What to wear / How to prepare

Clothing Tips


  • Avoid bold Prints or Patterns, Solids are best
  • Choose a flattering neckline; make sure it is not exaggerated (too high or too low)
  • Long or ¾ sleeve tops, slacks or long skirts are better than sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts.
  • Avoid clothing with high contrast between items. For example, a black shirt with a white skirt. Your eyes are naturally drawn to the area of highest contrast in the image, which in this case would be the skirt (making your hips look larger than they are). Your focus in portraits should most often be your face, and high contrast clothing detracts from this while making parts of your body appear larger (the ones covered with the light clothing). pair lights with lights, and darks with darks.
  • Dress for full-length photographs; include socks and shoes.


Additional Tips


  • Glasses – if you wear glasses, borrow frames without lenses from your optometrist or have your lenses removed, to eliminate glare or distortion
  • Jewelry should be kept simple
  • Hair –Having your portraits done is not a time to try a new hair style. It is best to wear your hair the way you normally do. Any cuts or color should be done at least a week prior to your session.
  • Apply make-up as you normally would, an even foundation that matches your skin tone, mascara and a touch of lipstick. Also bring along translucent powder to eliminate any shine.


Seniors


  • You can brake all the above mentioned clothing rules. It’s about fashion and expressing your personality and style.
  • Bring a variety! Don’t bring all blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Change up the style, bring some dressy, some semi-dressy, and some casual. It’s always a good idea to bring long-sleeved options even when being photographed in the summer.
  • For your traditional head and shoulders simple, long sleeved tops in solid medium to dark tones (Stay away from bold patterns.)
  • The traditional earthy tones also work best for outdoor.
  • Group your outfits together ON HANGERS. Clothing in a bag or laid over your arms will become wrinkled, and will not look good in your portraits.
  • TANNING – while a little color is nice, be sure not to overdo it for your session. Tan lines are not attractive (if you have them, best to avoid outfits that show them).
  • Fingernails – they show! Make sure they are groomed.
  • Add a personal touch by bringing hats, sunglasses, musical instrument, jacket, sports gear, pet, or “wheels”.
  • Don’t forget shoes, socks, and jewelry.
  • Bring along makeup and any hair styling products that you use. Make sure to keep your makeup neutral and natural. Stay away from bold colors that may look dated in a couple years.


Families


  • Your clothing should be appropriate for the type of portrait you desire, casual or formal.
  • Clothing should coordinate. Everyone should look similar, but not everyone needs to match exactly.
  • Solid colors look best. Either (all light) or (all dark). For example everyone on creams, tans, and pastels. Or everyone in navy, burgundy, and dark greens.
  • Keeping the clothes simple.
  • Long or ¾ sleeve tops, slacks or long skirts are better than sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts.
  • Dress for full-length photographs; include socks and shoes.


Children


  • Select appropriate clothing for the age of your child.
  • Dress babies in light-weight, soft, stretchy material. Do not dress them in heavy material such as heavy denim or corduroy.
  • Classic cuts and styles will bring everyone’s attention to your child, not the outfit.
  • Stay away from busy outfits or outfits with characters (i.e. Mickey Mouse, Barney……) on them.
  • Shoes are optional. I love bare feet, but socks only are an option, just make sure they match the pant color.
  • We suggest you select the best time of day for child’s session keeping nap times, and peak energy times in mind.
  • I encourage you to bring along your own props; favorite toy, special quilts or blankets. This adds personalization and meaning to the portrait.
  • Remember that this may be a frightening experience for your child. Keep your mood relaxed. If you are stressed or anxious, your child will be too.
  • Try not to talk to your child in advance about “smiling”. Coaching or practicing smiles causes the expressions to be fake. We want to play and have fun to evoke a natural expression.