ARRIVE EARLY
If you show up late or not ready, you will have less time in the camera room. If you need to get ready after arriving, please arrive early enough to be ready by your start time.
CLOTHING
First of all avoid stripes and plaids. Solids photograph much better! Also, bring a variety of color, don’t bring 5 blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Vary the style; all one look (like tanks) gets boring. Vary the dress level, bring some dressy, some medium and some casual. Remember, it is best to do at least one outfit that mom will like, then we can do the stuff YOU like.
Bring a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts. A white t-shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb, so bring a black or gray.
Our sessions accommodate a number of clothing changes within a time limit. This means if you change fast, you get more pictures. Spend all day in the dressing room, you get less time in front of the camera. Most people can get 2-3 looks per hour. We suggest you bring double what you think we will do so we have more to pick from.
Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length formal in your suit if all you brought was old tennis shoes.
Also remember, as a general rule, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds and darker clothes look better on darker backgrounds. So if you prefer dark, bring dark, if you prefer some of both, bring some of both.
Group your outfits together on hangars. Make sure they are ironed.
If you are doing an outdoor session, most locations do not have places to change. But if you wear a layered outfit, you can add or drop a piece for a different look.
CLOTHING STYLES
Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, as they can make your arms look fuller.
We don’t want to tell you what you can and cannot wear, so follow your taste. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. As long as it is rated PG, we’re good.
CLOTHES FOR BLACK & WHITE
The black and white “glamour” look that is so popular is best with black clothing. The contrast between the skin and black fabric is what makes them so dramatic. So bring some black, wild to mild.
MAKEUP (for Girls)
Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal, about 15% stronger… about like you might wear in the evening. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. So if your mascara is old and clumpy, replace it first. Avoid makeup with “sparkles” in it. In a photo, more often than not a “sparkle” it creates a little white spot that almost looks like a zit. We can add sparkles, digitally.
SHAVING (for Guys)
Please make sure you are clean shaven. Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave. Got stubble or a goatee that mom hates, but you love? Consider doing your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and go to the restroom and shave it off for mom’s formals. Everyone is happy that way!
HAIR
Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or you lose camera time. Artificially bleached hair is often not best. Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. Although our photographer tries to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair “is supposed to look like”. So make sure you like the look or let the photographer know your preferences. Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility.
JEWELRY
Best tip here, keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU, unless it is a distinct part of your “look”. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hangar with that outfit.
PROPS
Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: Sports equipment (soccer ball, football, hockey stick, hurdle, whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments (from school tuba to rock guitar), items related to activities or hobbies, vehicles (motorcycles, cars… we suggest more than an hour session for car shots).
GLASSES
Most glasses glare! Some prescriptions more than others. Your best bet is to check with your optometrist. Most will “loan” you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session.
COMPLEXION
We retouch blemishes, so don’t worry about minor breakouts. We also do complete retouching on any image that is ordered in print.
SUNBURN/TANNING
Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top or use a tanning bed to minimize any tan marks. Remember to not overdo your tanning, skin that looks like dark leather is not the most attractive.
AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don’t overdo it.
PETS
Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone bring a pet, then leave with them after. Or bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to hold a dogs attention.
FRIENDS & PARENTS
Friends or parents are welcome. They can be a help. However, we do ask that you limit this to 2 observers. You can have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend or sibling at no extra charge.
WEATHER FOR OUTDOOR PORTRAITS
Let’s face it, we are at the mercy of mother nature. If it rains, no amount of worrying will do anything about it. Options: we can reschedule your session, or we can just shoot I the rain!. Don’t worry about clouds, they actually HELP! But rain falling IS a problem. If it is a morning session, just call us the evening before if we need to cancel due to weather, otherwise, we will assume we are on! If it is a daytime session and the weather is questionable, simply call us to discuss options.
TATTOOS, SCARS and BRACES
Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at your request. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge. Braces? Don’t worry. You could have the tops taken off for your photo session, or we can retouch them out by computer. But don’t fight smiling, a natural smile with braces is better than holding back.
FINGER & TOE NAILS
NAILS SHOW! If they have the paint all chipped off, it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don’t forget about those toes! Avoid really bright colors. Natural or basic work best. We don’t want to draw attention to your neon orange toe nails. And they may look really bad with your next outfit!