do NOT wear colored contacts to the shoot. We can change the color of your eyes in post production if desired.

Have your eye brows shaped and plucked before the shoot.

Several of our clients have had tremendous success growing longer, thicker lashes in just a few months with a product called RevitaLash

Be sure your manicure (both men and women) is fresh and color appropriate.

Hair care
Have your hair color touched-up no more than a week before the shoot. Remember, a hint of roots will add the appearance of depth and thickness to your hair.

If you color your hair blonde, avoid the "yellow blonde" by asking your colorist apply a purple toner or "glaze" after color. Purple shampoos and conditioners are also available. We recommend Loreal's Colorist Collection White Violet Shampoo.

Do not apply Therasilk or other silicone based products in your hair prior to the shoot if you would like the hair stylist to add curls or waves to your hair.

Wardrobe & accessories
Bring a wide variety of nicely ironed garments including dresses, suits, collared shirts, jeans, t-shirts, sweaters (especially with high necks), under shirts, tank tops, etc. Avoid black tops if you have long, dark black hair.

Avoid garments with strong patterns or stripes. Solid colored garments work best for headshots, commercial work and portraits.

Bring a variety of accessories (e.g., earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, belts, boots, watches, scarves, head bands, knit hats, hair clips, purses, sun glasses, etc.) and props (if applicable).

Miscellaneous
Refreshments and beverages are available in the studio. However, we recommend that you bring your favorite beverage and a light snack.

Bring along some photos from magazines that you like to give Andrew a sense of your style and a good idea of the look and feel of the photos you would like to create.

Practice
Practice expressions in a mirror. Eventually you will create muscle memory and you'll know how a good expression feels. Practice smiling with your eyes. It will help create a genuine, wonderful, inviting, friendly expression.

San Diego Advertising, Fashion, Headshot, Portrait, Product & Architectural Photographer

San Diego photographer, Andrew Grant, is an advertising, fashion, portrait, headshot, commercial, product and architectural photographer. His images of actors, authors, celebrities, executives, models, musicians, politicians & professional athletes have been featured in hundreds of ads, magazines, book covers, CD covers and products.