Before you arrive
A little prep goes a long way. These tips will help you get more out of your session and leave with exactly what you came for.
Session Planning
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Even a rough notes-app list beats winging it. Without one, you'll spend the first 20 minutes of your session just figuring out what you want. It doesn't need to be elaborate: "black dress on white cyc, 3 poses: standing, seated, walking" is enough. The goal is to walk in with decisions already made.
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This is the single biggest time-saver in studio shooting. Moving and re-lighting a backdrop can take 5–15 minutes depending on the setup. Changing outfits takes less than 5 minutes on average. So if you have 3 outfits and 2 backdrops, shoot outfit 1, 2, and 3 on backdrop A — then switch to backdrop B and repeat. Jumping between backdrops to match outfits is the most common way people accidentally burn through their session.
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Energy is highest at the start of a session for both talent and crew. Front-load the must-haves so that everything after is a bonus. Schedule your most important shots early, before the lights and the standing take their toll.
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Before you arrive, do a quick napkin calculation: number of outfits × number of backdrops × estimated shots per setup. 3 outfits × 2 backdrops × 5 shots each = 30 shots minimum. At roughly 5–10 minutes per setup including transitions, that's a 2.5–5 hour session. If the math doesn't fit your booking, cut setups before you arrive — not while the clock is running.
Questions about timing,? Ask Pixel Count staff at pixelcountslc@gmail.com for recommendations.
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A good rule of thumb: plan for 75% of your available time, leave 25% as a buffer. For a 2-hour session, plan 90 minutes of content. That buffer absorbs a lighting tweak that took longer than expected, a re-shoot because someone blinked, or a spontaneous setup that turned out great. Sessions that are planned to the minute almost always end with something important left unshot.
Shot Planning & scheduling
Wardrobe
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Try on every outfit, fully — including shoes, accessories, and any layers. Sit down, stand up, move around. Things that fit fine hanging in a closet can pull, gap, or bunch when you're actually in them. Two days out gives you time to steam, shop, or swap without stress.
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Wrinkles are merciless under studio lighting — they cast small shadows that are clearly visible in photos and are tedious to remove in post-editing. There is a steamer available in the studio, but using it can eat into your shooting time. Five minutes at home the night before saves you fifteen minutes on the clock.
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Your final outfit choices should be locked before your session starts. Bring backup pieces if you want flexibility, but treat them as true backups — not a second round of decision-making. Standing in a changing room deliberating between two shirts leaves less time for creative shots. If inspiration strikes, great! But have your plan A ready to go.
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Busy patterns, fine stripes, and small repeating checkerboard patterns can cause moiré — a visual interference pattern that creates a wavy, shimmering artifact in photos and video. It's especially noticeable in compressed formats like Instagram or YouTube. When in doubt, go solid.
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If you're creating commercial content, such as ads, branded posts, or product shoots, logos from other companies in the frame can create licensing and legal complications. This includes subtle things like a Nike swoosh on sneakers or a Supreme logo on a hoodie. If the content is personal or non-commercial, it's generally fine.
Personal Care
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Low blood sugar affects you more visibly than most people expect; you'll look pale, feel shaky, lose focus, and your energy will read flat on camera. A light snack 60–90 minutes before your session is ideal. The goal is stable blood sugar, not a full stomach.
Snacks are available at the studio. -
Your skin's hydration level, which directly affects how you photograph, reflects what you consumed 24 hours ago, not 2 hours ago. Chugging water the morning of also means frequent bathroom breaks during your session. Aim for consistent water intake the entire day before.
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A large meal causes visible bloating in the midsection that typically peaks 1–2 hours after eating and can last several more. It also causes a post-meal energy dip that makes you look and feel sluggish. If you're shooting fashion, fitness, or anything form-fitting, this matters more.
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banana (quick, clean energy with potassium that helps with muscle relaxation)
hard-boiled eggs (high protein, no bloat)
rice cakes with almond butter (steady energy without heaviness)
Greek yogurt (protein without the sodium spike)
oatmeal (slow-burning carbs).
The common thread: moderate carbs, high protein, low sodium, low sugar.
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salty foods (sodium causes water retention and visible puffiness, especially in the face — chips, deli meat, fast food)
carbonated drinks (gas and bloating, even sparkling water)
alcohol (see skin section)
anything that you personally know disagrees with you
A shoot day is not the day to try something new.
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We enjoy coffee too, but when it comes to being in front of the camera, it can impact your look. One normal cup is unlikely to cause problems. Two or three cups before standing under hot lights for two hours is a different story. Overcaffeination causes visible jitteriness, makes it harder to hold still for sharp shots, and can create a restless, unfocused look on camera.
What to eat & Drink
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Dark under-eye circles, dull skin, and puffiness from poor sleep are difficult to correct in post-editing and can't be fully covered by makeup. Studio lighting is bright and directional — it's less forgiving than natural light. Aim for 7–8 hours the night before, and if possible, avoid late nights the two nights before.
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Alcohol causes systemic dehydration and visible inflammation: facial puffiness, under-eye bags, redness, and dull skin are all common effects that peak 12–24 hours after drinking, which means the morning of your shoot is often the worst window. Even one or two drinks can make a noticeable difference on camera.
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Well-hydrated skin catches light better and photographs more evenly. However, applying moisturizer or heavy skincare right before a shoot can leave a greasy or reflective residue that's visible under studio lights, especially in the T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin area). Do your skincare routine the night before, and keep moisturizer limited in the morning.
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Studio lighting generates real heat, and even people who don't normally sweat will notice it after an hour. Blotting papers handle shine without disturbing makeup. Setting spray locks everything in place. If you're shooting more than 90 minutes, a small touch-up kit — concealer, powder, lip color — is worth having within reach. The studio does have various supplies to help, but you know your brands best!
Skin & Apperarance
Personal Care
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Traffic, parking, unloading gear, finding the entrance, getting oriented, and exchanging a quick brief with staff all take time. Arriving early means your session starts on time. There is no late fee, other than a limited time for creating content.
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Bring everything you need, but think before you unload everything from your car. Excess bags, clothing racks, props, and personal items on the studio floor create visual noise that can end up in backgrounds and require constant tidying. Anything that isn't part of the shoot should stay in your car or the lobby. A clean set is faster to work with and easier to keep organized across multiple setups.
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Our main entrance is on the East side of the building. Look for the Pixel Count logo on the door. If you have large or heavy items to load in (lighting, furniture, large props, equipment cases), park on the West side of the building next to the door marked 268, which gives you direct access to the studio space for easier loading and unloading.
Day-of Logistics
Something missing that you would like to know about?
Do not hesitate to reach out! A member of Pixel Count will be happy to assist!