Please do not wear concealer, foundation, or other heavy makeup when you come to be photographed (if we are shooting drag or something costumed, this may not apply). Some translucent powder to blot shine is fine if you like, as is eye or lip makeup, but I prefer to be able to see and work with natural skin texture in my work. If you have special concerns about that, talk to me. If you want to shoot something in costume or makeup, let me know in advance. I am able to do makeup and styling for you if you prefer, in which case you should discuss that in advance with me, and come to your shoot with freshly washed hair and a clean face. If you have scars, "imperfections" or disabilities which are issues for you, talk to me in advance. I tend NOT to hide things many other photographers might hide, sometimes choosing instead even to highlight them because I often find them very individual and beautiful. If you suspect that approach might bother you with something in particular, be sure to inform me about it. Don't do anything to your body that you wouldn't do otherwise (unless body adaptation is part of the project). If you don't normally shave, don't shave. If you wear your hair messy, don't style it to death on my account. If your photos are intended for public use, such as for professional headshots or book jacket photos, present yourself accordingly. Wear whatever you like to your session. If you have a few different things you like, go ahead and bring your selections with you. If we've discussed a specific project with specific props or clothing, be sure to bring them along. if you will need me to purchase items for you, let me know that well in advance. If you have specific needs or specs for your photographs, such as that they be color or black and white, headshots or full-body, of a certain size, or if they are being used for a specific purpose or project, please let me know in advance, so I can be prepared to work most efficiently and to your satisfaction. What I aim for in portrait work is the sensual, the authentic and the natural, even if we're doing something fantastical. I do shoot a lot of nude work, so we can shoot nudes if you like, however these are YOUR photographs, so what you feel feels most natural and comfortable for you is what I'm after. Even if you want sensual or erotic portraiture, we can do that clothed or seminude if that's what feels most comfortable and natural to you. If you're not sure, don't worry: we can figure out what's best for you as we go. If nudes are planned, remove any binding clothing a couple of hours before the shoot to avoid strap marks. if you have body image issues or special concerns in regards to a nude shoot, bring that up during your consultation, and we'll get creative. Allow a few hours for your session. I do tend to work fast, so a session may even take less than an hour. However, I like to have plenty of time to get a feel for my subject, to observe his or her posture, mannerisms and nature and to be able to work at whatever pace is most comfortable for us both, without rushing. Speak up! If at any time during the session you feel uncomfortable, if you feel you need more direction than I am giving you, if something just doesn't feel natural or right, if you want to get a look at what I'm doing, by all means, let me know directly. I'm nearly impossible to insult or offend, and it's important to me that your session is a positive experience for you. Some instances where I may not be the right photographer for you: If you're looking for very traditional "glamour" photos, very mainstream "porny" work, or work that is very strongly posed. If you want heavy retouching. I choose to shoot with primarily natural light, and to shoot for the best product as-is, so that any retouching is minimal after the fact, and even then, largely for color, light, and contrast, not to make my subjects look like supermodels. If you want to shoot very violent, submissive or D/S imagery. If you want a photographer to make you look very different than you do -- thinner or taller, a different age, etc. If looking "sexy" or "hot" has more importance than looking like you, or letting me find what I see. If you're shooting in my own studio and have severe dog or cat allergies. As well, if you have any severe disability which makes stairs difficult or impossible, shooting in my studio will not likely work, as you will need to climb three steep flights of steps. If you expect a nude or sensual shoot to be in any way sexual for me as the photographer: it usually is not. If you need a lot of constant affirmation about how you look. If being touched is problematic. Generally, during a shoot, it's helpful for me to be able to -- with respect and request -- move your face or body parts sometimes to deal with light and shadow expediently.