We live in a digital world where everyone has a digital camera handy – even on their phones. So why hire a professional photographer?

When your kids are off to college will you have an iPhone photo of them hanging on the wall? Or will you be thankful you paid a little more for the expertise of a photographer with over 15 years experience? Can you place a value on a beautiful portrait of your child, spouse or family decades from now?

Some things to keep in mind before a portrait session:

We are going to make you look good. But it sure helps us if you get a good night’s rest the night before your shoot! Are your hands going to be in the shot? If so, are they manicured?

Clothing

What type of portrait would you like? Power portrait for business? Fun and silly? Classic and enduring family shot? Bring a few outfits that fit the look you are going for. If you are planning on full length shots, polished shoes, hosiery and socks (guys). We don’t want anything to distract from your face, so solid color shirts are ideal (please avoid all white). Patterned shirts can distract the viewer from your face, which is the point of your portrait! Long sleeves, short sleeves or bare shoulders are all ok. It just depends on your comfort level.

Business Portraits

A business portrait is an important means of projecting your confidence in your brand. Please come dressed in neatly pressed clothing that reflects your industry. We can help you choose the right colors based on your choice of an outdoor or studio session.

Props

Props are a great way to get the ball rolling so to speak. Pick some things that speak to your personality. Don’t be shy – get creative!

Some examples:

instruments

flowers

uniforms

hats

sporting gear

stuffed animals

sunglasses (make sure they have nice polished lenses)

Ladies:

A few simple rules for the lovely ladies… No new hair cuts just before your session! It’s best if you give 2 weeks between cuts. This allows for perms to settle a little. Bring your usual necessities such as makeup, hairbrush and any other items you would use to pretty yourself up. Put on makeup as if you were going out for an elegant evening at the symphony!

We have professional make-up artists available if arranged in advance for $75. Go as glamorous as you like!

Gents:

Don’t forget about the dreaded 5 o’clock shadow! This can’t be removed in photoshop. Please shave just before your portrait session!

Kids:

We all know about kids’ short attention spans. Bring anything that might help make them more comfortable. Their favorite toys, blankets, dolls can all help. Make sure they are well fed before they come. A nap ahead of time wouldn’t hurt either! If you are having your newborn photographed, black turtleneck sweaters can be the ideal outfit to help create a backdrop for your infant.

Accessories:

Do you wear glasses all the time? if so, you are likely going to want them in your portraits. Please be aware that outdoor and indoor light create glare and reflections on the lenses. This is very difficult to remove – even with photoshop! And remember that any accessories that leave marks on your skin should be removed at least an hour before your session. These items could be watches, earrings, bracelets, etc. If you would like to wear jewelry, please bring a selection of items so that we can coordinate them with your outfit.

Most importantly:

Relax and have fun! If you’re having fun, you’ll see it in the photos. We promise!