FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

• Have your inspiration photos ready for your appointment.
• Be on time but no more than 5 minutes early.

SKIN PREP

• Arrival - Please arrive with a clean face, moisturizer only.
• Dead Skin - please use a gentle peeling face wash or a gentle face scrub the night before your appointment to ensure a smooth base.
• Facial Hair - please consider a dermaplane prior to your appointment or using face shaver/razor to remove excess unwanted facial hair.
• Eyebrows should be trimmed, tweezed, or shaped.
• Dry Lips - please lightly exfoliate your lips with a wet toothbrush or use a lip scrub to remove dead skin and hydrate with aquaphor beforehand.

HAIR PREP

• Come with clean, dried hair (double shampoo hair thoroughly, condition mid-ends only)
• Hair should be prepped with a leave in conditioner (controls static, frizz and adds shine) and volume mousse at the roots.
• Blow dry hair immediately after washing 
• Blow dry hair upside down for added volume, if needed.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Wear a neutral color such as white, cream, or black so there is no interference with your skin tone and coloring.
• Please wear a stretchy neck, wide neck, a zip up, or button down so that you can easily change without ruining your hair/makeup.
• If you need to wear your event outfit to your appointment, I have a drape/cape to keep you clean.

ARRIVAL

• Be on time but no more than 5 minutes early.

SKIN PREP

• Arrival - Please arrive with a clean face, moisturizer only.
• Dead Skin - please use a gentle peeling face wash or a gentle face scrub the night before your appointment to ensure a smooth base.
• Facial Hair - please consider a dermaplane prior to your appointment or using face shaver/razor to remove excess unwanted facial hair.
• Eyebrows should be trimmed, tweezed, or shaped.
• Dry Lips - please lightly exfoliate your lips with a wet toothbrush or use a lip scrub to remove dead skin and hydrate with aquaphor beforehand.

HAIR PREP

• Come with clean, dried hair (double shampoo hair thoroughly, condition mid-ends only)
• Hair should be prepped with a leave in conditioner (controls static, frizz and adds shine) and volume mousse at the roots.
• Blow dry hair immediately after washing 
• Blow dry hair upside down for added volume, if needed.

GENERAL

• Hair Color should be fresh and roots touched up
• Nails should be clean, and neutral
• Spray Tans are recommended and @spraytanqueenaz is the best!
• Teeth Whitening is recommended but not required. I will brighten smiles but only a shade or two from their current state.

OUTFIT PREP

• Your outfits should be steamed or pressed, and organized on hangers.
• Jewelry should be in clear baggies for easy set up, and access during your shoot.
• Bring jewelry in various tones, styles and sizes. 
• Bring various options, necklines, textures, and colors for some variety. 
• Avoid tight, small and busy prints. 
• Avoid Neon colors or colors that clash with your skin tone.

There are so many options! Here are some recommended ideas for Outfits.

Classic and Timeless - Jeans and a T Shirt or Bodysuit, Chunky sweaters, Knits, and Dainty/Simple jewelry

(Black, White, Gray, Navy, Creams)

Business Professional - Blazer, Blouse, Slacks, and Minimalist/Trendy Jewelry

(Jewel Tones, Rich colors paired with Neutrals)

Trendy - Flowy dresses, Cocktail Dresses, Skirts, Coordinated Sets, Personality Pieces paired with Big, Fun, Chunky Jewelry

(Bright colors, Large prints, Solid colors, Fun textures and various necklines)

Maternity - Bodysuits, Flowy skirts and dresses, Stretchy long dresses with a train

(Soft pale tones, baby blues, pinks, mauve, sage green, white, and cream)

PROPS -  Flowers, Bouquets, Crown and Banner, Varsity/Letterman Jackets, Professional work shirt with logo, Sporting Equipment, Work Equipment, Laptop, Phone, Calendar, Hand Weights, Ankle Weights, Color Swatches, Hair Tools, Curling Irons, Aesthetic Juice in a glass bottle, Fruit, Etc... Anything that speaks or represents YOU, and YOUR BRAND

AVOID NEONS, ULTRA BRIGHTS, TIGHT PRINTS, AND SMALL/TINY PATTERNS

These typically do not photograph well and can distort natural coloring and cause static in the photos.

Be prepared with the appropriate undergarments you will need such as 

• nude/black shorts for skirts and dresses
• seamless undies
• nipple covers
• bras
• body shapers
• tank tops or bodysuits

My editing style is natural, but effective. 

My coloring is light, bright, vibrant, and true. 

I work hard to make sure my clients look like the best, most authentic versions of themselves. 

I will  remove blemishes, soften lines, brighten eyes, brighten smile (to a reasonable degree) and smooth the skin enough that you look amazing but realistic. 

I will NOT warp, pinch, liquify, slim, extend, remove every wrinkle or falsely create an unrealistic image.  This is considered extensive editing which requires more time and resources which would alter the price of the session drastically.

I also ask my clients do not alter, filter or edit my images in any way that does not accurately reflect my work.

I coach ALL of my clients on the best poses, posture, and facial expressions throughout the session. I will make sure we find what works and looks best for you!

I provide all the makeup and eyelashes. 

If you have a special allergy or product preference, then please feel free to bring your own products. 

This will not change the price of the session.

New Clients are required to pay a $50.00 non refundable retainer for any hair or makeup services appointments.

Clients in good standing will not be required to pay a deposit on future appointments (This excludes weddings/photoshoots)

Clients that late cancel within 72 hours of their appointment, will be required to pay the nonrefundable retainer for future appointments. 

I require clients to give a 72 hour cancellation notice. 

Clients that cancel within 72 hours of their session will forfeit any and all retainers as they are nonrefundable. 

Any and all deposits paid towards their session will not be credited to future appointments.

Booking/Rebooking fees for studios are not at the discretion of The Nicole J Smith Company and The Nicole J Smith Company is not liable for such fees, as the studios are separate entities and not owned by The Nicole J Smith Company.

All Clients are required to pay a $100.00 non refundable retainer for photoshoots.

Clients that late cancel within 72 hours of their appointment forfeit their session deposit, and will not receive a credit for future bookings.

 I require a 25% non-refundable deposit along with this signed Wedding Contract and a signed Agreement of Policies and Procedures. 

25% down is required at the time of contract signing and the remaining 75% is to be paid on or before the wedding date listed on the contract. Deposits will go towards the remaining balance of services. Wedding dates are not reserved until the deposit has been paid and all required forms have been signed and received. 

For Wedding cancellations, a minimum 60 Day notice is required to avoid additional cancellation fees up to the full remaining balance agreed upon in this contract. 

Clients may bring one guest to their shoot for assistance as long as it does not cause a distraction or hinder the atmosphere of the photoshoot. 

Please do not bring children/infants to your appointment unless you have a nanny, friend, spouse to watch them during the session.