Preparing for a photograph session can be stressful, but there are only a handful of things you should keep in mind, and they're all listed here to help ease your worries! The biggest rule is to keep the focus on your face and stay true to your style. Oh, and to have fun!

Individual Portraits

Wearing simple outfits are best. Turtlenecks are great as long as they are not big and bulky. You should avoid deep V-necks. Choose longs sleeves over short-sleeved tops- bare arms draw attention away from the face. Dark colors are best- they let the viewer’s eye focus upon your face. Any props or clothing should be the second area they see. It should compliment the portrait. Colors I recommend are: Black, medium to dark tones of blues, browns, burgundy, and green. I find that light colors and bright colors will take over in the portrait.

Tips for seniors:

Girls: You should avoid getting a new hair style for your portraits. If you choose to change your hair style, do it several months in advance. If it isn’t the style you had hoped for, you can give it a chance to grow out. Wear make-up that is light and natural. Too heavy and it will stand out in your portrait – not you! If you normally wear glitter make-up, I suggest not wearing it for your pictures. It looks speckled on your face and is very costly to remove digitally.
Guys: If you have a beard (or mustache) make sure it is neatly groomed or that you have freshly shaved.
If you wear glasses: Photographers usually recommend borrowing a pair from your optometrist that doesn’t have the lenses in them. That is not usually practical and can be difficult to do. I try to get the best pose possible with out any type of light reflecting off your glasses.

Group Portraits:

It’s best to wear the same type of clothing…e.g.: jeans and black polo shirts, dark pants with white shirts. We’re looking for uniformity. Bright flowered patterns, plaids, stripes are not a good idea. When I photographed a large-member family, I had each individual family group wear a different color top with jeans. For example, one set of family members wore red polo shirts with blue jeans, one family wore navy blue shirts with blue jeans and so on… It worked because the colors blended with no wild prints, plaids or stripes taking away from the faces in the portrait.
Don’t get me wrong…you can wear light colors and have a good picture but it is best used with a light colored background (e.g. use of a white paper background).

Other:

I will be happy to clarify these points and more if you feel unsure of yourself. Different photo sessions require different things, and I will happily give you suggestions on what to do.

I am committed to giving you a happy portrait session experience as well as great portraits. I have had a camera in my hand for many years, enjoying it as a hobby and now as a business. I use only professional film, developing, and digital technology.