Wardrobe Tips
Simplicity is the key when it comes to planning a portrait. Solid colors are best. Avoid large or bold patterns and bright colors. They draw attention away from the face. Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended. They draw attention away from the arms and focus on the face. (Short sleeves are acceptable for infants and small children.
Coordinate your child's attire from head to toe, carefully selecting appropriate shoes and socks or stockings, as I may suggest a full length pose. Darker clothing tends to minimize body size, and light tones tend to emphasize body size. Necklines are important. A scoop or v-neck is best if your neck is short and your face is full. A turtleneck or high-necked garment is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender.
Dress everyone in the same style clothing. Do not mix casual and formal attire. Do not mix light and dark colors. Save stronger colors and patterns for accent items like scarves and neckties. White or light pastel clothing looks best in portraits taken against a white or light colored background. Dark clothing looks best photographed against darker backgrounds and creates a more formal mood.
To personalize your portraits, I encourage you to bring your own props or a favorite toy to the session.
I suggest you bring a comb, brush and damp washcloth to tame fly-away strands of hair (if you forget, don't worry I will have one). For toddlers, bring a dry snack, something that will not soil their clothes. Arrive a few minutes early. Don't let last minute traffic and delays create stress for this important event! Let me interact with your child to make him/her more comfortable. If your child cries, don't worry I can usually stop the tears within minutes! Most importantly, have fun! A professional portrait is meant to capture the moment, not force it!
Some other things to consider:
Who's it for?
Decide what type of sitting you'd like:
Single - Perfect for special occasions and annual portraits.
Family - Capture the smiles of the entire family!
Group - Two or more people, catch those siblings interacting and playing! Group pictures are the perfect gifts for relatives!
Combo - I'll capture the smiles of your children individually, as well as some poses together. Don't forget to include yourself in some of these portraits, an individual portrait taken with Mom or Dad let's them know how special they are! Select a time that works best with your family's schedule. Are your children typically more relaxed in the morning or afternoon? Generally, children photograph best when they are well rested and fed.
Family Portraits...
Keep it fun! Remember, children will quickly pick up on stress! Avoid the last minute rush by preparing your clothing early. While family portraits are very special, don't forget to take this opportunity to have a portrait taken of you and your spouse together. I will take individual shots of each of the children, as well as all of the siblings together. Have a special portrait taken with Mom and the children for Dad's desk at work, and vice-versa.
When selecting clothing, keep in mind the "look" you would like to portray. For a dramatic look dress everyone in white. For a casual look try denim shirts for all. Provide continuity by selecting a color in each persons outfit that is the same. Let your individual personalities shine through.
Children's Portraits...
Let their personalities shine through! Personalize their portraits by bringing a special prop, uniform, costume or favorite toy. Infants should be well rested and fed prior to your appointment. Young toddlers are the trickiest to prepare. They quickly pick up on stress and may become nervous, so keep it fun and don't rehearse the sitting. Arrive early and let me get to know your child.
When selecting clothing, keep in mind where we will be and the weather for that day, and use your best judgment. I will try my best to get the portraits you deserve and at times I may run behind schedule while trying to get that perfect smile for someone.
Simplicity is the key when it comes to planning a portrait. Solid colors are best. Avoid large or bold patterns and bright colors. They draw attention away from the face. Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended. They draw attention away from the arms and focus on the face. (Short sleeves are acceptable for infants and small children.
Coordinate your child's attire from head to toe, carefully selecting appropriate shoes and socks or stockings, as I may suggest a full length pose. Darker clothing tends to minimize body size, and light tones tend to emphasize body size. Necklines are important. A scoop or v-neck is best if your neck is short and your face is full. A turtleneck or high-necked garment is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender.
Dress everyone in the same style clothing. Do not mix casual and formal attire. Do not mix light and dark colors. Save stronger colors and patterns for accent items like scarves and neckties. White or light pastel clothing looks best in portraits taken against a white or light colored background. Dark clothing looks best photographed against darker backgrounds and creates a more formal mood.
To personalize your portraits, I encourage you to bring your own props or a favorite toy to the session.
I suggest you bring a comb, brush and damp washcloth to tame fly-away strands of hair (if you forget, don't worry I will have one). For toddlers, bring a dry snack, something that will not soil their clothes. Arrive a few minutes early. Don't let last minute traffic and delays create stress for this important event! Let me interact with your child to make him/her more comfortable. If your child cries, don't worry I can usually stop the tears within minutes! Most importantly, have fun! A professional portrait is meant to capture the moment, not force it!
Some other things to consider:
Who's it for?
Decide what type of sitting you'd like:
Single - Perfect for special occasions and annual portraits.
Family - Capture the smiles of the entire family!
Group - Two or more people, catch those siblings interacting and playing! Group pictures are the perfect gifts for relatives!
Combo - I'll capture the smiles of your children individually, as well as some poses together. Don't forget to include yourself in some of these portraits, an individual portrait taken with Mom or Dad let's them know how special they are! Select a time that works best with your family's schedule. Are your children typically more relaxed in the morning or afternoon? Generally, children photograph best when they are well rested and fed.
Family Portraits...
Keep it fun! Remember, children will quickly pick up on stress! Avoid the last minute rush by preparing your clothing early. While family portraits are very special, don't forget to take this opportunity to have a portrait taken of you and your spouse together. I will take individual shots of each of the children, as well as all of the siblings together. Have a special portrait taken with Mom and the children for Dad's desk at work, and vice-versa.
When selecting clothing, keep in mind the "look" you would like to portray. For a dramatic look dress everyone in white. For a casual look try denim shirts for all. Provide continuity by selecting a color in each persons outfit that is the same. Let your individual personalities shine through.
Children's Portraits...
Let their personalities shine through! Personalize their portraits by bringing a special prop, uniform, costume or favorite toy. Infants should be well rested and fed prior to your appointment. Young toddlers are the trickiest to prepare. They quickly pick up on stress and may become nervous, so keep it fun and don't rehearse the sitting. Arrive early and let me get to know your child.
When selecting clothing, keep in mind where we will be and the weather for that day, and use your best judgment. I will try my best to get the portraits you deserve and at times I may run behind schedule while trying to get that perfect smile for someone.