GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS

Here are some guidelines that will help insure that your portrait will look natural.  Remember though, they are just guidelines.  If you have any special concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

LOCATION

Pick anywhere you like, your home, a city park, or at my home/studio. Our landscaping provides a variety of outdoor settings including pine, cottonwood and gingko trees, a sumac forest, shrubs, tall grass, a water scene (in season) and various lawn environments.  Please let me know ahead of time for on location portraits that might require special arrangements.

 

CLOTHES

Simplicity is the key. For formal portraits, solid colors in brown, blue, or gray and coordinating colors are best. Proper fitting clothing is a must to avoid tightness and gathers where they are least flattering. Avoid light or bright colors and bold plaid, prints, or stripes. Long sleeves and close fitting necklines and collars are best for formal sittings. Just about anything goes for informal or theatrical portraits. Let me know in advance any special color schemes you may have in mind.

 

HAIR AND FACIAL TREATMENT

To look your best, look natural, the way people are most used to seeing you. Try to avoid radical hair style changes, as well as perms or haircuts immediately before your portrait. Give them at least a week. Style your hair the way you like it before your sitting. If we will be doing an environmental sitting bring your hairspray and a brush or comb. If you’re wearing make-up, subtle colors which accentuate your eyes or blouse will look best for eye shadow. If you use a base color, remember that the camera not only sees your face but your neck as well. Blend the colors softly and evenly so as to avoid deep looking shadows.

 

GLASSES

Lens glare is distracting to view in your proofs, and although it can be reduced in the final print, removal is unnecessarily costly and time consuming. Make an an appointment with your optician to borrow a pair of lens-less frames. If you have photo-gray, shaded or tinted lenses this is an absolute must.

 

IF YOU’RE NOT ALONE

If there are others besides yourself in the portrait, try to co-ordinate your clothing color schemes. Avoid sharp contrasts in clothing styles or colors. Generally earth tones or pastels are the easiest to work with.

 

I hope these suggestions are of assistance in preparing for your portrait. 

If you have any special concerns please feel free to contact me before your sitting.