CLOTHING, GROOMING, PERSONALIZATION
Photography combines scientific detail with traditional art’s beautiful composition and color. Just like the artist who uses oils, the photographer knows that if the setting composition or colors aren’t right, the resulting portrait won’t be able to achieve the mood and affect both you and your photographer desire.
The photographer will take care of technique and composition in your portraits, but, when it comes to colors, clothes, make-up, and items of interest to personalize your portrait, we need your help.
That’s why we suggest reviewing the following tips and recommendations before your portrait session with us. Please read through our suggestions and if you have something in mind for your portrait that we haven’t covered please e-mail us or call us. Please feel free to copy this material and send it to all of the portrait session members
Creating a perfect portrait takes a little planning. Fine portraiture captures facial expressions and mood, while clothing, accessories, and props are secondary and shouldn't create any distractions
CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS
When choosing clothing there are several basics you’ll want to keep in mind:
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Broad stripes and bold patterns tend to place emphasis on clothing and not on you.
Broad stripes and bold patterns tend to place emphasis on clothing and not on you.•Very bright colors really stand out and will sometimes lighten or darken flesh tones.
Very bright colors really stand out and will sometimes lighten or darken flesh tones.•Long sleeves on men- with or without jackets and 3/4 length or long sleeves for women are recommended.
Long sleeves on men- with or without jackets and 3/4 length or long sleeves for women are recommended.•Hair cuts which have grown out for a few days will make for a better portrait.
Hair cuts which have grown out for a few days will make for a better portrait.•Especially heavy makeup and unusual hair styles tend to be more obvious in a portrait and may detract from the person.
Especially heavy makeup and unusual hair styles tend to be more obvious in a portrait and may detract from the person. •Remember that white clothing will add weight, while darker shades will tend to slim you down. Dark clothes can be used in creating very dramatic portraits using “Low-Key” technique.
Remember that white clothing will add weight, while darker shades will tend to slim you down. Dark clothes can be used in creating very dramatic portraits using “Low-Key” technique.•For groups, harmony is the key. Select fabrics, shades and styles for each individual so they will blend together. That way everyone looks good!
For groups, harmony is the key. Select fabrics, shades and styles for each individual so they will blend together. That way everyone looks good!•Dress for the room that the portrait will be displayed in
Dress for the room that the portrait will be displayed in •Avoid clothing with patterns as they dominate the portrait
Avoid clothing with patterns as they dominate the portrait •Choose flattering clothing color for skin tones and the portrait feeling
Choose flattering clothing color for skin tones and the portrait feeling •Avoid clothing styles that will become out of date soon
Avoid clothing styles that will become out of date soon •Coordinate all portrait members’ clothing similarly if not identical.
Coordinate all portrait members’ clothing similarly if not identical. •Elbows usually don’t photograph well! Choose long sleeves and avoid sleeveless or short sleeves unless your arms are very flattering.
Elbows usually don’t photograph well! Choose long sleeves and avoid sleeveless or short sleeves unless your arms are very flattering. •When choosing slacks or skirt length, choose a length that is attractive to your figure. If you don’t like your thighs or legs don’t show them. If your thighs and legs are one of your best attributes, let’s show them off in your portrait. We suggest that you analyze your attributes, keep in mind that you may be photographed either seated or standing.
When choosing slacks or skirt length, choose a length that is attractive to your figure. If you don’t like your thighs or legs don’t show them. If your thighs and legs are one of your best attributes, let’s show them off in your portrait. We suggest that you analyze your attributes, keep in mind that you may be photographed either seated or standing. •Choose clothing that is neither too tight nor too loose because this assures that it will hang evenly without excess creases or folds. Although such detail is not often noticed in real life, it can be very obvious in a portrait. Frequently at Photogenic Photography our poses are laying down, leaning or such, clothing needs to be able to hang well in non-straight up and down positions.
Choose clothing that is neither too tight nor too loose because this assures that it will hang evenly without excess creases or folds. Although such detail is not often noticed in real life, it can be very obvious in a portrait. Frequently at Photogenic Photography our poses are laying down, leaning or such, clothing needs to be able to hang well in non-straight up and down positions. CHOOSING COLORS, STYLES, PATTERNS
AND CHANGES OF CLOTHING
•A general rule for choosing clothing is try for simplicity. Bright colors and bold patterns such as large stripes or dots or logos tend to draw the eye away from the person or persons in the portrait. If you plan on displaying your portrait for many years avoid high-fashion looks that will not be in season long. Instead go for the traditional clothing that will still be in use years from now and not date itself in the future.
A general rule for choosing clothing is try for simplicity. Bright colors and bold patterns such as large stripes or dots or logos tend to draw the eye away from the person or persons in the portrait. If you plan on displaying your portrait for many years avoid high-fashion looks that will not be in season long. Instead go for the traditional clothing that will still be in use years from now and not date itself in the future. •Choosing clothing styles for families is a little more difficult than for an individual or a couple. To coordinate a family, first check the colors in the room where the main portrait will be displayed. Choose complementing solid colors and simple lines to make the portrait pleasing to the eye. An individual might be able to wear an exotic color that suits his or her complexion or perhaps even an outfit with several colors in it. But you can’t dress your family that way. You’ll find that when there are too many colors and lines you just can’t “see” the faces. In portraiture the face is the most important feature. Any other ingredient such as clothing should enhance the portrait members’ faces not compete.
Choosing clothing styles for families is a little more difficult than for an individual or a couple. To coordinate a family, first check the colors in the room where the main portrait will be displayed. Choose complementing solid colors and simple lines to make the portrait pleasing to the eye. An individual might be able to wear an exotic color that suits his or her complexion or perhaps even an outfit with several colors in it. But you can’t dress your family that way. You’ll find that when there are too many colors and lines you just can’t “see” the faces. In portraiture the face is the most important feature. Any other ingredient such as clothing should enhance the portrait members’ faces not compete. •When planning a session with clothing changes (see the description of the different sessions that we offer) be sure to bring your favorite clothes. Clothing changes can range from T-shirt and cutoffs to formal attire or even sports uniforms. We encourage families to bring formal and informal clothing changes as well as any special outfits for individual portraits. Check to see which of our portrait sessions best fits your change of clothing needs and/or portrait needs. With our outdoor facilities right at our studio it is common to use formal clothing for the in-studio part of a session and then change into casual outdoor clothing for the outdoor part of the session.
When planning a session with clothing changes (see the description of the different sessions that we offer) be sure to bring your favorite clothes. Clothing changes can range from T-shirt and cutoffs to formal attire or even sports uniforms. We encourage families to bring formal and informal clothing changes as well as any special outfits for individual portraits. Check to see which of our portrait sessions best fits your change of clothing needs and/or portrait needs. With our outdoor facilities right at our studio it is common to use formal clothing for the in-studio part of a session and then change into casual outdoor clothing for the outdoor part of the session. •For out of town portrait session planning or with several different households all coming in together for a big group session, use our web site to help discuss ideas and set up the clothing rules for all of the members. Remember that there are different shades of the same color. For example, if everyone is going to wear blue – you could have many different bluish colors. You need to be specific for the best color match.
For out of town portrait session planning or with several different households all coming in together for a big group session, use our web site to help discuss ideas and set up the clothing rules for all of the members. Remember that there are different shades of the same color. For example, if everyone is going to wear blue – you could have many different bluish colors. You need to be specific for the best color match. GROOMING FOR WOMEN
To look natural wear your daytime make-up. Avoid false eyelashes that cast shadows, and use powder and eye shadow sparingly. To make your complexion look glowing and healthy under the lights, use a shade of foundation only one shade darker than your complexion and blend it past the chin line. Blend the foundation over the jaw line just slightly onto the neck area. An abrupt color change between the face and neck should be avoided. Facial blemishes can be minimized with the use of a solid cover-up. For longevity and layer start by applying a liquid or cream foundation if needed, and then add color with a cream blush. Dust with translucent powder to set the cream, then, if needed, apply a layer of powder blush on top of that. For eyes, prep lids with foundation, loose powder, or primer before applying shadow. Remember, if you start with a powder foundation, continue by applying powder shadow; liquid and cream foundation must be set with powder before moving to powder eye shadows, or if you like, cream shadows work great. If using primer, it should be followed by cream shadows. In all cases, finish with a light dusting of loose powder to set. To avoid shine from the camera flash, use powder. A little shimmer is okay; it adds dimension. But avoid heavy, overdone frost or glitter, which will get picked up by the flash and reflect tenfold. To combat natural oils and shine, keep blotting papers in your bag for touch-ups in between photos, especially on a long day. Finally, be careful with super-bright lip colors. They will show the most smudges, and thus the application must be perfect. Reds are more difficult than soft peaches and pinks.
An extra coat of mascara will make your lashes appear longer and fuller. To prevent a spikey look, brush the lashes lightly with a mascara comb or brush between applications. If you have lines under your eyes – use a lightener to hide them. A gloss lipstick is also important, as is eye shadow that defines the eyes but doesn’t call attention to the color of the eyelids.
Wear your hair the way you like it best and don’t try a new hairstyle for your session. Although it may be possible to try a new hairstyle and have it turn out the way you want it the first time, that doesn’t happen often. The key to making your hair look its best in your portraits is to wear your normal hair and keep it smooth. Loose ends will pick up light in the studio and photograph prominently.
GROOMING FOR MEN
•Be sure to shave within an hour or so of your session. A five o’clock shadow cannot be removed with simple retouching. If you plan to have a haircut before your session, try to schedule it a week in advance so freshly cut ends won’t stand out and your hair will have time to grow into the new style. This is especially important in summer when a haircut may reveal un-tanned skin.
Be sure to shave within an hour or so of your session. A five o’clock shadow cannot be removed with simple retouching. If you plan to have a haircut before your session, try to schedule it a week in advance so freshly cut ends won’t stand out and your hair will have time to grow into the new style. This is especially important in summer when a haircut may reveal un-tanned skin.BIRTH MARKS, MOLES, SCARS AND OTHER MARKS
•It is probably best to discuss any important facial or body marks that will show with us prior to the session. Using the digital image enhancement tools available today can significantly remedy these marks if desired.
It is probably best to discuss any important facial or body marks that will show with us prior to the session. Using the digital image enhancement tools available today can significantly remedy these marks if desired.BRACES AND TEETH
•It is possible to remove braces from images today, however it is expensive. It is probably less expensive to have the orthodontist temporarily remove the front braces prior to your session. The new clear type of braces offers less of a problem. Or if you don’t want the braces to show – we suggest smaller smiles or no smiles.
It is possible to remove braces from images today, however it is expensive. It is probably less expensive to have the orthodontist temporarily remove the front braces prior to your session. The new clear type of braces offers less of a problem. Or if you don’t want the braces to show – we suggest smaller smiles or no smiles. •It is also possible using digital techniques to brighten teeth. Discuss the matter with your photographer prior to the session.
It is also possible using digital techniques to brighten teeth. Discuss the matter with your photographer prior to the session. EXPRESS YOURSELF
•We encourage everyone who visits our studio for a session to express themselves. We invite you to bring sports equipment, crafts, books, uniforms, changes of clothing even the family pet. Bring anything that helps personalize your portraits. It’s really worth the extra effort.
We encourage everyone who visits our studio for a session to express themselves. We invite you to bring sports equipment, crafts, books, uniforms, changes of clothing even the family pet. Bring anything that helps personalize your portraits. It’s really worth the extra effort.TIPS ON EYEGLASSES
If possible don't wear glasses. If you have to wear glasses try to get a set of empty frames in the same style that you wear so that there will be no glass glare or corner refraction problems. Do not wear sunglasses, colored lenses or lenses that darken. There are no problems associated with contact lenses that you need to be concerned with for your session.
CHECK OUT THE BACKGROUND
Find out or decide ahead of time whether the portrait background will be light or dark, and dress you child accordingly. Light clothing works best with light backgrounds. This allows anyone who views your child's portrait to notice his or her facial expression first.
KEEP OUTFITS SIMPLE
Bright patterns can detract from the most important parts of the portrait -- your child's face and expression. To ensure your child is more prominent than the clothes, try outfits with solid colors.
Well, this completes our tips and suggestions to help make your portrait session at Photogenic Photography & Studio as exciting and personal as possible. The small amount of good planning that you invest will mean many years of enjoyment of the finished portraits.
And, please feel free to call us or e-mail us as often as you need to. No question is too simple. We want to make your portraits as memorable as possible.
