I’ve never had a photo session, short of what you find in department stores. Yet, I’ve also harbored a secret (maybe not so secret) dream of being a model.

With those two forces combined, I jumped on the opportunity to have a photo session with photographer Evin Thayer. Besides fulfilling my own selfish desires and curiosity, the session supports a good cause — AIDS charities.

Through May 27, Thayer offers a makeup and photo session combo for $199 (about a $450 cut from his regular price). The event is named “A Face for a Cause” and $100 dollars from each session goes to an AIDS charity — this year, LIVE CONSORTIUM. I say, if you must indulge, do in a way that supports a good cause.

Thayer — a third-generation Houstonian — has over 30 years of experience in high-end photography. He's shot Hakeem Olajuwon, Mary Lou Retton, astronaut John Glenn, George and Barbara Bush, Kenny Rogers, Walter Cronkite, Lynn Wyatt, Bill White and a host of other famous names. Yet, Thayer says he's most proud of making regular, everyday people feel good about how they look in photographs.

He professes to have photographed tens of thousands of people over the last three decades after all. Most of them were as unfamous as me.

At least, that's what I told myself.

I arrived at Thayer’s two-story house-converted studio in Montrose more than a little nervous. Did I pick the right outfits? Is my hair OK (aka is it flying away without me)? Most of my concerns were dismissed in the spa-like atmosphere (Thayer's house is over 100 years old and has won architecture awards for the best use of an old house), except one — the makeup session.

I know NOTHING about makeup. I don’t wear it (short of the sporadic eye liner and mascara) and have no opinions to offer. Most men probably know more than I do.

My makeup artist was Andrea Walker and she quickly put me at ease. She was very friendly and did not gasp in horror when I couldn’t answer the most basic questions about my makeup preference.

Walker asked if I wanted to keep it natural but I decided to give her full reign of my facial fate.

She then asked me if I was opposed to falsies. I said, “Excuse me?” Walker repeated herself. “I don’t know what that is ...” I said slowly, fearing the worst. She responded, “Fake eyelashes.”

When I hear “falsies” I think breast enhancements, so you can imagine my relief it was only eyelashes. I consented and she began applying the makeup.

Overall it was a lot of fun, I even got airbrushed. I had some concerns about the intensity of the makeup, but with the bangs I have, it all made sense in the end.

After my time with Walker, I moved onto Thayer and the photo studio. Thayer is extremely nice and patient throughout the process (no matter how many times he told me to smile).

There was a dash of humor in the session as Thayer demonstrated every pose I need to take beforehand. "Cross your legs, with the right on top, like so." And then, he'd cross his legs with right on top like so. It proved very helpful and very funny.

I was allowed up to three outfit changes but decided on two — a loose printed top and a tight black shirt. We took a series of shots in one outfit, quick break, and then finished with the other. The time went by quickly and before I knew it, I was scanning through dozens of pictures of myself selecting my favorites.

He helped me narrow the selection to a handful he then cleaned and retouched (notice the lack of flyaway hairs).

If you compare the before shot with the finished product, you can see there’s a huge difference. I was sunburned and you can’t even tell in the finished product. I did notice a moustache in the before shot that I’ve never seen before. I’m attributing it to funny lighting or the results of a really fabulous camera that picks up the smallest detail.

Whatever the cause, it spurred a pricey trip to Sephora after which I may be solidified as a non-makeup believer (in four years, my savings from not buying makeup could probably buy a car).

Overall the experience was a lot of fun and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a portrait — individually, as a family or even with your pet (though it takes a very special cat to cooperate). Thayer will even do individual shots with say a mom, and then add in the family in the second half — very flexible. I know my mother is in a constant state of wanting a family portrait, yours probably is too.

If you ever decide to do your own professional model shoot, there are a few tips Thayer gave me for dressing. He nixed one of my jackets, which inspired me to get some direction I could pass onto you.

The Super Glam Photo Shoot Wardrobe checklist:

Color Sessions:
Select colors complimentary to your skin tone
Avoid pale yellows and greens
Earth and jewel tones, primary and bright colors photograph well
Nix the shoulder pads
Avoid busy patterns
Black and White create nice contrast
Furs and Textures photograph well
Think head to toe on all clothing selections
Shoes should be polished, tennis bleached
Group shots should compliment (not necessarily matchy-matchy)
When in doubt, bring multiple outfits and the studio will help

Black and White Sessions (the same as above with a few additions):
Choose either light or dark clothing
Cottons, knits and denims work well
Belts should match shoes
Simple jewelry is preferred
Avoid dresses that button down the front
The key for B&W: keep it simple