What should you wear?
What to wear: female
Girls should feel comfortable: wear just about anything. However, keep a few things in mind. First, solids always photograph better than prints. Avoid stripes, prints and patterns, they do not photograh well. Obviously avoid clothing with any wording or large brand names on them. Definitely bring extra outfits and we will help you decide when you get here. Avoid white clothing for outdoor portraits.
I suggest you bring a variety of clothing to your session: AT LEAST four to five outfits for for each type of setting (studio, outdoor). In fact, it's best to bring lots of clothes, then I'll help you narrow down your selections to match your favorites with each locaton or setting.
When you first arrive, we'll lay out your clothing and step through each piece with you: deciding how we'll use certain items for each location and the studio.
I like to shoot barefoot, (you , not me!), so, don't bring a lot of shoes. I like the look of a long-sleeve dark top (or black) for some of the studio shots. I recommend a traditional dress outfit for the traditional session and a selection of casual outfits that best show your personality. Darker solids usually work best for formal portraits and studio black/whites. Off-the-shoulder dresses are nice, but only if you don't have tan lines. White or pastels usually are best for light backgrounds. Basic primary colors as well as black and white (white indoor only) are great for casuals. Red is a great color for outdoors. Denim always photographs nicely.
Remember the clothing should be flattering but not overpowering. Bring some long-sleeved outfits mostly. Bring a variety -- please do not bring only short sleeves and/or thin strapped tops. Although they're in style, the look of the "camisole layered under a top" does not photograph well.
Bring a jacket or two! A jacket over a shirt allows for a quick change of clothing. We really like to use a jean jacket or something similar. It serves as another "look," makes a good prop, and seems to be very popular in the final shots our seniors select.
Hair
Hair styling should be appropriate to the clothing selection. Avoid new hairstyles or having your hair cut or permed the week before your portrait session. Don't do anything radical or "new" the morning of your portrait session. Don't use more or less hair products, etc. Be sure to schedule that highlight or coloring appointment so that you're "ready" to be photographed. If you would like to change your hairstyle during your session, make sure that it is a simple change which can be done quickly.
Makeup
Makeup for portraits should be only slightly heavier than normal. Too much makeup tends to give you that "painted" look, too little might not show off your best features. Even if you don't wear much makeup, be sure to bring a loose translucent powder to eliminate shine especially for oily skin. Bring a compact mirror for on-location quick touch-ups on skin, eyes and lips. Inquire at your local department store or other cosmetic counter about "photography friendly" make-up. They can steer you in the right direction.
Since most portraits concentrate on the eyes, great care should be taken to make them perfect. Avoid using excessively bright colors and mascara should be neat and without clumps. Avoid "fad" colors, they won't be in style next year.
How do your nails look? Don't arrive with chips in your paint. Many girls will have a fresh set of nails and/or French manicure because their hands are often in play for the portraits.
If you're coming from school or practice, make sure your skin is free from markings like ink or anything else. Be careful with tanning. Tan lines can not be removed.
What to wear: male
Guys, bring several outfits. A suit or sport coat for formal poses. Make sure your shirts are pressed to avoid wrinkles. Casual outfits are best kept to solid colors. Denim, white (white - indoor only), black and solid earth tones always look good. Reds are great colors for outdoors. Bring 2-3 outfits for each type of setting.
Bring a jacket or two! A jacket over a shirt allows for a quick change of clothing. We really like to use a jean jacket or something similar. It serves as another "look," makes a good prop, and seems to be very popular in the final shots our seniors select.
Guys: make sure that you are clean shaven. Beard stubble cannot be retouched well. Don't try a new hairstyle just before your portrait session.
Other stuff to consider:
If you wear glasses, borrow an empty pair of frames if possible or work with your optometrist to remove the lenses to avoid glare. Or, you can personally use a screwdriver and remove the lenses.
Speaking of your eyes: what color are they? Bring a shirt that really brings out the great color of your eyes!
Bring props and clothing that have meaning to you: sports equipment or uniforms, dance outfits, musical instruments, your class ring, cowboy hat, and your car/truck if you wish. If you'd like to involve your pet - be sure to clear that with us first. What's your favorite flower? Bring one with you: we'll incorporate it in the photo session.
Finally: please don't be late. Consider arriving 5 to 10 minutes early. Our session begins at a precise time that allows us to hit our locations perfectly with light and schedule considerations. Help us give you the complete service by arriving on-time.
How do I get started?
Your experience begins by contacting me for an initial personal pre-portrait consultation (via phone and email). I seek to understand YOU! We'll review clothing, location, and the portrait styles that you are seeking. We'll explore what you want, and what your parents want. Be prepared to tell me about activities, sports, clubs, friends, church, music and everything else that is part of your life. We seek to understand you, because your portraits should reflect the REAL you. I look forward to hearing from you today!
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All Images Copyrighted 2009 Prime Digital Photography.
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