VALERIE THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
VALERIE THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
VALERIE THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
-FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-
-THE EXPERIENCE-
You have secured the date for your session... now what? Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your upcoming session.
Clothing SelectioN
1-2 Weeks before the session
Let your photos reflect your unique sense of style. Choose clothes that you love and feel the most comfortable wearing. Consider the photo session location for inspiration. For example, select a pretty sundress for a flower field or jeans, a cute top, and a leather jacket for a more urban scene.
Approximately one week before your session, we will talk about fail-proof wardrobe tips. I can come to your home or you can text photos of your outfits so that we can select colors and silhouettes that will bring out your best.
Please have 4-5 outfits ready, or more if you would like. You can change in Valerie’s pop up dressing room.
HAIR and makeup
Schedule hair cut one-week prior to your session.
It is recommended to have a root touch up and no radical hair color change. Don't forget your eyebrow wax, manicure and pedicure.
Use sunscreen to avoid tan lines.
Don't worry about any acne breakouts, I have Photoshop!
Get a good night sleep!
Hair and makeup play an important role in photographs. Natural light photography requires very specific makeup techniques. Your makeup artist will also work with you to determine the intensity and level of eyeshadow color and contouring. She can add false eyelashes to make a great finishing touch! The hair and makeup artist will supply all of the products you will need to complete your look.
Girls, please arrive with clean dry hair. Kickstart your hair style with a good blow out. Don't let your hair air dry. Use your own pre-styling products and don't use a curling iron or flat iron. The hair and makeup artist will style your hair. It is important to arrive with no makeup on and have a clean face.
Your first stop on the day of your session is the hair and makeup artist:
JL Makeup Studio and Beauty Boutique
1121 Boyce Road, St. Claire Plaza
Suite 850
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA 15241
(Located near Ardolino's Pizza on Boyce Road.)
Studio Location for yearbook Headshot
Valerie Thomas Photography Studio
220 Third Street
Carnegie, Pennsylvania 15106
I am at the intersection of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue. Please park on 3rd Avenue.
I am located on the second floor above the Philip Salvato-3rd Street Art Gallery. You will see a glass door on Third Ave. Enter through that door and go up the steps to the studio.
about your yearbook headshots
Please refer to your school yearbook guidelines for attire, background and portrait due dates. I will submit the yearbook photos and yearbook ads. We will also discuss yearbook ads at your ordering appointment.
Girls, I have a closet of off the shoulder black tops. I have the traditional black drape as well.
Boys, please make sure your tie is properly tied prior to arriving at studio.
Ordering Appointment
Your ordering appointment will typically occur one week after your session. Generally, we will meet at my house in Peters Township.
What if it rains?
What do you do if it rains the day of your session? Don't worry, my second job is a weather girl. We will discuss alternate dates within that week if there is inclement weather.
What to pack the day of your session
Leave wrinkle free clothes on hangers.
Place shoes, undergarments and accessories in a bag or suitcase.
Bring comfortable shoes to walk in between locations.
Touch-up makeup if you want, but not needed.
Water, snacks, and protein bars!
I have an emergency kit with safety pins, translucent powder, a hairbrush, lipstick etc.
Sample Yearbook ads
To see examples of previous years yearbook ads, see below: