Portrait Preparation Tips

CLOTHING

• Long or 3/4 sleeves are recommended – it makes you look taller and more slender, and it emphasizes your face. Generally this is where we want the most skin showing. Avoid sleeveless/short sleeves if possible. It makes your arms look chunky.
• Stick to solid colors when possible, particularly in a large group or family picture. Patterned clothing distracts from the subjects
• Dress from head to toe. Make sure that your shoes and socks match your outfit. . . your never know when an un-matching item of clothing might peek out in a picture. There’s more room for creativity if we’re not constantly trying to hide a certain article of clothing.
• When getting a family or group picture taken, choose a color (or set of complementary colors), and have each member where a shade or variation of that color

HAIR

• Plan to get a haircut 5 to 7 days before your photograph. Hair that is cut too recently looks unnatural, and hair that has waited too long looks messy and un-kept.
• Fancy up-do's are great for bridal shots and on your wedding day. For other portraits we recommend sticking to a more natural hair style

MAKE-UP

• When applying mascara, add a second coat. Or use a mascara with a primer. When you think you have enough on, add a little more
• Avoid white or sliver-colored eye liner especially right against your eyelash. If you must use white, add a line of black or brown first. White eyeliner makes your eyes look smaller, and doesn't photograph very well. Blue eyeliner on the inside makes the whites of your eyes whiter.
• Be careful to fully blend in your makeup, especially around the edges of your face
• If you don’t usually wear makeup-do it for the picture, you will be happier /w the result

ADEQUATE REST

• Do not come to your photo sitting sleep deprived. The lack of sleep will show in your face, particularly in your eyes
• Try to get a full night's sleep the night before your pictures are taken. Rest as needed to ensure that you are alert and attentive
• For photos involving small children, be sure that they have had their daily nap. And make sure not to schedule your sitting during their routine nap time

PROPS, ENVIRONMENT & THEMED SHOTS (ESPECIALLY CHILDREN/SENIORS)

• Bring Items that reflect your personality/interests
• Children: bring a favorite toy/blanket (things your child loves that you want in the photograph to remember), dress-up clothes, etc.
• Seniors: Letterman Jackets, instruments, trophies, uniforms, etc. – whatever is your personality – how you want to be remembered.
• Missionaries: Bring your scriptures & a suitcase/luggage. If you have a best friend leaving at the same time, schedule together for an additional friends photo.
• If you have any props or ideas of the portrait you want (i.e. childhood photo you want to duplicate), just tell me and we’ll try to make it work.

BRING A FRIEND

• Bring someone with you – a friend, parent, sibling. They will be a second pair of eyes. They know what you look like naturally (I may not) and will be able to get true expressions to emerge. They will also be able to carry props, jackets, etc. It’s always better to have 2 pairs of eyes to catch stray hairs, crooked necklaces, etc. I may use them to hold a reflector, which will enhance the quality of your portraits. Be sure to thank them for helping out!