Portrait Tips

Here are some suggestions on how to make your portrait session go off without a hitch.

Pre-session Consultation

• Meeting beforehand to discuss what you want your pictures to look like is as important as the photo session itself. That's why I include it as a free part of every session.
• Feel free to suggest ideas for locations, outfits, props, etc.
• Bring samples of pictures you like, either from magazines, or from the internet, or maybe even something like a painting.
• If you have specific shots you'd like like to do, we'll make a checklist. If you don't, we'll make things up as we go. Either way is good.

Clothing

• For close-up portraits, or yearbook portraits, simple is better. Something like a suit for guys, a plain dress, sweater or blouse for girls.
• Long sleeves keep attention on the face instead of the arms.
• Patterns and words on clothing can be distracting. The brighter they are, the more distracting. Avoiding these isn't really a rule, but a strong suggestion.
• Black and other dark colors, loose-fitting clothes and vertical lines are slimming. Light colors, tight-fitting tops and horizontal lines can be unflattering.
• Coordinate your underwear with the color of your outfit. Outfits that look a little sheer under normal lights might look almost transparent under powerful strobe lights.
• No matter what your size, light-colored pants, especially with a dark top, are a bad idea. So is a white shirt. They both draw attention to themselves, and away from you.
• Bring at least one outfit that isn't obviously trendy, so you don't look at your portraits in ten years and wonder, "What was I thinking?"
• Ultimately, the best clothing to wear for your portrait is what you would normally wear. You'll be more comfortable, and more relaxed, and you'll look better.

Jewelry

• Just like with clothing, subtle is better than gaudy. A couple of tasteful pieces, especially if they have special meaning to you, can enhance a portrait, but too much will detract.
• Bring your class ring, if you have one.
• Glasses can cause glare problems, so you should ask your optometrist about borrowing a pair of empty frames for the session. Not wearing your glasses is always an option, but some people don't feel "right" without them.

Props

Adding props that represent important parts of your life can help make your portrait unique.

• Musical instruments
• Costumes
• Sunglasses
• Uniforms
• Sports Equipment
• Homecoming or prom dresses
• Stuffed animals
• Pets

You might also consider bringing someone along with you, like your best friend, your significant other, or maybe even a brother or sister. Even if they won't be in your pictures with you, they often know how to bring out your personality, and they can even help out with the shoot. (And ask about a buddy discount if they schedule a shoot of their own!)

Hair and Makeup

• Bring a brush or comb, and (if you're wearing them) powder and lipstick, for touch-ups.
• Don't try a new hairstyle for this session, or get your hair done right before. Give it about a week for the style to settle in.
• Men: Make sure and shave! If you wear a beard or mustache, have it neatly trimmed for the session.
• Start light with hair and makeup, because it's easier to add during the shoot than to remove.
• It's actually better not to spray your hair, so that it can blow in the breeze, or fall when you tilt your head.

Preparing for the session

• Get a good night's rest before your shoot.
• Don't schedule too many other things on the same day as your shoot. Less stress makes for more relaxed portraits.
• Stay out of the sun for a couple weeks before your session, because tan lines and sunburn lines are difficult to touch up.