Resources
With a little preparation and planning, we can create the perfect portrait Here is a runthrough of the things that should be kept in mind when preparing for your portrait session with me. These tips generally apply for my Timeless Sessions. Photoshoots for models or commercial work may not adhere to some of these guidelines, especially if the clothing or attire is the focus of the shoot, or if dramatic make-up is required.
ClothingClothing and colors are very important factors. If you select and harmonize the right tones, fashions, and background settings, your portrait will be pleasing to the eye, have a sense of harmony and balance, and will have the look and feeling of a masterpiece.
Be Consistent. In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. Choose colors in the same tonal range so that no single member stands out. Very simple garments and solid tones work best. Whatever style you do choose, be it casual, semi-casual or formal, it is entirely personal and should reflect your taste. If you are uncomfortable in your clothing, it will show in your portraits.
There are no colors that are preferred over others (well not really), and you can easily mix tones, but keep in mind that everything should be consistent. For example, if you were going with lighter colors and pastels, you can mix different shades of blues, yellows, greens, etc. The important thing to remember is that everyone should be wearing lighter or pastel colors. The same guidelines apply for medium tones and dark tones.
What to Avoid
Busy patterns. They are usually quite distracting, and take the attention away from the face. For example: bold horizontal or vertical stripes, plaids, floral patterns, polka dots, etc.
Running shoes.
Short tight skirts (unless it's a fashion shoot).
Tinted glasses, especially outdoors. It's impossible to see the eyes through them. If you can pop out the lenses or use an alternate pair, great!
For men: 5 o-clock shadow.
New haircuts. Stick with a cut that is a few days old and is tried and true. (And possibly one that you are pretty sure will still look fashionable in several years - try to avoid bright hair colors, funky shapes, etc. Again, this may not apply to a fashion shoot)
Tight white shirts on men with larger bellies.
Short sleeves and short pants, Especially for women. Knees, biceps and elbows are best kept under clothes.
Fad type clothing (bell-bottoms, funky hats, etc.) - unless you are planning to have a portrait taken annually.
Slimming Colors and Ideas Most people prefer to look a little slimmer than they are; yes it's true that a poorly-posed shot can add a few pounds. However, I always do my best to correct that, and possibly subtract a few extra pounds by proper posing, turning your body to a better angle, and adjusting the camera angle or height. However, it does make a big difference if you try the following options:
Darker Colors are slimming. Consider Black, Olive, Gray, Navy, Plum, Burgundy, Dark Brown, or Eggplant.
Solid colors (monochromatic) are slimming.
Try pants with a flat front; No drawstrings, zippers, or decorations.
Avoid a lot or bulky pockets that draw attention to the waist area.
Try using eye catching, shiny jewelry or objects to avert attention away from problem areas.
Simple lines are slimming; consider A Line Skirts, collared blazers and blouses.
Single breasted jackets or blazers are great.
Heels add height and therefore are slimming on the legs for a full length portrait.
An interesting or long neckline draws attention from other areas.
Good posture always makes you look slimmer.
Be sure to wear your proper size. You'll look slimmer in clothes that fit properly rather than too tight.
Short sleeves make upper arms look wider.
Tying hair back has a tendency to show lots of face, so avoid this.
Hair should frame the face nicely and looks great when coordinated with a soft, high collar that will frame the lower portion of the face.
For Families or Group Portraits
Clothing for group portraits must be carefully selected to blend the bodies together. First, decide whether the basic tone of the clothing will be warm-toned (browns etc.) or cool-toned (blues, grays, blacks etc.) It is sometimes very difficult to get everyone coordinated due to distance factors. When this is the case, I will work with whatever you show up in, and try to balance the colors within the poses. You don't all have to wear the same outfit, but a harmony between similar shades is always best.