Diary of a Photoshoot in Dayton

Taking selfies is a skill that doesn’t come naturally to everyone, especially me. So when I want to have new professional headshots, I schedule a photoshoot with a professional photographer.

I take photoshoots very seriously. As soon as it’s booked, I work backwards, scheduling out all of the services I need to look my best and maybe put together a Pinterest board of inspiration. Of course, I still manage to leave a few important things to the very last minute – it just wouldn’t feel like me otherwise.

Aesthetics

The spray tanning booth all set up for me at B&G Refinery

Even without a photoshoot coming up, I rely very heavily on the talents of Eric at B&G Refinery to keep my skin looking smooth and my eyebrows and eyelashes showing up at all.

Starting sometimes a couple weeks in advance, I usually book a facial or dermaplane facial to get as blank a canvas as possible. Next, I make sure my brows and lashes are tinted (I do this every month, but I make sure it falls before a photoshoot). I also get a brow wax to make sure they’re right where I want them and no where else.

The day before, I get a spray tan. And that’s when the magic really happens. When I have a fake tan, no one can tell me a damn thing. Immediate confidence boost! And I carry that confidence right into the studio.

Clothes & Accessories

Rose & Remington by the Dayton Mall on my last-minute shopping trip

The past few times I’ve had photos taken, I’ve mainly reached into my own closet to find what I need. It helps that I shop pretty much constantly. Meaning that I am always on the lookout for a great dress or pair of shoes, independent of any specific plans.

When I need an outfit or a piece I can’t source from my own collection, I typically try to find something locally at a boutique. For one of my photoshoots, I went the day before (!) to Rose & Remington by the Dayton Mall and tried on probably half the store before picking a maxi-length floral dress that would be perfect for our planned outdoor shoot.

But my pessimism kept nagging at me and I went to H&M to see if I could find a dress that would look better for an indoor studio session in case it rained. Elbow deep in the clearance rack, I find another maxi dress, this one a little more what I would prefer for a studio session. The tag revealed that it was half off (yay!) because it was missing a button (boo). I tried on a few more things before deciding to trust my sewing skills and took home the bonus dress I didn’t plan on wearing anyway.

Storm clouds prevailed, however, and we moved our outdoor session inside. I fixed the dress and it worked perfectly!

Me at Figment Studio in the dress I repaired the day of the shoot

Shoes and jewelry were all from my closet, however.

And when I did finally get my outdoor shoot with Jordan Freshour, it was October so I found a great sweater dress to try to stay warm.

Beauty

Usually around a week before or a little under, I’ll have a nail appointment at Nails on Brown and get gel polish with rubber base to make sure I don’t have any chips or breakage leading up to the big day.

Trista Noe’s magical makeup spread out on my home office table

I don’t know at what point I decided to throw in the towel officially on ever doing my own hair and makeup for a photoshoot but I just don’t trust my skills in these areas at all. Photoshoots are investments and I can barely get myself together for a date let alone photos. So I hire the amazing Trista Noe to come over and make me look flawless. What I do makeup-wise on my own is not even in the same universe as what she can accomplish – and she makes it look so easy. She also does simple hair, which is all I need. So in one appointment at my own home I get completely camera-ready while chit chatting about cats and restaurants – it doesn’t get easier than that!

All that’s left to do at this point is give my outfit(s) a good steam and pack a bag of just-in-case essentials like a jacket, a change of shoes, lipstick, etc. Then it’s time to get dressed and on the road.

Photo Session

Me and Jordan Freshour looking for photo locations

Me and Jordan scouting out our next spot for a photo in downtown Dayton

As a naturally awkward person, I do my best to follow any and all of the photographer’s great advice for posing, moving, smiling, where to look, and what to do. Thankfully, photographers like Alex Grodkiewicz and Jordan Freshour are excellent at working with me to look like I am a normal person. Their photos always come out looking amazing and getting the email that they’re ready to view is so exciting. Alex’s studio, Figment, is in downtown Dayton in the Webster Station area so there’s a lot of history and character in the building and surrounding neighborhood.

I almost never wear this top but it was perfect for this shoot!

Celebrate

After a photoshoot, I’m usually pretty drained so this celebratory glass of rosé and plenty of vegan small plates at Gather was the perfect way to unwind after a successful day.