Clothing
Avoid stripes and plaids. Stripes make you look heavier and plaid is distracting. Solid colors photograph much better. Sleeveless outfits make you look heavier than you really are. Long sleeves make you look thinner. Avoid clothing with wording, it is distracting and will be quickly dated. Darker clothing makes you look thinner. If you want your hips to look smaller, wear dark pants.
Vary the style and color of your outfits. If all of your outfits are sleeveless and blue, all of your images are going to look similar and you won’t have much variety. Bring some long and short sleeve tops, and some dark and some light.
Bring extra outfits so we can help you choose the ones that work the best. Bring the outfits that Mom wants. We will create three or four images to get the photo she wants and we’ll move on to what YOU want! The formal portrait looks best with dark, long-sleeved tops and dark pants. Dark sweaters work very well.
Bring your outfits on hangers and group them together the way you want to wear them. Don’t stuff them in a bag. If they are wrinkled, the wrinkles WILL show in the photographs! We have an iron but ironing takes time away from your session.
The faster you change, the more time we have for photographs. If you take forever changing, you will have fewer images to choose from. Finally; bring clothes you are comfortable in.
Hair
Avoid getting a hair cut or changing your hair style just before your session. Easy hair style changes during your session add variety to your images. The photographer will make changes to your hair but it’s your responsibility to let him know how you want your hair to look.
Props
Bring props to your photo session that show us who you are - sports equipment and uniforms, musical instruments, dance outfits, horse tack, hunting gear, collections, motorcycles, cars and even 18 wheelers help.
Complexion
We will retouch blemishes but a little cover-up always helps.
Tanning
Tanning for your photographs is fine but avoid burning. The redness of a burn cannot be removed by retouching.
Glasses
Most glasses glare. The glare can be retouched for an additional fee however it’s best if you get an empty pair of frames from you optometrist.
Pets
Pets are welcome. Bring someone along to handle your pet. We like cats but they don’t seem to like us. They must think they’re going to the vet and usually scratch the owner and shed all over.
Weather
Cloudy and sunny days both work great for outdoor portraits. If it’s raining we’ll still do your indoor portraits and reschedule your outdoor session. Many times there will be a break in the rain and we can get outside.
Tattoos, scars and braces
If you want your tattoo to show, let the photographer know. Scars can be left in a photograph or removed. Again, let the photographer know. Braces can be removed with retouching for an additional charge. Don’t avoid smiling, a smile with braces is better than a held-back smile.
Tips for Guys
Clothing
Keep Mom happy and do the outfit she wants. We only have to do a few photographs to get the “mom shot”. Then we can do the fun stuff you want.
Don’t wear a white t-shirt under a dark top. It sticks out like a sore thumb and is distracting. If you must wear a t-shirt, bring a dark shirt to match the top.
Bring dark shoes or sandals for full length shots. Bright neon tennis shoes look dumb with a nice outfit.
Friends and Parents
If you have a girlfriend, bring her along. She will help the photographer to get really great expressions and she can be in some poses at no additional charge. Parents are always welcome. If any companion is a distraction, they can wait in our gallery.
Shaving
Make sure you are clean shaven. Retouching stubble is difficult and never looks that great. Do you have a goatee that mom hates? Do your casual shots first then shave it off for mom’s formals.
Tips for Girls
Clothing
Sleeveless tops are often not very flattering and make your arms look fuller than they really are. Loose fitting clothing makes you look larger than you are. Make sure that your clothing flatters you. A v-neck top can be very slimming.
Makeup
Apply makeup a little heavier than normal. Just don’t overdo it.
Tan Lines
Tan lines distract from the photograph and are not attractive. Don’t overdo your tan. You’ll be handing your wallets out in the fall and a deep tan will look out of place.
Nail Polish
Nails show in photographs so be sure your nail polish is not chipped. Some photographs will be done barefoot so don’t neglect your toes!
Friends & Parents
Bring a friend along to help with hair and clothing. Your friend can help carry your stuff and also be in some poses at no additional charge. Parents are always welcome.