Helpful Hints
There are many things to take into consideration when making preparations for portraits.
Clothing, props, skin tones, how many people are in the portrait, and location all
play a key part
in creating an amazing image.
The face should always control the portrait so skin tone and highlights should be the lightest, brightest
or most intense area of the image. Skin tones are taken into consideration when making decisions
on where the
image is taken as well as the lighting that is needed. Long sleeves are necessary to
keep the visual attention on the subjects face, not on other parts of the body that can end up
being distracting. Long pants, skirts or stockings should be worn in full length
portraits to keep the attention on the face and not the legs if they are too exposed.
Small groups also need special consideration. Clothing should be in the same tonal ranges. There is a visual confusion when too many different colors are used in a portrait. One person who wears a totally
different color can stand out too much in the image and take away from all the other family
members. Also, by using the same tones, the individuals in the portraits are tied together
and more unified. Every person in the image should
look like they "belong" in the group.
Careful grooming is another key factor in great portraiture. Men should have their hair cut at least one week before the session as well as being clean shaven or facial hair carefully groomed. Women should make
sure they schedule portraits at the time they know they will be happiest with their hair and
makeup.
Children take the best images when they are well rested and healthy. If you wake up and your child is sick or something is wrong, do not hesitate to contact me to reschedule your session.
I want your portraits to be the best they can be. I would like to create portraits for my clients that are as unique as the person/people in the image. Please pay close attention to all suggestions so your portrait session will be the most successful that it can be.
