Your Session
Prep Guide
Everything you need to know to show up confident, prepared, and ready to have the best time — so we can create images you'll absolutely love.
Hi friend!
I am so excited to
Meet Sharisse Rowan
I am so excited to
create with you.
Welcome to Sharisse Rowan Photography's Session Prep Guide! I put this together because I want you to feel completely at ease walking into your session — knowing exactly what to expect, what to wear, and how to prepare so we can make the most of every single moment together.
Years of photography experience have gone into these tips, and I promise they will make a real difference in how your images turn out. Pictures can feel stressful, but they don't have to be — and the more prepared you are, the more relaxed and natural you'll look. Let's make this fun!
Read through everything, bookmark what resonates, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. I am here every step of the way. — Sharisse
"The most common thing my clients say is that I help them feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera — and that is the key to getting images that truly represent who you are."
Before your session
Tips for a
Tips for a
successful session
These are the things I wish every client knew before they arrived. Follow these and you will show up feeling like your best self — ready to shine.
01
Get plenty of sleep
This is the one that makes the biggest difference and gets skipped the most. A good night's sleep shows up in your eyes, your skin, and your energy on camera. Aim for at least 8 hours the night before your session.
02
Stay hydrated
Start drinking extra water a few days before your session. Hydrated skin photographs so much better — it looks dewy, fresh, and glowing. Your eyes will be brighter too. Water is the best beauty secret there is.
03
Eat a good meal beforehand
Don't show up hungry! Low blood sugar = low energy and a forced smile. Have a proper meal before your session so you feel energized, focused, and genuinely happy — it will show in every photo.
04
Bring snacks
Pack some easy, mess-free snacks to keep your energy up during the session — especially for longer shoots. Think nuts, a protein bar, or fruit. Leave the red suckers and anything that could stain at home!
05
Arrive with clean hair & skin
If you're doing your own hair and makeup, arrive with a clean canvas. Wash your face and hair the morning of your session. Avoid heavy products that can look shiny or greasy on camera.
06
Bring your outfit options
Have every piece of every outfit — including shoes, jewelry, and accessories — laid out, ironed, and packed the night before. Don't leave anything to last-minute scrambling. Details matter and they show in photos.
07
Have your props ready
Think about what tells your brand story — a laptop, planner, coffee mug, books, products you sell, flowers, or tools of your trade. Pack them the night before so nothing gets forgotten in the morning rush.
08
Bring your brand colors & items
If your brand has specific colors, bring items in those shades — a notebook, flowers, a mug, fabric, or anything that ties back to your visual identity. These details add so much personality and cohesion to your images.
Pack your session bag
Here's what I recommend tossing in a bag the night before:
- ✦ Small makeup kit for touch-ups
- ✦ Brush, gel or hairspray for touch-ups
- ✦ Stain remover pen
- ✦ Baby wipes and tissues
- ✦ Headache medicine just in case
- ✦ Mess-free snacks and a water bottle
- ✦ All outfits including shoes, jewelry & accessories
- ✦ Props and brand items
Where we'll shoot
Session locations
Every location tells a different story. Together we'll choose the spots that best reflect your brand personality — whether that's polished and professional, warm and approachable, or vibrant and outdoorsy. Here are some of my favorites.
My Studio
The Rowan Studio
My home studio in Temecula is a beautifully curated space with professional lighting, multiple backdrops, and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect controlled environment for clean, polished headshots and lifestyle images — and it's where most clients feel most at ease.
Outdoor
Heritage Rose Garden
One of Temecula's hidden gems — the Heritage Rose Garden offers a romantic, lush backdrop perfect for lifestyle brands, wellness practitioners, coaches, and creatives who want something soft, organic, and beautifully Californian.
Outdoor
Temecula Wineries
Temecula wine country is stunning — think rolling vineyards, golden light, and that effortlessly elevated feel. Perfect for luxury brands, realtors, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants images that feel expansive and impressive.
Historic
Old Town Temecula
Old Town offers charming brick buildings, unique murals, boutique storefronts, and that warm California sun. Great for creative, approachable, community-focused brands who want something with character and personality.
Nature
Lake Skinner
Beautiful open skies, water views, and natural surroundings make Lake Skinner perfect for lifestyle sessions with a fresh, natural, and calming feel. Great for wellness brands, coaches, and outdoor-loving entrepreneurs.
Nature
Orange Groves
The orange groves around Temecula are a uniquely California backdrop — vibrant, warm, and full of life. Perfect for brands that want something unexpected, earthy, and full of natural color and texture.
Lifestyle
Coffee Shops & Cafés
For brands built around connection, creativity, and an approachable personality — a local café with outdoor seating creates the perfect relaxed, real-life setting. Great for coaches, consultants, and content creators.
Client's Space
Your Workplace
Shooting in your actual workspace — your office, salon, studio, or storefront — adds incredible authenticity. Your clients see you in your element, doing what you do best. Nothing builds trust faster.
Unique
Airbnb & Unique Spaces
For a completely customized look, we can rent a beautiful Airbnb or unique space that matches your brand aesthetic perfectly — think light-filled modern homes, bohemian interiors, or luxe settings that feel totally on-brand.
The style guide
What to wear
This is the question I get asked more than anything else — and I love it, because the right outfits make such a difference. Here's everything you need to know to look absolutely amazing.
Start with your tone
Before you pull a single outfit, decide on the overall vibe you want. Are you going for professional and polished? Warm and approachable? Fun and energetic? Soft and romantic? The mood drives everything else — your colors, your location, even your poses.
Some clients start with their website color palette. Others start with a dress they love and build from there. A Pinterest board of images that inspire you is always a great place to begin — and I'd love for you to share it with me!
Colors that work beautifully
Here's a quick guide to what different colors communicate on camera:
Warm tones
Cool & neutral tones
Always beautiful
Burgundy
Power & strength
Power & strength
Rust
Warmth & energy
Warmth & energy
Camel
Warm & approachable
Warm & approachable
Peach
Soft & romantic
Soft & romantic
Navy
Professional
Professional
Slate blue
Calm & trustworthy
Calm & trustworthy
Sage
Fresh & natural
Fresh & natural
Cream
Always elegant
Always elegant
Warm neutrals
Timeless
Timeless
Taupe
Sophisticated
Sophisticated
Mauve
Rich & feminine
Rich & feminine
Forest green
Grounded & lush
Grounded & lush
The do's & don'ts
✦ Do this
- Iron or dry clean everything — wrinkles show in crisp photos
- Try outfits on at least a week before the session
- Have hair cut and colored two weeks in advance
- Pick outfits out 1-2 weeks ahead of time
- Layer your clothing to add depth and visual interest
- Consider the location when planning colors
- Choose one to two patterns and balance with solid colors
- Dress it up when in doubt — you won't regret looking polished
- Send me a photo of your outfits so we can collaborate
- Choose timeless pieces that won't feel dated in a year
- Wear clothes that actually fit well
✕ Avoid this
- Wrinkled, frumpy, or disheveled clothing
- Logos — they draw the eye away from your face
- Busy, competing patterns that overwhelm the image
- Highly trendy pieces that will look dated quickly
- Procrastinating your outfit planning — details need time
- Graphic tees even for casual looks
- Colors that match your location too closely
- New clothes you haven't tried on ahead of time
- Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious
Dressing for your body shape
The most flattering outfits are the ones that celebrate what you've got. Here's a quick guide to dressing for your shape:
Straight & Athletic
Look for clothing that defines the waistline — belts, piping, structured seams. A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers, and peplum tops add curves. Skinny jeans with a fitted blazer look great.
Pear Shape
Add visual weight to the upper half with structured shoulders, puff sleeves, cowl necks, and boat necks. High-waisted straight-leg trousers balance the hips beautifully. Accentuate the waist.
Hourglass
Work with your curves — avoid boxy styles. High-waisted pants, pencil skirts, and fitted knit tops are your best friends. Wrap dresses and stretchy fabrics that hug the waist are always stunning.
Inverted Triangle
Skip button-ups and instead choose knit fabrics with stretch, darted dresses, and tops that define the waist. Add pattern or embellishment to the lower half to create balance.
Apple / Oval
Highlight your arms and legs with cap sleeves and slim-fit bottoms. Choose tops that drape or frame the middle rather than cling. Monochromatic looks from top to bottom elongate beautifully.
For Headshots
Keep tops neutral and solid — the frame is tight so details really show. Think about contrast between your top, your hair, and your background. Dark hair pops against light; light hair needs contrast.
Know your skin tone
Quick tip: check your wrist veins. Blue-ish veins = cool undertones. Green-ish veins = warm undertones.
Warm undertones
- Best colors: red, orange, gold, magenta, olive
- Perfect neutrals: cream, brown, taupe, camel
- Avoid: icy tones and jewel tones
Cool undertones
- Best colors: royal blue, sapphire, emerald, deep purple, ruby
- Perfect neutrals: navy, grey, white
- Avoid: oranges and yellows
Professional hair & makeup
Meet Gina Huerta
I always recommend my preferred makeup artist Gina because she is simply the best at what she does — and she completely understands what looks beautiful on camera. Her specialty is natural, feminine, camera-ready beauty that photographs flawlessly without ever looking overdone.
Gina knows exactly how I shoot, the lighting I use, and how to create a look that perfectly complements your brand aesthetic. She has worked with many of my clients and the results are always stunning. When you book with her, you're not just getting makeup — you're investing in a cohesive, elevated experience that will show in every single image.
I highly encourage you to book Gina for your session — it makes a world of difference!
How to prepare for your makeup
- Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session — hydrated skin takes makeup so much better and looks luminous on camera
- Do NOT wear sunscreen the morning of your session — sunscreen contains ingredients that cause flashback and can make your skin appear white or washed out in photos
- Arrive with a clean, moisturized face — no foundation or other makeup applied
- Wash your hair the morning of so Gina has a clean canvas to work with
- Bring any makeup you love and want incorporated — especially your favorite lip color
- Share any inspiration photos with Gina ahead of time so she can come prepared
- Let Gina know about any skin sensitivities or allergies before your appointment
Book with Gina
Name
Gina Huerta
Phone
951-255-0712
Instagram
@temeculaglambars
Mention you're a Sharisse Rowan Photography client when you reach out to Gina!
You've got this
I can't wait to create
I can't wait to create
something beautiful with you.
You are going to do amazing. I will guide you through every single moment — from the posing to the expressions to the in-between laughs that make the best photos. All you have to do is show up and be yourself.
If you have any questions before your session, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am always here!
Sharisse Rowan Photography · Temecula, CA · 951-526-8118 · sharisserowanphotography.com