CreativeSoulPHOTOGRAPHY
Your DMV Session Prep Guide
Everything you need to get ready for your session, all in one place. Save this page so you can check it again the morning of your shoot.
November 20 to 22, 2026 · Baltimore
📍
Where
The Digital Factory, 3rd Floor, Baltimore
⏰
Arrive
On time, but no more than 15 minutes early
💳
Balance
Due by the date in your email. Pay any amount, any time before.
✉️
One ask
Reply to our email so we know you got it
Your next steps
Lock in your session
- Accept your quote and sign your contract.
Click the Review Quote button in your welcome email. This locks in your session. - Make payments any time.
Pay any amount, any time before your due date. You can find the link to your final invoice at the bottom of your final details email.
Final balance due by10 days before your sessionPaid in full? You are all set. Skip the invoice part.
Your session day
How it all comes together
- Step 1
Arrive
On time, in a button-down, zip-up or robe
- Step 2
Hair and makeup
Our stylists bring the look to life
- Step 3
Get dressed
We have every look styled and ready
- Step 4
Create
Time in front of the camera
- Step 5
Head home
Proofs arrive 7 to 10 business days later
Getting there
Finding the studio
- Parking: there should be street parking in front of the building.
- At the front door, press 3 on the call box, then the speaker button. We will buzz you in.
- In the elevator, enter 3333 and select floor 3.
- Trouble getting in? Call Kahran at 678-906-9043.
A look at the studio
Full day of sessions. We will likely have families shooting before and after you, so please arrive on time but no more than 15 minutes early. We ask that only the people being photographed arrive at the studio (in addition to parents if only kids are being photographed).
Creative sessions
We design the whole look
These are creative sessions, which means we will be designing your entire look for you, and we have all wardrobe covered. If you have strong preferences around hair or clothing, just let us know. Otherwise, trust us and we've got you.
What to wear to your shoot
We will not be photographing the clothes you arrive in. Girls and women just need clothing that does not have to go over your head, so we can change you on set without messing up your hair and makeup. A button-down shirt, a zip-up tracksuit or sweatsuit, or a robe with pants all work. Boys and guys can wear a t-shirt.
- YES
Button-down shirt
With jeans or pants
- YES
Zip-up tracksuit
Zips open in the front
- YES
Robe with pants
Slips right off
- NO
✕T-shirts
Girls and women: nothing that pulls over the head
Mood boards
A peek at our mood board
Here are our hair and wardrobe mood boards for this year's DMV sessions. These may not be the exact final styles. We just wanted to give you the overall mood we're going for. Tap either board to see it full size.
HairBraided crowns, sculpted updos, puffs and adornments
WardrobeRich reds, greens and golds for the whole family
Any last requests? If you have any final requests, preferences or dislikes for hair or wardrobe, please reply to our email by Friday, October 23rd. If you already shared your preferences in your onboarding form, we have them and will follow them as closely as we can.
Pack your bag
What to bring
👠 Moms / Teens
- Shapewear
- A convertible bra or pasties (these work best)
- Pasties that match your skin tone
- Black or neutral colored heels (we likely won't see your feet much, so no need to buy new. Just bring what you have.)
👟 Kids
- Black or gold dress shoes, flats or boots
- No need to buy new, just bring what you have.
👞 Dads / Guys
- Black dress shoes
- A white tee or undershirt
- Bonus
Black dress slacks as a backup, if you already have a pair. We do our best to get sizes right, but a backup helps if we run into sizing issues. No need to buy new.
Moms and teens: a convertible bra or pasties work best
Hair prep
Arrive with hair ready for our stylist
- 1
Wash
Clean, with little to no product
- 2
Dry
Completely dry, light blow dry, never straight
- 3
Detangle
Work through every section
- 4
Puffs
2 to 4 puffs or buns keep it detangled
- NO
✕Too much product
Hair should not feel greasy or sticky with a lot of product
Everyone
Clean, washed, completely dry and detangled, with little to no product. Hair should not feel greasy or sticky (our stylist will add product).
Moms
Natural hair: a light blow dry is fine, but please do not blow it straight.
Braids, tracks, a wig or a relaxer? Please reply to our email by Monday, November 2nd so we can plan styles that work beautifully with your hair.
Braids, tracks, a wig or a relaxer? Please reply to our email by Monday, November 2nd so we can plan styles that work beautifully with your hair.
Girls / Boys with Afro Hair
A light blow dry (not straight), detangle as much as possible, then place hair in buns or sections to keep it detangled. Not sure how? Watch the detangling videos below.
Boys / Guys Important
Please have hair freshly cut in a normal style before you arrive. We do not have a barber on set, but our hairstylist can touch up and style on set.
Locs
Please have locs freshly retightened before the shoot.
Watch: how to detangle before your session
▶4C / Kinky HairDetangling tightly coiled hair on wash day
▶Mixed / Looser CurlsDetangling curly kids' hair, even when it is matted
Nails: neutral, or any color that works with our mood boards, is fine.
Before you leave home
Quick checklist
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