GETTING PREPARED FOR YOUR PORTRAITS

 

Beautiful and memorable portraits don’t just happen; they are carefully planned.

But we can only accomplish this with your help. Please take a few moments to discuss clothing and colours, which will bring everything into line for memorable and personalised results.

Key Points to remember when deciding what to wear:

• Keep it simple
  Solid colours are best. Try to avoid large or bold patterns and bright colours. They draw attention away from the face.
   
• Long sleeved dresses and shirts are recommended.
  They draw attention away from the arms and focus it on the face. Short sleeves are acceptable for children and babies.
   
• Co-ordinate your attire from head to toe
  Carefully select your shoes and stockings, as we may take some full-length shots
   
• Choose your clothing colours carefully
  Darker clothing tends to minimise body size,
  Lighter tones tend to emphasise the body size
   
• Necklines are important
  A V-neck or scoop-neck is best if your neck is short and your face full. A turtleneck or high necked is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender
   
• Dress everyone in the same style of clothing
  Do not mix casual and formal attire
   
• Keep the tonal range of clothing within the group the same
  Do not mix light and dark clothing
   
• Steer clear of “up-to-the-minute” clothes
  Do you really want to be looking at pictures of yourself in your poncho and fringed skirt in five years time. Try to stay classic, black & white or denim are timeless looks.

 

Extra advice for Baby and Children Portraits

 

Young children should be dressed as you like to see them. Pale colours look better on small children and try to avoid large motifs that detract from your child’s face. Babies and toddlers look best in bare feet, rather than colourful clumpy shoes.
 

Beware of new clothes bought “to grow into”; shirts hanging from shoulders and cuffs turned back can look untidy, better to wear an old favourite.
 

Please don’t warn children to behave themselves, either before or during the session, as this tends to put them under pressure and precludes us from capturing their true personality.
 

Never tell your child to smile, they will just pull that funny expression, which you know only too well and most certainly do not want hanging on your wall for all time. We will take some smiling poses as well as some quieter and more thoughtful ones, which are often more appealing. Please also feel free to bring along any favourite toys or props to make your portrait unique to you.