Exactly what kind of images are you hoping to walk away from your session with? Do you find yourself drawn to anonymous images that show off the body portraits? Editorial style? Have absolutely no idea? It can be very difficult to articulate your own style, so we don’t ask you to. Instead, the first thing that I ask clients to do is to create a “secret” Pinterest board for their photo session. If you are not a Pinterest user, you can also just send me some photos, but I find that the secret board on Pinterest is the best way for you and I to get a good visual of the concept we’re going for.

Once that’s done, I want you to create a Pinterest board titled “ (YOUR NAME) Session” (it’s very important that you name your board with your name because otherwise I’ll have a hundred “MY SHOOT” boards and won’t know who is who) and, without thinking too much about it, I want you to PIN anything that speaks to you and your style.

Try to turn off your fear and over-thinking at this point. Don’t say things like “OHH that’s so beautiful, but I would NEVER be able to pull that off!” or “I WISH I could look like that!”. That’s not the point of this exercise. After pinning 25 or so images, I will very easily be able to get a visual of your style and the type of images you are interested in. Do you like sweet, bright, and bubbly? Do you like dark, moody, and seductive? Do you like shots that capture the entire body? Do you like close-up teaser shots of body parts? Do you prefer more modest portraits? We’ll find out together! The purpose of this is NOT to find photos to replicate! It is inspiration and now that we’ll both know the kind of images you really like, it will be easier to deliver a set of photos that are YOUR STYLE, as long as it syncs well with my artistic style.

Our standard style is “authentic cool girl,” you’ll get it when you see your first image. You’ll look confident and cool. It’s our specialty.

There are lots of different types of image categories to work with.

What are your favorites?

Detail shots - Showcasing the beautiful bits that grace the female form. Collarbones, shoulders, arms, spines... these types of shots are perfect for a wall art display and to add visual balance to an album.

Beauty portraits - With or without clothes, these images include your face and a portion of your body. We have black, white, mocha, and ivory, olive, gold, blue backdrop options for different aesthetics.

Natural beauty portraits - Similar to standard beauty photos, except these particular shots encapsulate your utmost natural beauty (without makeup) celebrating your authentic self. This is a truly special experience, as it allows you to see your raw self in an entirely new perspective. Yes, we can still remove blemishes and do a very gentle retouch, or you can choose to go without any editing! The option is yours and we love photographing fresh-faced women!

If you will be opting for a makeup-free photo session, be sure to shoot us an e-mail at least a week prior to your shoot to let us know not to book our stylist for you!

Classic boudoir style - If you’re here for the skin, we’ve got you covered. The Amy Ciscool Photography boudoir style is elevated, effortless looking, and a beautiful celebration of the female form. Most boudoir style images are shot nude, or while wearing sheets or some form of lounge wear.

Fine art nudes - Taking a page out of the Renaissance art period, Amy’s fine art nudes are a timeless display of the female form.

Semi-silhouettes - These bold, high-contrast statement images will leave you breathless. Mostly silhouetted, these types of shots look best in levels of undress...very sheer tops and slips leave just enough to the imagination.

Stylized beauty - These types of shots are quite a bit more curated, posed, and polished...which means there will be far fewer of them, but these images will be billboard ready. Ideal wardrobe for this would be long skirts, gowns with excess fabric, jeweled lingerie, and statement pieces.

Please let us know if you need recommendations for accommodations, food, and fun to make the most out of your time here in New Hope, PA! With over half of our clients traveling in from elsewhere for their experience, we want to make sure you have a solid lay of the land. Also good to note: we can arrange a remote video photo reveal for you so you don’t have to travel back to New Hope for your reveal a few weeks after your shoot unless you’d like to!

Most of our clients come to us at Amy Ciscool Photography intimate studio located at 105 Hidden Court, New Hope, PA. Our space has natural light, stunning clean simple sets, even the most flattering paint color for all skin tones (yes, we thought of everything). HOWEVER, I also love shooting in new places! If the schedule permits and for an additional fee, we can discuss having your session in your home or an alternate location.

Honestly, and I’m not even close to exaggerating here, wardrobe is really not that crazy important for the way that I shoot. Please, please, please don’t stress out over wardrobe. Don’t feel the need to run out and buy all new things. I can do a completely versatile and awesome shoot with a single scarf, or the sheets, or a sweater. Truly. Don’t stress about it.

Here’s some wardrobe tips to calm your nerves and help you decide what to bring:

My Shoot Style Is very “I’m-Not-Trying-Too-Hard-Chic”! We go for the “I woke up like this” look as often as possible. For that look, wardrobe is even less of a obstacle.

The number one wardrobe rule is - Do not bring outfits that you don’t love! I can’t tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt them to say “I really don’t like the way I look in this one, but I’ll leave it up to you!”. If you don’t like the outfit, it’s likely that you won’t like photos of you in the outfit. Leave it at home.

Lingerie is not a must for boudoir - Don’t be afraid to get creative! For a boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh high fish nets would go great with a cropped sweater or graphic tee. A gorgeous bra can be paired with a long flowing skirt. Your favorite tank top can be paired with no pants. A sheet can be used for everything. Your 20 year old favorite tee shirt paired with cheeky bottoms will get the job done just perfectly. This is about you and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren’t.

For beauty or portrait - Structured and/or statement pieces work amazing. Your favorite blazer or jacket, a cocktail dress with an interesting neckline, or just a bodysuit and jeans. We want you to look and feel like yourself (just on your best day).

When in doubt, just bring in some of your favorite wardrobe items and let me style them for you. It’s part of the service and I’m happy to do it.

​For maternity - Skin color strapless bra (not straight across chest) & thong (highly recommended for certain set ups with fabrics)

• Black color strapless bra (not straight across chest) & thong

• Bodysuit (I can recommend where to buy this)

• Lingerie set (Bra/panty)

• Jeans (non-maternity)

• Statement necklace/jewelry

Structured Pieces & Solids Look great on camera as well as items with texture, and those that are form fitting to show your figure.

If wearing thigh-highs, buy them 1-2 sizes too big according to the size chart on the back. Buying them in a size that supposedly “fits” according to the package size chart will likely result in the stockings giving a bit of thigh muffin top ;) We can get them to stay up for each “pose”, or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.

Have yourself properly fitted for lingerie if you will be wearing it for your session. I recommend going to a local lingerie boutique to have yourself properly fitted. If you’re interested in online ordering, True & Co. has a really amazingly helpful website that will help you to determine what styles and sizes work best for you. Click here to find your correct size.

Avoid tiny busy patterns & neon colors. They are often harsh on-camera and a bit unflattering so try to avoid them.

Have several outfits picked out. We can go through them together before your shoot to determine what will photograph best. We will have time for 3-4 outfits (nude counts as an outfit, if you’re wondering) for every 30 minutes you are scheduled...so that is 3 outfits for “The Experience” package.

Try to incorporate a variety of pieces into your wardrobe selections. Having 5 different bra and panty sets won’t allow for a whole lot of variety in your photos. Rather, have something formal, something casual, something super textured and fun, something more modest, to something black and sleek... you get the idea.

It doesn’t have to be complicated...in fact, we welcome simplicity! We love to work with pretty scarves, sheets, white button down shirts, jackets and coats, or anything you love.

Pressed and Pretty - Make sure your wardrobe selections aren’t wrinkled, and cut all the tags off of your sheer items before arriving.

Avoid Props - Unless it’s your second shoot with us, or unless you’re super crazy confident and comfortable! Props and uncertainty go together like...like...awkward school portraits. ;)

Consider Artistic Nudes - For a super easy, low maintenance, and FREE wardrobe option.

Curvy bodies - BRING ON THE FORM-FITTING ITEMS! I adore bodysuits, tight dresses, and nothing at all....especially for voluptuous bombshells. We often see curvy women trying to cover up more, but often that has the opposite effect they think it will. Allowing me to pose you, so that we can see your figure and celebrate it is the way to go!

Flat-butts - Thongs tend to make a butt look fuller than full coverage bottoms or g-strings. Play around in the mirror with different styles to see what you like best. And don’t worry, I’m a PRO at creating curves in posing where there aren’t any otherwise! I can get a killer booty shot with any level of curve (or lack thereof).

Shorter legs - High heels with a THIN heel rather than chunky! Avoid shoes with thick ankle straps or a square toe. Nude shoes naturally elongate the legs.

Thin/no curves - That’s all in the posing! Form fitting options and nothing at all work great as I pose the heck out of you to make you look and feel bodacious.

Small chest - Underwires and balconettes are lovely, as well as NO BRA AT ALL (my personal favorite for small chested women!) And also, small boobs rock. So please don’t feel the NEED to create extra “oomph” unless it’s something that really concerns you.

Mom boobs - If your breasts are a bit lower or “floppier” than you’d like them to be, just be sure to snag a bra with some support, or form fitting bodysuits that will keep them at bay. Posing will play a huge role here, and I’m really good at that. So...bring your mom boobs my way and we’ll embrace the hell out of them!

Surgery scars & stretch mark - My personal belief is that scars tell a story. Sometimes clients wish they didn’t have to be permanently reminded of that story, and other times, clients embrace their scars and say they’re a part of them. For this reason, I will never edit out a scar or stretch mark unless a client specifically requests it....and if they do, in fact, request that retouching, I will happily do that at no additional charge. This is a VERY personal topic and it’s not my decision to make. I welcome scars and stretch marks, but I also support a woman’s choice.

Get your beauty sleep - Seriously Photoshop can't fix tired

Plan ahead - Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photo shoot like feeling rushed or late! You should plan for traffic and arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled start time.

Pamper yourself - Use this an opportunity to pamper yourself. Go a few days before your shoot and get a natural/pastel tone manicure and pedicure! This will give you a finished, polished look. Chipped polish can be distracting.

Brush your lips - Sounds weird, right?! Dry lips are very hard to fix in post processing. In the days leading up to your photoshoot, use your toothbrush while brushing your teeth to also make a few passes over that pucker of yours. This will help shed dead skin. After that, apply a moisturizing lip balm...repeat repeat repeat.

If you’re looking for a KILLER product recommendation. I LOVE DR. LIPP’S MIRACLE BALM. You can purchase a tube of it on AMAZON, and don’t be surprised if you see it referring to being a Nipple Balm in the description. It’s a jack-of-all trades balm that was originally released as a lip conditioner, but because it’s 100% lanolin and odorless/ tasteless/colorless, people soon discovered you could do nearly anything with it. Nursing moms love it for cracked nipples, I love it for luscious lips and a cheek highlight, I’ve heard of people using it on dry heels/elbows/knees, etc. For less than $15, a tube of this stuff will last you a REALLY long time.

Have extra wardrobe options - Bring at least 4-5 different outfits, a couple pair of shoes if you’re a shoe girl, and accessories only if you usually wear them. We may not use it all, but it never hurts to have options. Often clients will bring a smattering of wardrobe options and I’ll just style up some different looks that they maybe weren’t thinking and they end up loving them.

Lather on lotion - Supple is key for beautiful skin! Be sure to moisturize twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. On the day of your shoot, use a non-bronzer illuminizing lotion. If you’re having a hard time finding an illuminizing lotion without color, you can absolutely just go with an oil based lotion like Argan Oil Moisturizer or Coconut Oil Moisturizer. Don’t use tinted lotions or anything with color. We will have some moisturizer at the studio for you to use if you don’t have a lotion you love.

Make a playlist - Music will really help you get into the super model zone! Try to select music that matches the concept of your shoot. We have a bluetooth speaker at the studio to stream your tunes if you bring them! We also have a pretty kickass set of photo shoot playlists that tend to jive well with most people.

Bring a soft, light weight robe - We recommend wearing the robe without any undergarments on while getting your makeup done. This will allow for any marks from tight bras, etc. to even out so they don’t show up in your images. Avoid your big furry winter robe as that will tend to leave little dimples in your skin AND I find that most clients have a higher body temperature while they are getting makeup done because of nerves...it’s hard to do makeup when you’re sweating!

Bring a few options for lipstick/lip liner - This will allow us to choose the best color based upon your photo session makeup.

The following is applicable if you’ve elected to use our professional hair and makeup artist.

Makeup

• Any facials, shaping of the eyebrows should be done no later than 1 week prior to your appointment.

• Do not use acne spot treatments 1 week prior to your appointment. Blemishes are covered much better when they are not dehydrated. I would suggest spot treating any acne scabs with a papaw ointment or vaseline.

• You MUST arrive with a clean face, and you can use a moisturizer that DOES NOT contain any SPF (SPF can cause flashback in photos).

Hair

• Any haircutting and coloring should be done no later than 5 days prior.

• You MUST arrive with clean, and 100% dry hair. If your hair is not 100% dry, it will not hold a curl well. Highly advised to wash and dry your hair at least the day before getting serviced.

• Please detangle your hair before being serviced.

• The day before or the day of your service, you can shampoo and blow-dry your hair straight as possible with minimal to no product unless you want to utilize your natural curls.

• IF you want to utilize your natural curls, please detangle and condition your hair.

• DO NOT curl or straightened your hair (previously flat ironed hair does not hold a curl well).

• Bring any hair accessories, or products that you plan on using (only applies if you would like to provide your own products).

• If you plan on bringing hair extensions, PLEASE have it detangled and 100% dry the day before.

• Please wear a top that is easy to take off so it doesn’t ruin your hair.

Wear loose undergarment and loose clothing on the day of your session to prevent body marks.

Avoid spray/fake tanning/tinted moisturizer, excessive bronzers, and shimmers.

Moisturize your body with non-tinted lotion.

Trust me, I won’t make you do anything that is going to make you look bad. I’m a pro. I know how to make a woman look good with killer poses, strategic lighting, and appropriate camera angles. I’ve worked with EVERY body type and insecurity. I’ve got you covered. Don’t stress. (Easier said than done, I understand.)

Eat something prior to your photo shoot! Trust me, you’ll need the energy for your session!

Arrive at the private studio at 105 Hidden Court, New Hope, PA 18938 (marine blue home) about 5 minutes prior to your photo session start time.

Please park in the driveway and text 908-227-0075 once you’ve arrived. I will come out to help carry your belongings to the studio.

Spray tan before your shoot - In case you think that you look better with a tan... I assure you, even if you don’t see the streaks and unevenness with your naked eye, the camera will pick them up. You will photograph a lot more tan than you think you look (especially given that my specialty is low-key lighting and black and white imagery), and spray tans will photograph orange in color images. Trust me on this!

On that same note, no tinted lotions or bronzers on your body. Even after this warning, I get a lot of women who message me to say that they’ve been spray tanning for years and they cannot fathom not doing so before a photo shoot. Of course I will still photograph you, but unfortunately our standard retouch will not account for spray tan correction, so just keep that in mind.

Bring a construction hat (or other props) - If you have jewelry that has sentimental value, absolutely bring it! But avoid jerseys, weapons (yes, really), sports equipment, etc etc etc.

Party the night before your shoot - If you’re nervous, try a bubble bath and a yoga class. Hangovers aren’t sexy. Lawwwwd do I know it.

Drink red wine to calm your nerves (I know this point isn't applicable to pregnant ladies!)

Don’t drink a bottle of red wine right before you show up in efforts to calm your nerves! #1-It will stain your teeth and lips. #2-Drunk doesn’t photograph pretty either.

Forget to stretch - Many of these poses, while they look effortless, are quite unnatural feeling. Take a few minutes on the morning of your shoot to stretch your arms, legs, hips, and especially your back. People are surprised to see how sore their muscles get after something as silly as a photo shoot, so any extra flexibility you can add by a quick yoga flow will only benefit you.

Get a new haircut/color immediately before your shoot - Now isn’t the time to experiment with a whole new look.

Talk smack on yourself - I don’t want to hear about how you hate your hips. I want to hear about how you LOVE your legs. A great attitude will go a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience! HOWEVER...if you really feel the need to discuss the thing that bothers you the most about your body, just let me know by saying “I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___”. I will be extra careful to play down your “flaws”...but I will ALSO make it my challenge to take the best damn image featuring your ___ so you have a new-found appreciation for it ;)

It happens all the time...a client’s photo shoot is a few days away and she begins to panic. They want to reschedule, they just haven’t had the time to prepare, you name the excuse, I’ve heard it. So let me be proactive here and tackle the most common trepidations I hear, so that maybe you won’t be hyperventilating in the middle of the night on the day before your session.

Stress acne - Yeah, it happens. Pimples suck. If you think for one second that every woman you see pictured on my website was magically pimple-free on the day of their session, you’re taking crazy pills. We retouch blemishes and bruises with ease on every photo you see. No problem. No stress. Let that pimple try it’s hardest to ruin your day, but your photos will not be a permanent reminder of it.

My period - Yep, it’s the worst. No, it will not affect your finished product. We run an all-female studio and we ALL understand the plight of menstruation on photo shoot day. We keep extra strength Advil and feminine hygiene products on hand, and we have zero qualms with 30 bathroom breaks. No worries about bloat or blemishes.

Pose anxiety - This one’s easy. You don’t have to know how to pose...not even a little bit. I will walk you through every step of the way. I will get into the poses myself and have you mirror me. If we didn’t get it right on the first try, I’ll gently redirect you. It’s not YOUR job to take amazing photos, it’s mine. And I’m pretty competitive about taking amazing photos.

I’m not photogenic - If you’re thinking that all of the women featured on the pages of my website and social media are models, you’re sorely mistaken. I have NEVER....EVER had a client who didn’t love their photos. You don’t have to love EVERY SINGLE ONE of them, but you will love most of them. And you will be shocked that you could love photos of yourself this much. I WILL rock out your photo session and I WILL get a whole bunch of killer images of you. I always do. But if you come into the shoot with an open mind and with trust in me, we’ll get EXTRA. And extra is always good. I’ve never met a woman who I couldn’t capture beautifully. That includes you.

Body issues - I long for the day that women are comfortable in their skin at all stages, for the day that women embrace their wobbly bits and beautiful side creases. That said, I know women well enough to be realistic and understand that many women struggle with self love and no matter how much I tell them they are beautiful, they wish they would have lost just a few more pounds before their session. If that is you, I can assure you, that this ain’t my first rodeo. The majority of the women that come in to see me are working on loving themselves, but struggle. They don’t approve of the size of their thighs, their belly pooch, their dimples. I take women’s feelings very seriously and never want to make anyone uncomfortable. While this is a body positive studio, I will also light and pose you in the most flattering possible way while I shoot you from the best possible angles.

I’ve photographed all kinds of women, all extraordinary in their own way. I’ve learned all the tricks to ensure that I am featuring the attributes that women most love about themselves, while paying special care to downplay areas of concern. While I’m going to make it my very best effort to change your mind on what you consider to be your “flaws”, I don’t expect every woman to be ready for that yet.

A couple of days before your shoot, you can expect to get a confirmation from me, just making sure we are on the same page about your makeup start time, shoot start and end time, and location...and I’ll also ask if you have any last minute questions!

On the day of your shoot, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing or a lightweight robe while getting makeup done, and let us know in advance if you have any skin allergies at all. I will take a peek at your wardrobe selections and start putting together looks so we can hit the ground running.

Once the shoot begins, you can expect me to give you tons of encouragement and direction. I will not expect you to do supermodel poses throughout your shoot. I will show you what to do, and encourage improvising whenever you feel comfortable. I will say things to elicit laughter whenever possible, too...so be prepared (or, actually, don’t. It’s better that way.)

The poses generally aren’t very comfortable, and your shoot will give you more of a workout than you anticipate. But I assure you, I know what I’m doing. Get a good stretch in the morning of your session, and the evening after your session.

Your shoot time will FLY by. That’s a good thing!! That means it wasn’t awkward or boring. Just the right amount of fun! We do run a tight ship at the studio in regards to our schedule, so you’ll most definitely be out on time but never early.

At the end of your shoot, I will help you pack up your things, and I’ll get you scheduled for your photo reveal appointment so you know exactly when you’ll be seeing your images. I’ll also give you a high five because, GIRL, you rocked it.

Within 2 weeks of your shoot, you will have your photo reveal appointment with me so that you can see all of your proofs and order anything you’d like. You should be prepared to place your full order on the day of your photo reveal and ordering appointment. Most clients find themselves upgrading their album and adding images, and also purchasing a piece or three of wall art.

At your photo reveal appointment, we'll view your entire collection of ~75 images. If your package included an album credit, we’ll explain your options to use the exact credit or to apply your credit towards an upgraded album and/or other products if you desire. I know you’re going to love your images, and these reveal appointments are so much fun. I can’t wait to share your photos with you!

Within 7 weeks of your photo reveal appointment, all of your purchased products will be ready for pickup, and sometimes sooner! I’ll send you an e-mail letting you know when your products are ready for pickup, or with your tracking number if you live out of the area and I am shipping to you for an additional fee.

Within 6 months of your photo reveal appointment, you’ll want to do this again. Trust me ;) Existing clients get dibs on photo shoot time slots because I believe in special treatment.