Putting a little planning into your session helps create a better looking portrait.
When you decide on what to wear try to avoid busy or distracting/contrasting tones, by doing this your
portrait will be more pleasing to the eye. By doing this your portrait is much more decorative on your walls at home,
and your attention will lead you directly to the most important part of the portrait, the people and not their clothes.
Avoid patterns and florals, also mixing dark with light colours, for example black pants and a white shirt. This would be too distracting. Your best bet is to
work with solid, muted tones. Remember, you dont have to all be in the same colour but in the same tonal range. For example pastels mixed with pastels or,
darks mixed with darks, such as same navy, same brugundy. Also remember that whatever you choose you personally should feel good in.
When taking a group portrait its better if everyone would wear complimentary colours,
it makes for a more pleasing portrait. If you are not sure feel free to contact
me.
Portraits should be fun and relaxing. The best way to do this is to capture your
portrait in a place that helps you relax. Some of the best places to take portraits
can be either at your home, cottage, the lake, a favorite beach, on your boat
or any location that makes you feel comfortable. Be sure that if you have pets,
bring them as they are part of the family.
Children's Portraits
Here are some tips when getting ready to have your child's portrait taken.
What they should wear is entirely up to you. I do encourage you to keep the clothing changes to a minimum, perhaps no more than two or three, especially with younger
children. Remember that we want to focus on your child's face not so much on the clothes.
The session will take as long as it takes to capture the best expressions and poses. I urge you not to rush your children, let them warm up to me at their own pace.
Most sessions are done in 30 minutes. Some may take longer , so it's important that you relax and enjoy.
If your child is not a smiler thats OK. The very best and most favorite expressions with many clients are always the more serious, contemplative looks.
Especially with children. When you look at the classic works by master painters from years ago to even modern artists of today, you never see a big toothy smiles.
The best way to get great smiles is by playing games, singing songs, anything they love to do. Never a "sit and say cheese" approach.
If you feel you need to be present at the photo session thats ok. But, for older children I usually create the best results when Mom and Dad are in the next room.
For younger babies it's always best to have you help out during the session. Only one parent is really required.
Also, if you have any pets, they are always welcome in the photo session. It helps the kids to relax as well.
Pet Portraits
Pet owners who would like to have their pet photographed should consider several things that will help in having a very
successful pet photo session.
1. It is always a good idea to briefly talk with me about what you are hoping for. Any particulars you might
want to share with me about the pet's behavior or what makes it unique would also be very helpful.
2. The animal should be groomed before the shoot. Usually a day or two before the shoot is best.
3. If your pet is brought to the photo session a little bit on the hungry side, all the better.
4. Exercising a dog before the photo shoot is always a good idea.
5. If your pet takes comfort in having a certain toy, or treat or anything you know of, please bring it to the shoot.
Seniors Portraits
So you have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear! Here are a few ideas
that will help you choose the best clothes to wear in your Senior Portraits.
1. Choose a variety of outfits. It's a good idea to include both casual and more
formal outfits for your senior portraits. You choose a couple and let Mom choose
one ore two, that way everyone is happy.
2. Your face should be the focal point in your portrait. Get a good night sleep and keep your makeup as you normally wear it is good, but be sure to
bring your makeup and hairbrush the day of your session. You'll most likely need to touch up before the session begins.
3. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits. Busy patterns
and loud colours can be very districting in your portraits.Medium to dark clothes look best on dark backgrounds, medium to light colours look the best on lighter
backgrounds, and earth tones tend to work best in outdoor settings.
4. Jewelry should be simple, however, if you are changing outfits, be sure not to forget your other jewelry.
If you wear a watch, take it off before the session or
leave it at home.
5. Traditional styles will keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come.
6. Some poses will show your shoes, so don't forget to bring shoes and socks for each outfit.
7. Props can help to show your personality so be sure to bring some. Such as musical
instruments, sports uniforms, equipment, hats, stuffed animals, sunglasses, pets
or anything else you can think of.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any additonal questions.