ATL Based Hair & MUA Recommendations

Don’t know any local hair stylists, makeup artists, clothing or prop stylists? Have no fear! Here is a list of professionals I’ve worked with and would recommend.

Photo by Sarah Vitel Photography

Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists

• Brenner Beauty (@brennerbeauty)- Brielle Brenner is a commercial makeup artist and hair stylist with a focus in print, beauty and bridal

  To book contact: brielle@brennerbeauty.com

• Jolie Artistry (@itmeanspretty)- Megan & Taylor are a bombshell hair and make-up duo who focus both on commercial and bridal.

  To book contact: jolie@itmeanspretty.com

• Brynn Chesney (@brynn.hairandmu)- Brynn is a Chattanooga, TN based hair & makeup artist who frequently travels to Atlanta and will get you the perfect low or high-key glam look.

  To book contact: brynnchesney92@gmail.com

• Brittany Elizabeth Rae (@brittanyelizabethrae)- Brittany is an international hair and makeup artist who specializes in wedding, events & photoshoots.

  1. To book contact: brittanyelizabethrae@gmail.com

Photo by Sarah Vitel Photography. Styled by The Georgian Goose.

Set/Prop Stylists

• The Georgian Goose (@thegeorgiangoose)- Trish Roe of The Georgian Goose is a modern minimalist set and prop stylist. She styles product images and stages interiors for photo sessions.

  To book contact: trish@thegeorgiangoose.com

• Jaime Roberts Designs (@jaime.roberts)- Jaime is the bohemian goddess of a set and prop styling. She styles product images and stages interiors for photo sessions.

  1. To book contact: jaimerobertsdesigns@gmail.com

Clothing Stylists

• Sonder (@sonder.image)- Skye Lin is a commercial clothing stylist. She will source clothes for your session and stay on set to style you

  To book contact: sonder.image@gmail.com

If you have questions or are interested in booking a session please contact Sarah at hello@sarahvitelphoto.com.

5 Ways I Stay Organized

As a creative Aquarius, organization has never been my strong suit. There are always 1000 things to-do and I used to wonder how I was gong to manage them all. Here’s a list of 5 ways I stay in my organizational F L O W.

Photo by Sarah Vitel Photography

1. Danielle Laporte Weekly Planner

   My business coach Jess recommended this calendar. I write everything in it. This is where I track my daily progress. I write down 3 goals for the day and those are priority. If I’ve completed an additional task, I write that down too and then check it off so I can keep track of how much I truly accomplished in a day. 

2. Digital Notepad

   Anytime I have a new idea or there’s something I need to remember I jot it down in the notepad on my iPhone. Then, when I need to get back to it I can just search a word that corresponds with the subject and it’ll pull up the note that I’m looking for. It’s also synced on iCloud so I can access and edit on my iPhone or my computer. 

3. Apple Calendar

   I not only record all upcoming events or sessions in my Danielle Laporte weekly planner, but I also add it into the calendar on my iPhone. This way whether I’m at the office or out on location I always have an updated calendar of availability.

4. Subscription Based Software

   Dubsado is how I track client projects, income and expenses. This makes it easy to send invoices and keep track of my workflow.

   Pixieset - Once I’ve completed a client gallery I upload and send it off via Pixieset. This software lets me see who viewed a gallery, who it was downloaded by and when.

5. Seek Help From a Mentor

   I meet with my business coach Jessica Valor 2-3 times per month. She helps me set up goals and complete them in a timely manner. She also helps guide my organizational journey by assisting me in setting up systems that help me thrive.

If you have questions or are interested in booking a session please contact Sarah at hello@sarahvitelphoto.com.

15 Steps To a Stress-Free Photoshoot

Whether you’ve already booked your session or are planning to… follow these 15 easy steps so you’re prepared and ready to rock n’ roll for your next photoshoot.

Photo by Sarah Vitel Photography. Pictured: Megan of South Bound Social.

Before Booking

1. Know Your Goal: Where will your images be used and what are you trying to convey? Who are you speaking to? These are important to talk with your photographer about and will help them create a shot-list.

2. Research Your Photographer’s Style: Does their style match the message you’re trying to convey? If yes- go ahead and reach out about booking. If not, find another photographer that more closely aligns with your brand.

3. Create a Realistic Budget: Factor in your photographer’s rates in addition to a professional hair and makeup artist, clothing stylist and props or location fees. You may pick and choose what you’d like to invest in but the photographer’s time and a makeup artist should be #1 and #2 on your list. If you don’t think your budget will suffice for everything needed, inquire and then save $ monthly until you reach your goal budget and can book your dream session.

4. Create an Inspiration Board: Login to or create a Pinterest account to pin images that align with your vision. Share this with your photographer so you’re on the same page.

Photo by Sarah Vitel Photography

At Booking

1. Ask Your Photographer for Recommendations: Often your photographer will have a list of great hair stylist, makeup artists, and clothing stylists they’ve worked with and trust to show up and do an amazing job. Quality and reliability are key so ask their opinion if you do not already have a go-to person who understands what looks good on camera.

2. Have Your Calendar Open: Session slots are first come first serve so be ready to choose a date and time.

3. Be prepared to pay a 50% Retainer: To show that you are serious and officially book your session, a 50%, non-refundable retainer is due. Make sure you’re prepared to do this at the time of booking.

4. Brainstorm a Shot-List: You may do this before booking with your photographer or while you’re chatting with them. The shot list helps you map out what shots you’ll capture and which props will be used in which images. It makes sure nothing important is missed. Make sure the photographer has this at time of booking and NOT the day-of.

Photo by Sarah Vitel Photography. Pictured: Megan of South Bound Social.

Before Your Session

1. Set Out Items in Advance: The nigh before, prepare your wardrobe, props and any items you plan to bring and arrange them in one place. If they’re all together you’re less likely to forget something and it makes for a stress-free morning!

2. Try Clothing On: Make sure all items of clothing fit and you don’t feel uncomfortable or need a bobby pin or additional accessories to alter your outfit.

3. Stressed About Being on Camera?: Practice different poses and various smiles in the mirror at home. Learn what your body looks like when you move this way vs that way and if you like a full belly laugh smile or small subdued smile. This is a great way to study your body language and see what feels right so you’re feeling happy and confident the day-off.

4. Have the Location Mapped Out: Put the location address in your phone calendar and link it up to Waze so you know when to leave and aren’t fumbling through emails looking for the address 20 mins before your session.

Photo by Sarah Vitel Photography. Pictured: Megan of South Bound Social.

Day of Session

1. Be On Time: I cannot stress this enough. Arriving late cuts into your session time. Why miss out when you took this much time planning ahead?

2. Have a Go-To Playlist: Do you have Spotify or Amazon Music? Create a fun playlist for music during your session. This will help take your mind off the the fact you’re in front of a camera and to promote confident and playful energy.

3. Have Fun: All of the planning was done in advance so you can just channel all the good vibes during your session!

If you have questions or are interested in booking a session please contact Sarah at hello@sarahvitelphoto.com.