The production of an excellent portrait is truly an effort of collaboration. It is not something that you have done but something in which you participate. The best results will be directly proportional to your efforts. We will do our best in helping you to relax and enjoy the process but you have to bring to the session an open mind and a willing attitude. It is my job to coordinate the sets, lighting and camera particulars to compliment your positioning. Much as I may try to beg forth the proper expressions, it remains your job to churn your memories into producing a believable expression.
Think of yourself as being an actor during our photo session, and - if necessary - pretend into the expressions. In preparation at home, stand before a mirror and practice smiling, laughing, looking thoughtful and serious. How much practice is enough? When, on command, you can produce the expression and felt emotion behind each of the expressions mentioned. You may be thinking -" that is rather phony, I'd rather just be how I feel." Well the whole photographic process is contrived. It uses lights, camera lenses and angles to display you at your best - the way you want others to see you. Besides, you are paying for the process so why sabotage the effort with wooden expressions?
Also, remember that the best images should reflect your character and personality. Character - not youth - is always the hallmark of a photogenic face. Bring portraits or snapshots of yourself that you may or may not like so we can discuss them with you. The more ideas we can exchange, the more completely will the resulting images reflect what you want to say.
CLOTHING: Clothing changes would be advised; perhaps one outfit for a more formal study and another one or two in a more casual dress. Be careful of only opting for your favorite clothing - that which fits best. Sometimes what you may think looks good might not photograph as well in certain settings and/or not coordinate well with other people's outfits. If you are being photographed at your home and you have decided where you would like to hang your portrait(s), experiment by laying your clothing selection across the furniture of that room. In doing so you will see immediately how colors may clash. Your portrait will be more enduring if your choice of clothing is less likely to be out of style soon. Remember one rule: Light shades ENLARGE and dark tones diminish.
Recommended |
Avoid |
|---|---|
Simple Lines |
Bright Stripes (OK for children) |
Dark shoes & hosiery |
Bold patterns (OK for children) |
Pastels |
Mixing light with dark |
Light colored clothes |
Sleeveless (OK for children) |
Subdued patterns |
Puff short sleeves (OK for children) |
"V" necklines |
Ruffles (OK for children) |
Scarves |
"Fad" clothing styles |
Casual & dress apparel |
Heavy eye shadow |
High necklines |
Large earrings |
Empty eyeglass rims |
New hairdo |
GLASSES: If you plan to be photographed wearing glasses, bring as many pairs as you have. If you have photo-gray lenses, please consider having the lenses removed from your favorite pair or borrow an extra set of empty rims just like your present glasses, from your doctor.
MEN: Arrange to have your appointment at a time when you can be freshly shaven. Week-old haircuts are best. Feel free to bring several suits, sport coats, shirts, sweaters, jackets and ties so we can help you coordinate them with your portrait. Bring a small item you can hold (such as a magazine or a book from your profession or your favorite fishing rod or golf club). Avoid seersucker suits.
LADIES: We suggest that you wear your hair in your usual manner, avoiding a new or experimental hairdo for your portrait. Apply your usual make-up, but be sure to bring your make-up kit with you as it may be necessary to "add or subtract" relative to the photographic sensitivity for certain make-up shades. Bring the outfit you wouldn't travel without, and your husband's (or daddy's) favorite dress.
CHILDREN: Prepare your child for a pleasant experience by talking about the photographer's toys and the fun that he will have. Do not give the child negative thoughts....do NOT mention "doctor" or 'BARBER,' which might cause apprehension. Check your child's appearance before going to the studio; no need to pay for additional retouching. Choose for your appointment the time of the day when you child is the happiest. Do not make it after a visit to the doctor or at a nap time. Telling the child to smile for the photographer usually results in a forced expression. We can get a pleasant sober expression or an appealing toothless smile which can be more enduring and natural, than a put on expression because "mommy" or "the photographer" told me so. If your child has a favorite toy or chair, bring it along. It will help us make a natural and relaxed portrait.
BABIES: The ideal time for your babies first portrait is 2 1/2 to 3 months of age. At 3 months they are tiny babies......at 6 months they are small boys and girls, and your baby portrait is lost. Retouching can remove babies drool from clothes, but it is less expensive to use a bib until the photographer is ready. Bring along your baby's favorite toy or blanket as the photographer finds these items most useful.
BRIDES: We suggest that you enjoy a good meal (breakfast or lunch) prior to the sitting so that you will feel you best, giving you the stamina needed to stand while the dress and veil are being adjusted. Also a good night's sleep will make you look more rested for the most important portrait of your life. Please bring: veil, slip, shoes, garter and groom's ring.