TIPS ESPECIALLY FOR YOU!

Here are some tips for choosing the location, what to wear, make-up and glasses to make your portrait session successful.

Outdoor photography is more casual and allows the individuals to express themselves easily in an atmosphere they are comfortable and with their own choice of clothing style.

Be flexible - As west coast weather is unpredicible at times (even in the summer), we will book two sitting times in the same week. If it is raining, the shoot will be cancelled and you will receive priority with re-scheduling. Remember,an overcast day is best. So don’t rule out those days with a few clouds, just dress the part. Some extra hair spray will help if there is some wind.

What to Wear? Along with being photographed on your location choice, you can dress in a more casual fashion with an added bonus that each individual can add flair by wearing their own style of clothing.

Clothing Tips: Outdoor photography looks and feels more exciting by having bright and bold colors in the composite. However, lighter tones and pastels also give very pleasing results. But, try to avoid prints and patterns. This is so the clothing does not become predominant over the individuals themselves. The clothing should enhance the portrait; not overwhelm it. Try placing all of the clothing side by side and seeing if any particular article "jumps-out" at you. If it does, it is probably not the best choice because it will "jump-out" all the more from the portrait, thus taking away from the overall beauty we'd like to capture for you.

The type of clothing worn can also make a difference. In general, long sleeves are preferred. Sleeveless should be avoided but short sleeves are OK! Long pants are more flattering than shorts for most people. Knits are usually best because they are not apt to wrinkle as easily as some other blends of material.

For outdoor portraits at the park or beach, it is especially important to wear solid colors because the background greenery or crashing waves will be busier than a more formal studio portrait. To ensure that each person in the photograph is seen - (and not just what they're wearing), keep in mind that the background colors will generally be shades of green & brown at the park, and blue and sand at the beach. Pastels, blues, white, and beige are great choices at the beach, while deeper tones of green, burgundy, blue, and gray work better at the park. Denim looks great in both locations!

A traditional formal look (suit & tie, dressy dress) is generally not used in outdoor portraits, because of the more casual feeling of being outdoors. A "dressy casual" look, where individuals are nicely dressed, but look comfortable in the environment, is a more appropriate style. Sport coat or pullover sweater and slacks for men and boys, jacket and slacks, or flowing skirt/dress is best for ladies. Avoid slim-fitting skirts that "pull" when seated - you may be sitting on the ground! Remember that feet will probably show - wear appropriate shoes for your outfit. Jeans work best when everyone is in denim.

Small children should be dressed in keeping with the mood of the adults. Simple, solid colored outfits that have a "timeless" appeal in styling are best. Avoid fussy or scratchy outfits for little ones - they're challenging enough without making them uncomfortable! Keep it simple.

Make-up: For the Ladies - Eye shadow should be applied lightly and with care; the center point of interest in a fine portrait is the eyes. Apply two coats of mascara - on both upper and lower lashes. Wear your other make-up as usual. Also bring your make-up with you, in case any "touch-ups" are required.

For the Men: Do keep in mind that an evening Portrait will benefit greatly from a fresh shave!

Glasses: If you wear glasses, try to wear contact lenses for the Portrait if possible. Glasses catch light reflections and may, at times, deform the face-line in some portraits because they are lenses. Photo-gray lenses always look much darker in portraits. If you wear Photo-gray lenses, a pair of "Solar Guard" sunglasses worn over your glasses will prevent them from darkening and are easily slipped off just as the Portrait is taken.