Mood

You and your business are unique and the old-fashioned, static headshot does a poor job of communicating everything you have to offer. We’ll work together to create a set of photos that represent who you are and help you to convey your message to clients and customers.

Styling

Clothing

I have three easy guidelines to remember:

1. Avoid logos, graphics, and words on clothing (unless it’s your own brand). The eye will be distracted by that instead of focusing on you and your message.

2. Wear something that you love and makes you feel good about yourself. Many of my clients use clothes they already have.

3. Don’t make any new or drastic physical changes to yourself such as getting botox for the first time, getting a spray tan, or trying a new hair color. Stick with what you know works for you.

4. Bring up to four outfits and we’ll pick two. It’s nice to have options to choose from.

5. Make sure at least one outfit is how you would dress in front of a client. If your branding photos look one way and you appear completely different it degrades the know/like/trust factor. For example, if your clients always see you in yoga pants, don’t wear a suit in your photos. You could instead do a slightly dressed up outfit with yoga pants.

6. Consider your website and brand colors when choosing clothes. If your brand is bright colors then neutral toned clothing may not work. Or if your brand is earthy and muted, bright clothing may look out of place in your marketing.

7. Accessories and props are fantastic. Sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves can come on and off and add diversity and fun to your photos. Again, only bring what you would actually wear normally. Props can be used to help tell your brand story. Bring any printed materials such as business cards, brochures, workbooks, etc. For example, a photographer could have their camera in their hands, framed photos of their work and a business card on the table next to them.

8. Arrive with your hair and make-up done. Bring hair tools and make-up in case touch-ups are needed during the session. A private bathroom is available for changing.

9. Feel free to email me at vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com with questions or pictures of your clothing options and I’ll provide feedback.

Make-up

Make-up is great for enhancing features but keep it light and soft, and whatever is comfortable for you. If you like a heavier look, focus on one feature to highlight like your eyes or lips while keeping the rest of the face more neutral.

Hair

Again, whatever is natural and comfortable for you! Feel free to put a little more time and attention on your hair but stay true to your genuine style.

Feel free to email clothing pics or questions to vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com.

Session

During the session

I’ll have a flexible shooting plan, but feel free to let me know if any specific shots you’d like at any time. Please know that I do not use professional models in any of my work. I photograph everyday, beautiful people. I will direct you all throughout the session. It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera. I’ll talk to you, make jokes, have you take deep breaths or shake the stiffness out of your pose. My clients end up having a pretty good time during the session!

Most sessions last an hour, but please allow two hours for the session in case we need more time.

Studio session: Just hang out and follow my instructions. I’ll be moving all around you, including overhead, and may end up shooting from the floor at some point.

In home/business session: I’ll choose the best locations based on light and styling. I may shift things around a bit or remove items to work with the light and keep distractions out of the photo. Don’t worry about having a super clean house/business, dust will not show up on camera. Removing clutter and straightening up is enough. Often, I will ask to stand on furniture , and I may even lay on the floor at some point :)

Outdoor session: I’ll work with the natural surroundings to create a variety of images and will use several different areas of a location. I generally shoot in most weather conditions. A sunny day is great, but clouds and wind add wonderful interest to photos.

Your images

A preview gallery of at least 10 (usually more) unique hand-edited digital images will be emailed to you within 10 days of your session. It will include a mixture of posed and documentary-style photos. From this online gallery you’ll pay your balance due and add a la carte selections. Once your balance is paid, your digital photos will be emailed to you for download with print release. Printed products will be shipped to you. Galleries will be open for seven days with a fee of $50 to re-open. Sales tax will be added to all prices at checkout.

Terms as agreed to upon purchase

Deposit is non-refundable. Contact me at vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com in the event of illness or emergency and we will reschedule within a limited timeframe.

There are no guarantees to the poses or shots we capture. Reshoots will not be given for client wardrobe, hair, makeup and appearance, and child/children temperament, or location selection.

I don't do "photoshopping" to make someone appear thinner or change features. I will remove blemishes and sometimes will soften lines and wrinkles. Your photos will look like you, just as beautiful as you already are. Also, I cull and edit at my discretion. If you love my work then you will love your photos!

I can’t wait to meet you! Once in front of my camera, I will love you forever <3

Please reach out with any questions at vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com.