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Family & Couples Portrait Guidelines

Clothes, Colors & Shoes: When it comes to colors in general, try to dress everyone in a similar color...psychologists say it shows "closeness." Feel free to bring by a couple of tops if you are not sure which will photograph best. Try and avoid large areas of light pastels, bold stripes, bold patterns, or anything that is too distracting, a subtle pattern is fine. Also avoid short sleeves; upper arms always tend to photograph wider than they are in real life. Keep in mind that dark colors are "slimming." Keep jewelry simple - conservative is always a safe choice.

Coordinating Clothes: The night before your portrait try laying out all the clothes the family will wear on the bed, ask yourself if the clothes match or if there is something that just doesn't belong or is too distracting.

Hands: Ladies hands are often included in portraits, they add femininity and elegance. Having your nails done, either manicured or clean and free from old nail polish is important.

Makeup: Remember to bring along some makeup (lipstick and powder) and a hairbrush for touch ups.

Contact Lenses: Some people who wear contact lenses tend to blink on a high percentage of photos. It might be a good idea for contact lens wearers to wear glasses and take them off for the portraits.

Last but not least: remember to get a good night's sleep for that fresh look.

Children & Babies Portrait Guidelines

What to bring: Please bring a couple of outfits. Denim overalls are always cute, and white, off white or pastels are also nice. It's a good idea to bring a couple of favorite toys.

Sometimes with the younger babies it's smart to include Mom in a couple of shots, so you should bring a casual black, white, cream or off-white top too.

Make sure the children are well-rested and not hungry so that they will be more cooperative.

For little girls, please remove any old fingernail and toenail polish.

Senior Portrait Guidelines

What to wear: For the casual shots wear whatever you like. If you are not sure, bring a couple of things and we can help you choose. A nice sweater is always nice. Jeans and a white T-shirt are a very popular look.

Bring a Friend: If you decide to bring the family or a friend for a few shots. See Family Portrait Guidelines above for clothes/color ideas.

Bring items that "are you." Whether it be a cheerleading or football uniform, your restored '65 Mustang convertible, your guitar or your ballet slippers, you may want to be photographed with these items.

Contact Lenses: Some people who wear contact lenses tend to blink on a high percentage of photos. It might be a good idea for contact lens wearers to wear glasses and take them off for the portraits.

Last but not least: remember to get a good night's sleep for that fresh look.

Portraits in the Park

Clothes, Colors, And Pets: Most people prefer their "Portraits in the Park" to be a casual sitting on the grass type of pose, denim is always popular. When it comes to colors in general, try to dress everyone in a similar color, psychologists say it shows "closeness." For autumn or winter portraits a nice sweater looks great.

Try and avoid light pastels, bold stripes or patterns or anything that is too distracting. Keep in mind that dark colors have a "slimming" effect. Avoid white socks and white running shoes, very distracting. Feel free to bring the family pet if you like. Be sure to avoid clothes with any kind of large logo, design, team name etc.

Contact Lenses: Some people who wear contact lenses tend to blink on a high percentage of photos. It might be a good idea for contact lens wearers to wear glasses and take them off for the portraits.

Hair: The wind is unpredictable so extra hair spray is a must.

Last but not least: remember to get a good night's sleep for that fresh look.

Slimming Colors and Ideas

Most people prefer to look a little slimmer than they are, yes it's true that a camera adds ten pounds (at least). BUT, most photographers can correct that plus subtract a few extra pound by proper posing, turning your body to a better angle, and adjusting the camera angle or height. But it makes a big difference if you do the following:

To look slimmer try these:

Darker Colors are slimming. Consider Black, Olive, Grey, Navy, Plum, Burgundy, Dark Brown or Eggplant.
Solid colors are slimming.
One color (monochromatic) head to toe is slimming.
Vertical lines are sliming, consider vertical pleats, V necks or a long chain.
Instant flatter stomach: try pants with a flat front. No drawstrings, pockets, zippers, or decorations.
No pockets! Avoid a lot or bulky pockets that draw attention to the waist area.
Dark, dull, cool colors recede (slim), warm colors advance (widen).
Use eye catching, shiny jewelry or objects to avert attention away from problem areas.
Single breasted jackets or blazers are slimming.
Heels add height and therefore are slimming on a full length portrait.
An interesting or long neckline draws attention from other areas.
Good posture always makes you look slimmer.
Wear your proper size. You'll look slimmer in clothes that fit properly rather than clothes that are too tight, or clingy or baggy.

To look slimmer AVOID these:

Lighter colors (white, most pastels etc) make you look heavier.
Bold patterns, plaids, shiny fabrics, heavy fabrics make you look heavier.
Short sleeves make upper arms look wider.
Do not draw additional attention to the waist area so avoid any horizontal dividing lines, like belts or a different color.
Horizontal lines make you look heavier - avoid belts and wide collars or wide lapels.
Double breasted jackets or blazers add weight.