SIMPLICITY – Clothing should be plain and simple – no patterns, stripes, bold designs or anything that distracts from your face.

TIMELESSNESS – Recommend classical styles that will stay in fashion year after year. Trendy clothing may tend to outdate your portrait over time.

FOCAL POINT – The focal point is where your eye travels first and where your attention is held. The brightest or darkest point in your portrait is usually the focal point. Simplify by having one main focal point – YOU!

COLOR – Try to be consistent with other people in your group. Use the same color or the same tonal values. Clothing below your waistline should be darker than above. Light jeans worn below a darker top could easily attract attention to the lower part of your body and away from your face. White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect. Colors should be dark and not bright. This is so important! Bright colors will attract attention away from your face. Prints or any kind of pattern, no matter how small, may become a distraction. Neckties should be toned down in color with minimal pattern.

NECKLINES – A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck, like a turtleneck or a V-neck top, will thin the neck and frame your face beautifully. With a collarless blouse or sweater, a scarf loosely tied around the neck will also help to frame your face.

HAIR STYLE and MAKEUP – Hairstyles should be simple and should be off the face. Hair falling down onto the sides of your face will create distracting shadows. Long bangs hanging in your face will block light from your eyes – the most important part of your face. Eye makeup should be blended – no sharp demarcation lines between colors. Avoid white above or below your eyes. Too much color above and/or below your eyes will attract attention to your make-up and away from your eyes. Blend foundation makeup at the jaw-line so that there is no demarcation between your face and your neck.

JEWELRY – For individual portraits (close up), wear a short, gold or silver necklace, or pearls (collar bone length); for earrings, simple loops or pearls are recommended. For family portraits, type of jewelry is not as important, but the same guidelines are still recommended.

CLASSICAL PORTRAITS – Wear solid colors or subtle patterns – they are submissive and noncompetitive. Deep rich tones such as navy, dark forest green, deep maroon, burgundy, black, or charcoal with subtle accents of jewelry, ties, etc. We recommend V-neck dresses or tops for women.

OUTDOOR PORTRAITS – Wear earth tones, solid colors such as dark navy, green or maroon or very subtle patterns. For a more casual look, denim looks great, or dark cotton slacks and shirt with the same tonal value. Avoid white and black clothing, unless you are working with a pre-planned theme, such as white with a golden wheat field or black with a granite rock background. Avoid white socks and shoes. Long sleeves are recommended.

FORMAL FAMILY PORTRAITS – For studio portraits, we usually recommend medium to deep tones. Match other people in the group when possible. Long sleeves, dark slacks, dark skirts, dark shoes, and darker stockings are usually best.

HIGH KEY PORTRAITS – All White/Light Portraits. Wear white, off-white, or pastel colors.

GLASSES – If you wear glasses, when possible, obtain a set of matching frames from your optician that have the glass removed or have your lens removed for this purpose. This eliminates the glare, distortion and discoloration that could appear in your eyes. Another Suggestion would be to spray your lens with Hairspray just prior to your sessions, and remove when finished.

ESPECIALLY for SENIORS

SENIOR PORTRAITS – Sophisticated? Radical? Classic? Be creative and have fun with your Senior Portrait Session. Bring several changes of clothes and express your unique personality. A sports jacket, uniform, hobbies, pets – bring whatever is "you."

GIRLS – Wear sweaters, blouses or dresses that have sleeves and a flattering neckline. Darker, autumn colors flatter your skin tones well and attract the viewer to your face. The exception to this is high-key (white background) portraits. Then, clothing and accessories can be all white or all black to place emphasis on your skin tone.

GUYS – For your head and shoulders poses we recommend you wear a sweater or dress shirt and tie (we would be happy to tie it for you in a double-Windsor knot) with a suit or sports coat.

Be sure the neck of the shirt fits perfectly and is not frayed. Schedule a haircut three days prior to your appointment to allow your hair to return to a natural look.

Focus on this....

INFORM – Let the photographer know of any special concerns you have about your poses or expressions before you begin.

HAIR – Wear your hair in your usual style(s). Don't try a new hairstyle or haircut just before your sitting. Hair is not our bag, it's up to you. We can't wash, cut or style your hair either before or after your portrait. Guys, wait to see your previews before you cut your hair for the football season!

GLASSES – If you wear glasses, when possible, obtain a set of matching frames from your optician that have the glass removed or have your lens removed for this purpose. This eliminates the glare, distortion and discoloration that could appear in your eyes. Another Suggestion would be to spray your lens with Hairspray just prior to your sessions, and remove when finished.

COMPLEXION – Don't worry about normal blemishes or flaws in your complexion. All finished portraits, except wallets, are retouched to eliminate these imperfections.

MAKEUP – Girls should keep their makeup natural. A daytime makeup is preferred. Avoid light colored eye shadow and "fad"styles.

SHAVING – For the men, a close shave within a few hours of your appointment is a must.

ACCESSORIES – Be sure to bring accessory items with you such as necklaces, earrings, and your class ring. Hats are great for character studies.

REST – Get plenty of rest the night before your appointment. Wake up well before the appointment so you will look your best and not be rushed.

BUDDY – Bring a friend to be photographed with.

PETS – A well-behaved pet may join you for one of your changes of clothes. Please bring a friend to care for your pet during the rest of your sitting.

RELAX – Our photographer is a skilled professional. Create a fun atmosphere for your Portrait/s.