*Photoshoot Tips*
- The most important thing about the photo session is to... HAVE FUN! Have a good time, candid shots are sometimes the best pictures in the shoot.
- Solid colors are best when choosing outfits. No crazy patterns, lines, dots or bright colors, just understated basics that allow the person to shine. Avoid "loud", large or bold patterns or even bright colors that may draw attention away from your face in the photos.
- Never bring outfits you have not tried on before. Make sure you try on all selected outfits a day or two before the session and that you like how they look and feel. If you look or feel uncomfortable, it will show in your pictures. You want to look and feel relaxed.
- Darker colors are slimming. Lighter toned clothing tends to emphasize larger body sizes in photos. If you want to look slimmer, choose darker colors and longer sleeves. Sleeveless shirts can draw attention to your arms instead of your face and should be avoided if at all possible.
- I recommend Coordinating colors... don't match. Too much of one color, pattern or style may be over the top.
- Keep it simple. Accessories may look nice, but sometimes they may attract too much attention away from the focal point of the photo.
- Collared shirts can be an effective thing to wear. A collared shirt has a way of framing the face that can be quite flattering, especially for men.
- Lastly, I also like to avoid tank tops, short sleeved tops or shorts. When arms and legs are exposed and there’s lots of skin visible. This can be a distraction from the main focal point of the photo.
*Please remember, as a photographer I am here to help you and make you happy. If you disagree with any or all of the above tips that is certainly alright... I am here to capture your favorite memories and magical moments in the exact way you want.
Weather (Outdoor Sessions)
What about the clouds and maybe rain. Clouds are a photographers friend! They help eliminate unwanted shadows from harsh light, improve backgrounds and provides more options in open areas. It's all about the quality of light and knowing precisely how to use it to your advantage.
Keeping it Fun!
A good expression on every face is the very heart of the family portrait. Organize everything the day before your session so that your family members do not feel hurried and hassled. This will ensure good expressions! For example, if Dad doesn't want to wear a tie, we do not want to force him. Let him make a photo-memory in comfort. If your son wants to bring his skateboard for a special shot, encourage him. If your daughter needs her teddy bear for comfort, be sure she has it. If your family is most comfortable in Blue Jeans, wear blue jeans. If you have a family interest in scuba diving, bring some gear for a fun shot. LLLP will make your portrait experience a very special event. I will draw out the best in each of you for the best facial expressions, so be prepared to have a wonderful time just enjoying each other!
Clothing (Family Portraits)
We like to design family portraits with a coordinated color scheme. Keep this in mind when you choose your wardrobe. You do not have to be matchy-matchy, but colors should compliment each other. Usually, I recommend warm-toned clothing for your family portrait. We suggest Black (always flattering ), Navy Blue, Forest Green, and Burgundy Red. Solid white shirts or pants will emphasize the clothing and not the person. In harsh light white clothing can create a long list of avoidable issues. So, my recommendation is to limit solid white clothing if you can. Yes, Levi's are fine.
Camera Ready (for Women)
Makeup should be slightly heavier than normal. Also, avoid makeup with any 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.
High School Senior
Today's High School Seniors are incredibly fun. Each session is as unique as the person being photographed. Whether it be quiet and thought provoking, very contemporary, sports related or challenging locations. Today's seniors demand high skill levels from qualified photographers to capture the memories of this important chapter in their lives. Clothing tends to be livelier, brighter and typically exactly what you like to wear (even light patterns). Be careful on the sleeveless shirts unless you love your arms. White is a challenging color. Limit your whites to one outfit if you can. The more we know about you the better! Be careful not to spend a long day at the lake or golf course the day before your session. A tired red face can be difficult to photograph and not to much fun either!
Maternity
For maternity pictures we suggest that you be photographed in your seventh or eigth month. Black is always flattering; it's warming and minimizes areas that you do not want to emphasize. Remember to schedule ahead. You should always schedule your newborn appointment at this time.
Babies (Dress for Success)
I want your baby to be the center of attention in his or her portrait, so we discourage busy or uncomfortable outfits. Tiny babies can't sit, so when they lay down, even the cutest clothes bunch up, and distract from the portrait. Avoid clothing that is too big, because it tends to bunch and cover the baby's features. For newborns to six months cloth diapers are always a good choice. We advise you to focus on diaper covers for infants and newborns. You can accessorize with hats, headbands, ribbons and bows for the cuteness factor (we have many). A hat makes a wonderful frame for an adorable face. Be aware that many babies despise having their clothes changed. Changing clothes can sometimes end a session, so we advise no more than two clothing options. It's best to start with your favorite outfit first because you never know how long a little one will last.
Munchies (for Babies)
Do not forget the bottle and the munchies! (Remember, bottle babies might need water, not just juice or formula). We all like to eat comfort food and if a child gets upset, a full tummy can make everything better!
What about the clouds and maybe rain. Clouds are a photographers friend! They help eliminate unwanted shadows from harsh light, improve backgrounds and provides more options in open areas. It's all about the quality of light and knowing precisely how to use it to your advantage.
Keeping it Fun!
A good expression on every face is the very heart of the family portrait. Organize everything the day before your session so that your family members do not feel hurried and hassled. This will ensure good expressions! For example, if Dad doesn't want to wear a tie, we do not want to force him. Let him make a photo-memory in comfort. If your son wants to bring his skateboard for a special shot, encourage him. If your daughter needs her teddy bear for comfort, be sure she has it. If your family is most comfortable in Blue Jeans, wear blue jeans. If you have a family interest in scuba diving, bring some gear for a fun shot. LLLP will make your portrait experience a very special event. I will draw out the best in each of you for the best facial expressions, so be prepared to have a wonderful time just enjoying each other!
Clothing (Family Portraits)
We like to design family portraits with a coordinated color scheme. Keep this in mind when you choose your wardrobe. You do not have to be matchy-matchy, but colors should compliment each other. Usually, I recommend warm-toned clothing for your family portrait. We suggest Black (always flattering ), Navy Blue, Forest Green, and Burgundy Red. Solid white shirts or pants will emphasize the clothing and not the person. In harsh light white clothing can create a long list of avoidable issues. So, my recommendation is to limit solid white clothing if you can. Yes, Levi's are fine.
Camera Ready (for Women)
Makeup should be slightly heavier than normal. Also, avoid makeup with any 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.
High School Senior
Today's High School Seniors are incredibly fun. Each session is as unique as the person being photographed. Whether it be quiet and thought provoking, very contemporary, sports related or challenging locations. Today's seniors demand high skill levels from qualified photographers to capture the memories of this important chapter in their lives. Clothing tends to be livelier, brighter and typically exactly what you like to wear (even light patterns). Be careful on the sleeveless shirts unless you love your arms. White is a challenging color. Limit your whites to one outfit if you can. The more we know about you the better! Be careful not to spend a long day at the lake or golf course the day before your session. A tired red face can be difficult to photograph and not to much fun either!
Maternity
For maternity pictures we suggest that you be photographed in your seventh or eigth month. Black is always flattering; it's warming and minimizes areas that you do not want to emphasize. Remember to schedule ahead. You should always schedule your newborn appointment at this time.
Babies (Dress for Success)
I want your baby to be the center of attention in his or her portrait, so we discourage busy or uncomfortable outfits. Tiny babies can't sit, so when they lay down, even the cutest clothes bunch up, and distract from the portrait. Avoid clothing that is too big, because it tends to bunch and cover the baby's features. For newborns to six months cloth diapers are always a good choice. We advise you to focus on diaper covers for infants and newborns. You can accessorize with hats, headbands, ribbons and bows for the cuteness factor (we have many). A hat makes a wonderful frame for an adorable face. Be aware that many babies despise having their clothes changed. Changing clothes can sometimes end a session, so we advise no more than two clothing options. It's best to start with your favorite outfit first because you never know how long a little one will last.
Munchies (for Babies)
Do not forget the bottle and the munchies! (Remember, bottle babies might need water, not just juice or formula). We all like to eat comfort food and if a child gets upset, a full tummy can make everything better!
