Great portraits just don’t happen, they are carefully planned creations. Your photographers will be finely tuning the images they create, providing beautiful backgrounds, great lighting and masterful post processing of your images, but here are some things for you to do when preparing for your session.

Arrival

Please arrive about 15 minutes early for your session either at our studio or the designated outdoor area. Family and friends are welcome, but only a couple, because our studio is small and we want our attention devoted to YOU, not watching active friends or siblings. Transportation to and during outdoor sessions is up to you.

Clothing

But there is even more to having a great portrait, whether its a child, family, teen or bride – choosing the right clothing is critical. In every good portrait, the viewer’s eyes are drawn to the faces of the subjects without distractions and this doesn’t happen by accident – there are certain guidelines which followed will allow this to happen. How many outfits you bring depends on the type of session you have chosen, but carefully selecting your clothing is important.

Guideline #1: Clothing for each subject in a family portrait should be coordinated and be in very similar color tone (choose tones of medium to dark brown, gray, burgundy or blue).  For families or individual portraits, remember that darker colors are slimming.  Whites and lighter colors will look good against our lighter backgrounds and hi-key setup, but isn't as slimming.

Guideline #2. Choose clothing in solid colors, not prints, stripes, flowers, etc. (Wearing these will draw the portrait viewer’s eye away from faces, right to the stripe or print instead)

Guideline #3. Simple, conservative styles are best. Three quarter or long sleeves are much better than short sleeves or straps.  Also, clothing that is too gussied up, tight, short or shows too much cleavage or skin will not be flattering in your portraits.   Although, if you have a wild and crazy "signature" outfit or article of clothing which is "you" that you want to wear for a memory creation, bring it along too.

Don't forget to bring along appropriate accessories, jewelry, i.e., shoes, belts, scarves, jackets, caps and hats.

Hair

Hair should be clean and neat. Don’t get a fresh cut less than a week before your session or a new “do” because chances are you might not like the fresh look. Wear it in your regular style for great images that look like “you.” Bring your comb/brush, hairspray, and other items you might need. And another point, hair in the eyes is the “bain” of the retoucher, so take care to style your hair around your eyes. We LOVE to accentuate your eyes, so be sure we can find them.

Glasses

Glasses which are worn most of the time can be worn during your sessions or you may remove them. Glass glare is a problem. We will try to minimize this but sometimes cannot remove it completely. For best images, remove lens from your glasses (bring spares for driving please!) – most opticians will do these or you might borrow empty frames to use. But don't let this stop you, come and we'll work with you and your glasses.

Teeth/braces

We can and do lighten teeth somewhat, but cared for teeth will show up in your images. Remember, braces or not, smiles are wonderful in portraits and braces not nearly as noticeable as you might think, but a sour, sad, closed mouth expression is noticeable.

Face/shaving

Even guys can use touch up make up under the eyes and on blemishes. Sleep well the night before your session to avoid bags and shadows. We correct most of that if possible but your eyes should look rested and shining. Cover blemishes, but DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THEM, as we will retouch your skin lightly so makeup should look natural. Be happy about your face, because we spend more time retouching that area. Shaving and neat facial hair is a must to look your best. For evening sessions, shave again to remove the shadow.

Props

Bring personal props, especially for babies, children and High School Senior portrait sessions.  Images that include a child's favorite toy or blanket and a senior's special instrument, hobby gear or gadget will add to the memory value of the portrait.