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This should answer many questions for you.

Fine Portraits that are Timeless are not an accident.

When preparing for a portrait the clothing colors and styles that you select will effect the final outcome of your portrait. The selection of colors and clothing styles should enhance everyone not just one or two people in the portrait. If the clothing becomes the center of interest then it has failed in its ability to show off the subjects. It has become a Fashion Photograph in which the clothing is the dominant subject. That is fine it is is designed to be that way. Very few are. So take a minute or two and see what tips work for you.

These tips take into account that it is a family or group portrait that includes three or more subjects in the portraits. Some interesting effects can be created when working with one or two subjects.

 

 


***Main purpose is to make the faces the dominant area of the portrait.***

 

Creative Possibilities

We understand that you want a portrait to do more than just hang on a wall or sit on a shelf collecting dust. You want it to attract the attention of friends, relatives and all that happen to view it, now and in the future.

Having your portrait created is a unique and creative undertaking, almost unlike any other in your life.
I will work closely with you to create a portrait that suits your unique style and needs. Whether you prefer formal, casual, traditional classic or contemporary I can recommend the best approach.

 

Portrait Tips

~With the right planning and preparation you can help in the creation of your portrait.~

White clothing or pastels work well against a light background. This works well with a casual look and beach portraits.
Suggestion: You can wear all white, Jeans and white tops or a color decided upon.. Light Blue tops and Khakis.

Dark clothing works well with dark backgrounds. Formal attire or casual wear in dark colors.
It is important that the colors blend with each other and do not overpower the group. E.g.. If a group all wears dark colors like Blacks, Navy Blues and Hunter Greens and one person wears something that is loud (Yellow, White, Red) it will clash and the family ambiance will not be projected.

Semiformal, something in between the other two. Medium tones.

Long sleeves or even three quarter sleeves work best. Short sleeves, off the shoulder or spaghetti straps expose too much flesh and it shouts for attention. Always remember the faces are the most important part of the portrait.

Glasses by all means wear them if you wear them all the time. If possible have the lenses removed to prevent distortion and light glare in the lens.

Jewelry the motto is the less the better. The less competition you have in your clothing and accessories the better your portrait will be.

Hair - Men should have their hair cut at least one to two weeks before the session. If you have a beard or mustache it should be neatly trimmed. You should shave prior to the session. A 5 o'clock shadow cannot be totally eliminated without a good deal of work. (Note: The trend is to have unshaven faces so it is a choice that you make.) Women - Go with what you are comfortable with. This is not the time to experiment or try a new hair style. If you are up to doing something new and different do it at least a month before the session so that you are accustomed to it and you have grown to like it.

Children - Most delicate area. Try not to instruct them or pass your anxiety on to them. Instructions like behave, listen to the photographer and smile usually works against us. Children when told to smile have a smile that looks fake. Let us play the part of a fool if we must to get an honest expression. If they think it will be fun and you act like it will be, then the session will go a lot smoother.
Try not to over groom, remember that they are children. Do have a brush, hair spray or other items you might need handy.

Expressions that work best are pleasant looks. Big smiles distort the face by squinting the eyes, bringing out lines and raising the cheeks. Not to say that I will not take those type of images.

I would like to make this as pleasant as possible. I am availablefor a one on one consult. I can come to you to see what area and style will work best for you. If you are a family that does things together such as a favorite place, hobby or activity it may be incorporated into the portrait.

After all is said and done, your portraits will become treasures.