10 Tips for THE WIFE: Working with a Photographer

Perhaps you’re in need of engagement photos or considering the upcoming family Christmas card, Vanessa Tierney’s expertise and insight has you covered on the best tips for working with a photographer. Vanessa is a professional photographer (her work featured above) who has many years working with some of New York’s premiere families, newly engaged couples and brand new bundles of joy. Click “continue reading”  to learn which photographer is right for you to the tiny little details you would never think to consider. For more information about  working with Vanessa Tierney or to view her portfolio visit: Vanessatierney.com

1. Pick the right photographer for you: Picking the right photographer for you might be one of the most crucial pieces to having a successful professional photo session. You might not always get a choice in the matter but if you do then you must do a bit of research! Every photographer has a different style of work. Are you looking for a very traditional approach? Photojournalistic? Modern or very creative and different? Take your time when selecting a photographer – you might be seeing their best 20 images on their website but are they consistent? Are they going to get the shots you want? Also once you contact them do you like their personality? If you believe you aren’t the right fit then chances are you are going to be disappointed with the outcome.

2. Be fun and creative: No one likes a person that takes them self too seriously! Loosen up and have a little fun. Even if you are looking for a more traditional session you must be willing to let loose in order for the images to come out natural looking. Before the session think of different things you family does that makes you who you are. Do you spend a lot of time at the beach? So go to the beach, run in the sand, build sandcastles together. Are you a family that enjoys reading together or staying around the house? Spruce up your living room and read a book, run on the lawn, cuddle up in bed. You really would be surprised what can make a great photograph. Some of the most adorable engagement shoots I have seen have been done in a coffee shop, ice-cream parlor, kitchen, old laundry mat, bedroom or on a beach. Get creative and think outside the box before your session and talk to your photographer about your ideas so that you both can be creating the best session possible.

3. Be trendy. Be chic. But please no ball gowns! (Unless you have joined the Kardashian’s Family photo shoot): As a mater of fact I would vote to keep it very classic. Chances are if you slip into that little Gucci number, that shows a little too much skin, you just might end up regretting it. On the contrary I am not saying you should stick to everyone in matching argyle sweaters or kakis and white button downs. Be yourself! The most important aspect of the attire is to make sure you go together. Please don’t be matchy matchy but make sure you compliment each other.

4. Ladies, get your nails done: These pictures will be hanging in your house, on a website or in an album for most of your life. Do you really want to look at it and see chipped bright pink nail polish looking back at you? I tell all my clients during our consultation to go get a mani/pedi! After the session 80% of them mention right away how happy they are that I recommended they get it done. I normally suggest sticking to neutral colors but feel free to be bold! My two favorites are Vanity Fairest and Ah Natural by Essie.

5. Tame the mane and freshen up: Remember to take all aspects of your attire into consideration. This means you should probably get your hair done and I would suggest your makeup as well. With that being said I do not recommend going to try out a new hairstylist or makeup artist that day. You want someone that knows your style and your hair type so that they get it just right! If you are having a bad hair day, most likely you will not be a huge fan of the photos. My go to is the Drybar for the perfect blowout!

6. Sleep & Eat Right: The night before the session you should plan to get a good nights rest. Yes, photoshop can fix those dreaded under eye bags but if you get a good night sleep the night before it might not even be an issue. Also be aware of what you are eating up to 24 hours before. Stay away from greasy and overly salty foods and things that might make you bloat or be uncomfortable!

7. Stress Free: A photo shoot should not be stressful. Take a deep breath and relax. If you are wound up, how you do you think your kids or hubby are going to relax? You create the vibe of the session prior to it even beginning. While I do my best to keep everyone relaxed during a session – I can’t control the roller coaster of emotions that might have happened before you even got to me. Just be prepared the day before and everything will be smooth sailing from there!

8. Have a cocktail: While I don’t mean get sloshed before your session – a glass of wine can help to calm the nerves (stay away from red wine or drinks that will stain your teeth or make you bloat). This tip works great for an unwilling hubby!!

9: Trust us: Chances are if you picked the right photographer for you they are going to do a great job. Trust them! Go along with what they tell you to do. After all you are the one that picked them – there must be a reason why!

10. Just have fun!! -Vanessa Tierney for THE WIFE