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Clothing suggestions

Portrait Clothing and Preparation Suggestions

Your clothing selections and preparation for your portrait can make or break a beautiful image.

To help aid you in selecting the proper clothing style, colors and patterns.

Below you will find some helpful guidelines that i have found work best for beautiful portraits. You will also find helpful suggestions on things you can do before you come that will ensure an enjoyable experience at my

studio.

Children

-Remember that children will be most happy in comfortable clothes. A 2 year old in a suit and tie may look cute at first, but he will lmost likely fight it during the session. Children should be dressed appropriately for the style of session you are seeking.

For one of my more journalistic and fun settings you may choose a nice pair of jeans and a solid color long sleeve shirt or a bright t-shirt with pig-tails.

-Solid colors ALWAYS work best. Patterns like stripes, plaid and paisley or polka dots tend to compete with children's faces. White shirts photograph wonderfully with children, as it is a light and happy color, which reflects a child's personality so well. Timeless clothing choices such as white linen dresses, khakis and polo's are also an excellent choice.

-When it comes to shoes you have several options. For the more relaxed and natural portrait, bare feet are the most adorable and natural way to go, especially for your outdoor sessions. Most of the children I photograph are photographed in their bare feet. For the more formal poses, however, you may wish to choose a comfortable dress shoe that best matches their outfit.

-Hats, scarves and other accessories can be a fun addition to any child's portrait session. Used sparingly, they can add that small feelings of playtime to any portrait.

Families

-When dressing your family for your session, remember you are a family and there should be some commonality among all members of the family. Similar tones of color and style of clothing should be worn by all. Imagine a family dressed all in black with one in red. Not a pleasant portrait.

-Classic clothing choices will lend for a timeless heirloom that will not outdate itself. Khakis, navy blues, white linen and other classics ar the best selection for a family portrait masterpiece.

-Long sleeves typically work the best; as to much skin from arms can be distracting. If short sleeves are desired please let me know so that i can make suggestions on how to best photograph this style.

-Location plays a huge part in how your family should dress. The majority of my families are photographed at a location other than the studio and outdoor clothing calls for a more casual feel than an indoor portrait at my studio. Khakis and navy blue shirts with bare feet make excellent choices for an outdoor location, but a family of men in suits and women in Sunday dresses wouldn't make much sense. More formal clothing choices are best photographed in the studio or in your home.

Newborns

-At least one hour before your session, please remove any socks or shoes that your baby may be wearing. Socks tend to leave lines around ankles. and removing them in plenty of time will ensure soft silky skin.

-Please do not try to wake up your baby when you arrive at the studio. Sleeping is the best way to photograph babies

-Clothing during the newborn session is not something I recommend for your baby. However, I often use mom or dad as a background so please have both parents wearing long sleeve black shirts. If you must have clothing on your baby, please limit the clothing selection to one outfit as you may upset baby by changing clothes to often.

Seniors

Choose a variety of outfits. It's good to include both casual and more formal outfits in your senior portraits. You choose a couple and let Mom choose one or two, that way everyone is happy.

Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering. Medium to dark clothes look the best on dark backgrounds. Medium to light colors look the best on lighter colored backgrounds. Earth tones are best for outdoor portraits.

Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come. Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes and socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits. Avoid large and bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face. If you have a fair(light) complection do not wear pastel. Bold colors will make you stand out in your portrait. It is better to bring too many clothing choices than not enough.

Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session. Here are a few ideas: Musical Instrument, Leather Jacket, letter jacket, sports uniform, stuffed animal, sunglasses, pets (let me know in advance).

Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait. Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended. Coordinate our outfit from head to toe. Darker clothes minimize body size. Keep the tonal range of clothing in the same group, don't mix lights and darks in the same outfit.

To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several additional clothing choices and let the photographer help you choose. Don't forget to bring your jewelry, especially your class ring. You should wear your hair in your regular style. Guys should not have a fresh haircut. If you need a trim, have it done about a week before. Get a good nights rest, relax and be ready for a great portrait session. Girls... Please do not wear any sparkly powder or shiney make up. Eye shadow is ok. This will reflect and make your face look shiney! This includes bronzer.

I hope you have found this information helpful and encourage you to call me if you should have any questions.

I look forward to photographing you!!