First of all choose clothes that you like! Choose some casual and some dressy outfits. Avoid sleeveless and very short sleeved shirts, because upper arms can be distracting in photos - especially women's. Keep clothing in the same tonal family; i.e. medium to dark bottom and top or medium to light bottom and top. Fabrics with textures (chunky sweaters) photograph better than patterns and stripes. Casual outfits are best kept to solid colors; denim, khakis, blacks, white and earth tones almost always look good. Dark colors tend to slenderize while light colors add a little weight. Most importantly, if you like an outfit, it's probably because you look good in it, so bring it! Go ahead and over-pack. We probably won't use everything, but I would rather you have lots of choices than be disappointed you didn't bring something you might have wanted to try.
Just because you are being photographed in the summer doesn't mean we can't do a few poses in your winter wear (or visa versa). So bring along your jacket, hats, scarves, snowboard, etc.
Light weight jackets, like jeans jackets, scarves and hats
also make great accessories and props so bring some along!
It's worth repeating: Be sure to bring some solid colors and simple choices! Stripes and patterns can be very distracting in photos and pull the focus away from the true subject - you! Outdoor locations and quite a few of the studio drops have lots of pattern and color. It's much easier to match up a solid colored top to the backgrounds and keep the focus on you.
Attention Hazen and Beulah High School Seniors: Your yearbooks have specific guidelines about what is an acceptable yearbook photo. Photos must be head and shoulders with a plain background. Girls cannot wear spaghetti straps or strapless tops. Boys should wear a nice shirt that does not have logos. Photos including hats or hands are also not permitted. To learn more about your yearbook's specific requirements, check with your advisor.
Accessories
Sunglasses, scarves, bandanas, jewelry and hats add a unique look so bring them if they fit your style. Here are some other ideas: musical instruments, hobby stuff, iPod, letter jacket, your collection (whatever it may be), uniforms, sports equipment (bring it all, including pads and balls), class ring or anything else you feel would show off the real you. Don't forget seasonal activities, too; fishing, hunting, skiing gear, wakeboard, etc. No idea is too crazy and since we will only try a few poses with it, you have nothing to lose - go for it! Let me know if you want to include your vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, etc. in your photos so we can plan for a great location.
Hands and Feet:
Your shoes will show in some photos so be sure to bring some that coordinate with your outfits. Guys, clean sneakers are fine for casual shots. For formal portraits wearing dark colored pants, make sure to bring the appropriate shoes and dark socks!
Barefoot is also a great look, so you may want paint your toenails. Don't choose a color that is too bright - subtle is better.
This applies to your hands as well. Your hand will show in some photos, so trimmed nails and/or subtle polish will ensure your portraits look great!
Glasses:
If you wear glasses you may want to do so in your portraits. Call your optician and arrange to borrow a pair of empty frames like yours, or have the lenses removed from your own glasses. Make sure you give them plenty of notice. Normal retouching will not necessarily get rid of the glare from glasses or correct the distortion caused by refractive characteristics of certain lenses.
The guys removed their lenses in these photos prior to their sessions to eliminate glare. Breanna used her glasses as a great prop!
Makeup:
Guys and girls: just before your session, dab a small amount of make up on any noticeable blemishes. A loose translucent powder (not white) is helpful to eliminate shine. But don't worry about those breakouts. I will retouch them as part of your session fee!
Girls: Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Do not use white eye makeup below or above the eyes. It does not photograph well. A little extra liner will enhance your eyes but too much color will actually draw attention away from the eyes! A light blush on the cheeks to give your face some contour and color is nice. Lipstick is always recommended, even for those who do not normally wear it. A shade or two darker than your own lip color will enhance your lips without looking made-up.
It's worth repeating: Lip gloss or a light lipstick is a must for the girls. For boys, a little lip balm to eliminate chapped or cracked lips is a great idea!
Hair:
Do not get your hair cut or permed too close to your session date. Hair needs a few days to settle in after a new cut. Do not try a radically different style just before your session. Chances are you won't feel it expresses the "real you". Also, don't cut it after your session until you have seen your proofs - just in case your want to try a re-shoot.
Bring along your curling iron, flat iron, etc. There are outlets in the dressing room. Bring your comb or brush and any other styling aids you use. Girls, bring your hair accessories - barettes, ponytail holders, headbands, etc. Quick changes can give your portraits a whole new look.
Bring a Friend or Family Member:
Some people find it more comfortable to bring Mom or Dad, a friend, brother or sister along to help with the jitters or just to make it more fun. That is fine!
For outside locations, I can use some help with lighting equipment so bringing somebody with you is recommended.
Suntan/Sunburn:
Strap marks will show as white marks on bare shoulders. These cannot be retouched so try to keep your tan even or choose clothing that will cover the marks. Don't overdue the sun before your portrait - it looks great but only in moderation. Sunburn is a real problem. Reschedule your appointment if you are burned.
Locations:
I am willing to go to a location or two of your choice (within a reasonable driving distance)...lake, farm, backyard, railroad tracks, or any other spot that is special to you! Please let me know in advance what your ideas are. Remember to keep in mind our time allotment and traveling fees, should they apply.
Pets:
You are invited to bring your pet (cat or dog) to the studio to join you for a few poses; however, I do have a few rules: The animal must be "potty trained" and remain in either your vehicle or a pet carrier when not being photographed. If the animal were to have an accident, it is your responsiblity to clean up after it, including any professional cleaning. The studio is small and has expensive lighting equipment, backdrops. etc. Please do not allow your animals to roam the studio - use a leash if necessary. Broken equipment will be billed to you. You know your pet best. If a new environment is not comfortable for your pet or if he/she is young or exciteable, it may be better to leave him/her at home or try for a photgraph at an outdoor location.
Families:
Choose clothing that coordinates. That does not necessarily mean it has to match, but it should be in the same tonal family or color group. Solids are truly the best choice. Patterns and stripes can be very distracting and pull attention away from your faces.
Babies:
The best time to schedule your baby's portrait session is during the time of day that they are most happy and responsive. You know your baby best! Clothing choices for babies are always better if they are kept simple and soft. When dressing your baby for the ride to the studio, make sure that there is no tight elastistic around his/her wrists and ankles. Those marks take time to fade and are not attractive in photos. Bare baby skin is beautiful and I will always keep the photos modest. Toddlers and young children look great in classic clothing such as simple dresses, bib overalls and bare feet. Feel free to bring several outfits and we can decide together what will photograph best. We will take our time with your baby/toddler and give them the necessary breaks they need to keep them happy - changing, feeding or just a break for a minute or two.
How much money Should you bring?
The only thing you need to bring is your session fee, unless you have already paid it. Remember to include any fees for adding a friend and extra time.
Proofs:
Your proofs will usually by ready in 7-14 business days, unless otherwise stated. Your proofs will be posted in an on-line gallery. Galleries expire 7 days after the date of posting. You must place your order during this time to receive your on-time print credit. Reposting galleries incurs a $20.00 fee.
If you prefer printed paper proofs, you will need to bring the necessary monies to pay for them (see Proofs). They will be watermarked but they are yours to keep.
Arriving at your Portrait Session:
Remember to download, print and sign the Model Release and Policies forms from your personal client information website.
The studio is located on Main Street, Hazen. Wear one of your outfits to save a little time. It is okay to bring more clothing than recommended if you are unsure what is best. I will help you choose the most photogenic ones.
Please feel free to call or email to discuss any questions, ideas or concerns.
I look foward to working with you to create memorable experience and special portraits to last a lifetime.
