CLOTHING STYLES
First of all AVOID STRIPES AND PLAID!! Solids photograph much better! Also bring a variety of color, don’t bring 5 blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing. Already, a few big names from just a few years ago, you would not be caught dead wearing now. No need to make your portraits advertising billboards for clothing brands. 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 one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the stuff YOU like.

Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length in your suit if all you brought was big old tennis shoes.

Also remember, as a general rule, light cloths look better on lighter backgrounds and darker clothes look better on darker backgrounds. So if you prefer dark, bring dark, if you prefer both, bring both.

Group your outfits together ON HANGERS. It is amazing how many people come in with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed.

CLOTHING STYLES

Make sure your clothing flatters you.

If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller.

Wild to mild. We don’t really tell you what you can and can not wear. A little sexy is OK, but don’t make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Our philosophy is as long as it is PG, we don’t care.

MAKEUP

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. 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. When you move, it makes nice shimmer, but in a photo, where you are still, it creates a little white spot that almost looks like a zit. Also avoid makeup with SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

SHAVING

Please make sure you are clean shaven. Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave. Got a goatee that mom hates, but you love? Do 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 loose camera time. Artificially bleached hair is often not best, in 10 years you might say “What was I thinking??” Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. It IS ok to show up early in curlers if you need to.

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. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit.

PROPS

BRING THEM!! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: Sports equipment (football, baseball, volleyball, hurdle, whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments, activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!), vehicles.

GLASSES

Most glasses glare! Some prescriptions more than others. your best bet is to check with optometrist. most will “loan” you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session.

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 photography well!! Tan, yes, burn, no. If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has fades, you might consider tanning. But don’t overdue it so you look too fake-and -bake.

COMPLEXION

We retouch blemishes, so don’t worry about minor breakouts.

PETS

Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a must 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 dog’s attention.

FRIENDS AND PARENTS

Friends and parents are welcome. They can be a help. HOWEVER, if they distract you, it is best to not have them around. 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 fretting we can’t do anything about it, we simply have to reschedule. Don’t worry about clouds, they actually HELP! But rain falling IS a problem. We will call you if we need to cancel due to weather, or if you simple question what to do, give us a call and we can talk about it.

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 braces smile is better than a dorky holding back a smile look.

UNDERGARMENTS

It is amazing how many times someone will come in wearing flowered underwear and not realize it is a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a black sleeveless shirt. Please bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is the best you can hope for. Also, if you need a strapless, bring one. Tucking the straps down usually shows and looks bad. With today’s thin fabrics, you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.

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 real 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 outfits!