A portrait is a very personal image. Your clothing should reflect your style but should not be distracting. With that in mind, I have some suggestions to make your portrait memorable. Long sleeves often photograph better than short sleeves. Also, pants or skirts photograph better than shorts. It's ok to do bold colors as long as they are not too patterned and distracting. Dark colors tend to have more of a slimming effect. Accessories are a great way to add your personality into the photo shoot. Bring along your favorite jewlrey, hats, scarfs, and even your pets if you like.
Have your outfits picked out, matched with their accessories and ready to go. There is no limit on the number of outfits you can have but usually it's good to have 2-4.
Most people don't even think about the shoes but most of the time shoes are photographed too. Make sure that they go with outfit and are clean.
Also, women make sure your makeup is applied well and that your hair is as you want it. Makeup does wonders for photos especially for the eyes. If you don't usually wear makeup a little mascara and eyeshadow works very well. Also make sure you have on a good foundation and powder so that your skin does not appear oily in the photos. A good idea is to bring a mirror, hairbrush, and a small makeup kit for touch-ups.
Men, if you’re planning to get your hair cut, do it a week or so before your appointment. Also, if your appointment is in the late afternoon or evening, you should shave before your appointment unless you are going for the unshaven look.
Don't forget about your nails. Make sure your nails are clean and well manicured. If you plan on being barefoot make sure they are well manicured as well.
If you are worried about having blemishes, moles, freckles, birth marks or any other kind of mark I can retouch those things in the photo editing process upon your request.
As most of you already know children do better if they’re not tired, hungry, or cranky. Have some snacks ready if a “bribe” is needed. If you need to take a break during the session, we can wait.
If the portrait is to be made in your home, think about whether you want to use a studio backdrop or some spot in your home like the fireplace, stairs, entryway, back yard, patio, or deck. Tidy up the area so there aren’t distracting elements in the background. You will need to let me know prior to the shoot so I can arrange to bring the backdrops and lights with me.
As mentioned earlier make sure you have all your clothing and accessories ready to go the day before your shoot so you don't feel rushed on the day of your shoot. If we are doing senior indoor shots you can bring along props with you which would included a football, basketball, soccer ball, etc.. if you are interested in any kind of sports. Also, you can bring musical instruments such as a guitar, violen, etc...If you love shoes or purses bring some along and I can capture your love for those things. Bring along anything that you have an interest in that will really show who you are in your photograph. You may also bring along a friend with you to the photo shoot. Let me know ahead of time if you plan on bringing friends to the shoot. If I am meeting you at another location (such as a park), please be specific about the exact spot so I can be sure to meet you on time.
But most of all, have fun having your portrait made. I enjoy what I do and I want you to enjoy it, too.