Helpful Tips

Over the years, we've learned a few techniques to help everyone look fabulous under camera lights. Great portraits begin with planning and preparation, so please take some time to look through some of these suggestions. We often consult with clients before their sitting or wedding to answer any questions, help coordinate, etc. Please call if you have any questions. 

About the Face

  • Get plenty of sleep before arriving
  • Be well hydrated
  • Start with cleansing and exfoliating
  • Most blemishes, moles and other imperfections can be digitally hand-retouched off of the print.
  • If you feel more comfortable with a certain profile or side, please let us know at the sitting. Doug will also ask. 

 

Teeth
Some clients have teeth professionally whitened by a dentist. Digital artistry also allows us to whiten teeth, or even to remove braces in the final prints.

 

Women's Faces and Make-up
Photographic lights tend to ‘wash out’ many colors. We recommend wearing make-up which is natural to you, but slightly more formal or  “evening-ish”. Consider having a professional cosmetologist (makeup artist) apply your make-up for your portrait session or wedding.

  • Glitter, frosted, and especially glossy or “wet” make-up and extreme pastels are quirky under the lights and present problems unless applied by a studio make-up artist who will use  a few “tricks” to create some optical illusions.
  • Use an even matte foundation. This gives your skin an consistent skin tone and helps reflect the camera lights well. There are special foundations formulated for photography which work better with the flash to soften, and give the skin a matte finish. Whether or not you use these particular foundations, we recommend the next step. 
  • Set the foundation with translucent power. Powder is one of the most important steps and shouldn’t be overlooked. Bring powder with you to touch up frequently during the shoot. 

 

Men's Faces
If your portrait time is scheduled for later in the day, time your shaving to avoid a five o'clock shadow.

 

Clothes and Color
Clothes can either compliment your portrait or compete inside it.

  • Solid colors or monochromatic outfits and simple styles will help the final print to focus on YOU, not your clothes.
  • Choose colors which compliment your complexion. 
  • Avoid (unless intentionally planned) details on shirts such as logos and lettering. Loud prints, wide stripes, and designs look exaggerated in the final portrait.
  • Short sleeves provide a color contrast and strong lines in photography that can detract from the face; hence in more formal portrait photography you are more likely to see long sleeves or ¾ length sleeves.
  • Elbows and knees don't photograph the way our mind's-eye perceives them and often need retouching.   
  • Browse through our online portrait galleries or look at fashion magazines for the latest trends and styles.
  • Consider the background that will be used. You might wear white on the beach, but earth tones for a rusty autumn outdoor shoot.
  • We recommend dry-cleaning or pressing clothes carefully ahead of time. We have private changing rooms available so that clothes can stay in garment bags until the sitting begins, staying neat and pressed.

 

Group Portraits

  • Monochromatic or very carefully coordinated outfits are a must.
  • For studio portraits, the more people that are involved, usually he simpler the outfits should be.

 

Women's Hair

  • Consider having your hair styled before arriving.
  • Anti-frizz products help calm stray hairs. 
  • If you color your hair, have roots touched-up.
  • If you are planning on changing hair styles before your portrait, allow at least three weeks to adjust to a new color, permanent, length, or style.
  • Bring brushes and hair products to the session.

 

Men's Hair
Please do not  have hair cut just before the wedding or sitting. Men’s hair styles usually look better at least a week after a hair cut. Conversely, you don't want to do this too early so that your hair appears as though it needs a trim.

 

Brides and Bridesmaids
*Photographs with flowers, rings, hugs, holding hands, etc. are common. Manicure nails ahead of time. If shoes are open-toes or sling-back, treat yourselves to pedicures as well.

  • Be sure to stay out of the sun and not get burned before the wedding! If indoor tanning or using self-tanning lotions, give yourself time to acclimate to the effects before the wedding. Be very wary of the orange nature of many self-tanning lotions.
  • Remember that many pictures from the wedding will be at the altar and therefore of the back of your head. Take this into consideration when styling hair or selecting a veil.  

 

Jewelry and Accessories
Jewelry should enhances your style, but not detract from your face. Earrings which cover the piercing are considered more formal.