Thanks for booking your session with Christie Caiola!
Below you will find everything you need to know before your session.
Some suggestions for the day of:
Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in, enjoy a complimentary drink, and get comfortable with the space.
Come to the studio in loose fitting clothing so it doesn’t leave any indentation lines on your skin (no jeans, no tight socks, leggings, etc).
Come with a fresh, clean and moisturized face (absolutely no makeup) and clean, dry hair.
Drink plenty of water leading up to and day of the shoot day!
Be sure to be thorough on whatever hair removal methods you typically use (shaving, wax, etc) and whatever makes you feel your most confident.
Avoid scheduling anything stressful or rushed before your session.
Don’t worry about how to pose or what looks good—I’ll guide you every step of the way to capture your best angles and expressions.
Have final payment ready (cash, credit card, check).
Relax! It’ll be fun, I promise!
What to Pack
Plain Colored T-Shirts or Tank Tops: Perfect for a clean, minimalist look.
Oversized Sweaters: Cozy and versatile, they add a relaxed, intimate feel to your portraits.
Classic White Button-Up: Timeless and effortlessly chic, it works for a variety of styles.
A Pair of Well-Fitted Jeans: Adds a casual yet polished touch, especially when paired with other wardrobe staples (or nothing!).
A Selection of Bodysuits: Choose a variety of styles—simple, elegant, or textured—for a flattering and versatile option. A high leg line is preferred!
Bra and Panty Sets: Bring an assortment to match different moods and aesthetics:
Styles: Simple, sporty, lacy.
Cuts: Thong (they’re more flattering I promise!)
Colors: Neutral tones like black, white, and nude, as well as a few pops of color.
Experiment with Texture
Incorporate items like satin blouses, fluffy sweaters, soft scarves, or pieces with unique details to add depth and visual interest.
When in Doubt, Pack More
More is always better when it comes to wardrobe. If you’re unsure about an item, bring it along—we’ll work together to select the perfect pieces during the session.
Draw Inspiration from the Pinterest Board
Use the Pinterest board as a guide to curate your wardrobe. If you see a look you love—a matching Calvin Klein set, a classic white button-up, or unbuttoned jeans—bring those items along to recreate the vibe.
With these wardrobe choices, we’ll have everything we need to capture stunning, intimate portraits that feel uniquely you.
before the Session
1. Self-Care Leading Up to Your Session:
Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant.
Rest: Get a good night’s sleep the day before to feel your best.
Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated by using a gentle moisturizer, especially on your face and hands.
2. Hair Removal (Optional):
If you plan to wax, shave, or thread, schedule it a few days before the session to avoid redness or irritation.
3. Hands & Nails:
Your hands may feature in your portraits, so make sure they’re neat. Choose natural or neutral tones for nail polish, or keep them clean and bare.
4. Choose Your Wardrobe:
See “What to Pack”
5. Set Your Intention:
Take a moment to reflect on what this session means to you. Is it a celebration of a milestone? A gift to yourself to honor your journey? Or simply a way to capture your confidence and beauty? Setting an intention can help you connect with the experience on a deeper level and make the session even more meaningful.
Before the session, think about:
What story do you want these photos to tell?
How do you want to feel during and after the session?
What part of yourself are you celebrating today?
This is your time. Embrace the opportunity to show up as your most authentic self, and let the session reflect the incredible person you are.
During Your Session
Relax and Trust the Process: I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’ve posed before or not, you’ll feel supported and empowered.
Celebrate Yourself: This is a gentle pause in your story—a moment to see yourself with kindness, strength, and grace. Let this be a quiet celebration of everything you are.
A Portrait of You: This session is an ode to your essence—a visual poem of light, shadow, and soul. Let yourself be seen through an artistic lens that honors your inner world.
After Your Session
Review Your Images: After the session, you’ll receive a watermarked gallery of all of your images. From there you choose your favorites and they get retouched.
Delivery: Once your images have been edited, you’ll receieve the digitals and any product orders are placed.
Final Tips
This session is about celebrating YOU. Come with an open heart, and be ready to step into the boldest version of yourself. You’ve already taken the first step—now let’s capture the magic.
A note from me, your photographer
Thank you for choosing me to capture this special moment in your life. Every session is an opportunity to tell your unique story—to highlight your beauty, confidence, and individuality. Whether this is a milestone, a gift, or simply a way to celebrate yourself, I’m honored to be part of the journey.
I want your session to feel relaxed, fun, and meaningful. My goal is to create images that truly reflect you, capturing moments that are timeless and authentic. This guide is here to help you feel prepared and confident, so you can fully enjoy the experience.
If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, I’m here to help every step of the way. Thank you for trusting me with this important part of your story. I can’t wait to create something beautiful together.
-Christie
Christie Caiola Studios
(Pardon our lack of signage right now…)