Preparing For Your Portrait Session

 

 

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

A beautiful portrait does not just happen. There are many details that, if carefully planned for, will make a substantial difference in the quality and appeal of your portraits. Your help with these fine points can transform an ordinary picture into a work of art you will treasure for generations to come.

 

CLOTHING

Styles—Simple, solid outfits photograph best. Relaxed or casual clothing styles can be worn either indoors or out, but formal clothing should generally be reserved for indoor settings. Wear long or elbow-length sleeves and long pants or long skirts. Traditional styles have a more timeless look than the trendier fashions. Relaxed clothing results in a more relaxed feel for the portraits.

Coordinating—Having everyone in the group wear similarly toned colors helps focus attention on your faces and draw attention away from your clothing. When no one person stands out because their clothing is brighter, lighter or darker, it says that all members of the family are of equal importance.

Colors—Outdoors you can wear light, medium or dark tones. Indoors wear non-clashing colors that are similar to or lighter than the tones of the decor. The more muted the tones, the easier it will be to see the facial expressions. Popular combinations are jeans with off-white tops or black tops. Also khaki with off-white tops look classy.

White—Off-white clothing photographs better than pure white. Wearing off-white, cream, or ivory clothing will not cause you to look washed-out. In a portrait, it has the opposite effect and will not make you appear less washed out. It is an excellent choice for persons of all complexions.

Never Wear—red, orange, lime green, or any brilliant color. Do not wear a shirt that is darker than your slacks or skirt. Do not wear short sleeves, short pants or short skirts that allow the knees to show when seated (except in very young children). Avoid bold or busy patterns.

Shoes/Socks—With dark slacks or skirts wear dark shoes, socks and hose. With light slacks wear light or medium socks and shoes. With skirts wear matching shoes and hose.

Babies/Toddlers—Clothing should not be so short that diapers and underpants show. Avoid short-tailed shirts that have to be tucked into pants repeatedly. Avoid fussy clothes with straps, sashes, bows and collars that must be constantly adjusted.

 

GROOMING

Hairstyles—Have hair cut a week or more before your session. Allow two weeks for a fresh perm to relax. Don’t try a totally new hairstyle, as several months are generally needed to get accustomed to a new look. For outdoor sessions, apply hairspray to keep hair in place.

Shaving—Gentlemen may need to shave just before the session as a five o’clock shadow can not be removed from the finished portrait.

Children’s Nails and Hands—Check for chipped and non-matching fingernail and toenail polish. Just before the session check hands for fingerpaint, marker stains, "tattoes", etc.

Clothing Fit and Preparation—Wear only well-fitting, freshly pressed clothing in good repair.

 

GLASSES
If you wear glasses most of the time, you’ll want to wear them in your portraits. You can eliminate the reflections and the distorting refractions normally seen in glasses by having your optician either show you how to remove and replace your lenses or lend you a pair of empty frames similar to yours. (Give them several days notice.) Take the same steps if you have tinted or non-glare lenses. The problems caused by eyeglass lenses are difficult to correct and may distract from the beauty of your portrait. Take the time to correct this problem. Never wear "photo-grays"!

 

MAKEUP
Apply your makeup lightly, but normally, paying special attention to your eyes as they will be the most important part of your portrait. A bit of mascara and eyebrow darkening may help if you are fair. Avoid brilliant or garish colors on your eyes, lips and cheeks. Blend very carefully and thoroughly. If you use foundation, use on your entire face and neck down to the neckline of your blouse.

 

YOUR IDEAS ARE IMPORTANT!
A portrait should reflect you and your lifestyle. You may want to include your pets, hobbies, sports, favorite activities, musical instruments or other special personal items in some of the images. Include your classic car, bike, boat, or private plane. We’ll see you at the golf course, on the ski slope, at your vacation home or in the Caribbean. Please feel free to discuss all of your ideas.