Attire

Clothing Suggestions 

When choosing clothing, think simple and classic.  We want these portraits to look timeless and not dated.

For Little Girls:

  • You can go as simple as a cotton slip and bare feet.   Or dress up with elegant silk or satin which reflect light and shadow so beautifully in the folds of the fabric.
  • Tights are usually preferred as they photograph better than socks because they don't break up the line of the legs.  However, bare feet never go out of style.
  • Hair ribbons and bows should not be so large that they steal the show.
  • Sometimes hats are adorable...sometimes not.  But we can try. We want to have the focus on the subject and not let the clothes be the focus.
  • Bare-bottomed babies are also an option.
  • We can change clothes as many times as your little one will allow.  This is the time to try funky or trendy clothes or even their favorite costumes.  But only after we have exhausted the possibilities with your first choice and we're confident that we have a classic, beautiful portrait.

 

For Little Boys:

  • Babies and toddlers can wear cotton or linen in one or two-piece outfits.  Silk and satin photographs beautifully if you want to go dressier.  Also a satin edge to a cotton collar adds dimension.
  • Cotton or linen outfits with hand-smocking make classic portraits.
  • Barefooted boys in denim overalls or shortalls with no shirts photograph particularly well in black and white.
  • Babies, that are old enough to sit up, photograph better without shoes, as the bottom of the shoes is what will show in the photograph.
  • White or khaki or seersucker shorts can be worn on the bigger young man.  Crisply ironed oxford cloth shirts with rolled up sleeves, or simple polo shirts pair well with the shorts.
  • Jeans are another possibility.  Sweaters, turtlenecks or even plain white t-shirts are also combinations to consider. If you are interested in a themed composite utilizing costumes and such, lets discuss options and creative ideas.

 

Multiple People:

You want to consider four things when planning a portrait with more than one person.

  • All the subjects should be dressed for the same season.
  • Steer clear of busy patterns.
  • The degree of formality should be similar.  A little girl in a dressy dress should not be photographed with her brother in gymboree casual wear.
  • The tonal range of the colors needs to blend.  Choose light colors or dark colors. Your eye naturally goes to the person dressed in the lightest color.  The little girl in a pale yellow dress will garner all the attention if her sisters are dressed in navy blue.

However, you can purposefully choose contrasting tones if you want to focus the attention on a particular person.  For instance, parents may choose to dress in black so they become more of a backdrop to their naked infant or baby dressed in pale blue.

 

For All Seniors:

I specialize in a portraiture style that focuses on you... So lets discuss what best works for you. I want to know and understand your expectations going into the shoot so I can make the images you want

I want to do senior pictures that your children won't make fun of decades from now.  I like to produce the more edgy lighting such as you would find on a movie poster or advertisement but we can do soft traditional portraits as well if that is what you prefer.

We will capture a number of poses and positions to make sure and capture the best angles and looks that you will love. Its important to me that you are happy with the photos for years to come.

Senior Girls:

  • Wear make-up as you would for a special event, but not too trendy.  A soft-colored lipstick, blush and mascara make a big difference.  Even if you don't normally wear make-up, at least apply these basics for your sitting.  The lighting I use could really wash out your features without makeup.
  • Don't worry if you are having a bad complexion week, as all blemishes will be retouched in your final prints.
  • When choosing your clothing,  think particularly about the neckline, sleeve length and color of your tops for those photographs you may want to consider for your yearbook portrait.
  • You are welcome to change your outfits as many times as you like.  But remember that YOU are the subject of these photographs, not your clothes.  Try to choose classic clothes that show off your best features.  You may want to bring a variety of items and I will be happy to help you with your choices, from jeans and tank tops to prom or graduation dresses.
  • What about your hair?  Do you need to plan for a haircut or highlights?
  • Try not to overtan.  I can warm up your skin tones a bit, if you feel you are too pale.  But too much tan looks even more exaggerated in photos and can not be toned down easily.

Relax.  Call me with any questions you may have this... will be fun!

 

Senior Boys:

  • Bring a coat and tie, or a suit, even if you don't want to.  You never know when you might need a formal picture, so let's do it while we have the opportunity.
  • You are welcome to bring jeans, khakis, oxford cloth shirts, polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts...whatever else you are comfortable in.  Even though it is summer, it's not too hot to wear sweaters in the studio. Sweaters usually photograph quite well. And don't be embarrassed to bring too much.  I can help you choose.
  • Do you need a haircut?  Plan your timing so your hair is at the right length at the time of the sitting.  Just don't wear a cap on the way to your session.
  • Don’t worry about blemishes.  Everyone has them and all your finished prints will be completely retouched no matter how bad a day you might be having.

 

So call with any questions and don't wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment.  I promise you this will be painless and you may even have a good time!