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. We generally shoot against a plain white background in the studio, although this may vary with location shoots. If you want a different style or clolour of background please discuss this with us prior to your session. 

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 socks or tights etc, 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 try to encourage your children to enjoy themselves, as it allows us to capture their true personality. Usually telling your child to smile, means 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.