Dressing to Enhance  Your Portrait
 
Beautiful and memorable portraits  don't just happen, they are carefully planned. Our goal is to photograph  you in an artistic and flattering way that will create a timeless  portrait. We can not accomplish this, however,  without your help. Please take a few moments to look over the following suggestions to see how you may  participate in the planning of your portrait. We are here to help. Feel free to discuss any questions or ideas  you have in advance of your session.

Looking your best takes a bit of time.  We've seen clients arrive with a change of clothes in a duffel bag and unbrushed hair . . .not the best starting point. Your clothes should be wrinkle-free. Take some time with your hair, and try to be  rested and relaxed. You need to help us help you look your best.

Your portraits can be casual or  formal, in black & white or color. You should discuss your preferences with  our staff, as well as your clothing choices. Selecting clothing which is timeless will yield an image that can be  enjoyed for many years to come. Generally we suggest dark-colored, plain, knit tops, and simple slacks.  Alternatively, plain, white or very light-colored tops can work, especially for very fair skinned children. Some  of our most successful and timeless individual and group portraits have the subjects in dark turtlenecks or  denim shirts, wearing khakis or jeans.

For casual dress, choose comfortable outfits that are flattering and make you feel good. Knits photograph very well, as they  rarely show wrinkles. Plain necked tops, sweaters, turtlenecks, and or denim shirts are a good bet for men  and women. A light to medium colored shirt worn under a dark sweater works well, also. The face should be the focal point. Avoid large or bold patterns and bright colors that tend to draw attention away from the face.  Long sleeves are recommended for everyone -- except very small children and infants.

Formal clothing  limits the types of poses that are possible. If men choose to wear a coat and tie, wear a simple, navy blue or  black jacket, and a white or light blue shirt. Tie selection is up to you; if in doubt, bring several. Starched  shirts worn without a jacket show innumerable wrinkles. Men should shave just prior to their session to avoid a "five o'clock shadow." Again, long sleeves for the ladies and gentlemen.

Families or groups  should choose a color theme and style that simplifies the look of the group. Too many busy patterns and  colors are especially distracting in group portraits. While all the clothing does not have to match, the colors  should be harmonious. This is true even in black and white portraits, and is critical in color portraits. Again,  dark knits, denim, and khaki all work well. Coordinate the clothing for all subjects in a group portrait to avoid  creating dramatic or conflicting focal points that distract from the group as a whole. An example of this would  be one person wearing a white shirt when everyone else is wearing black. The focal point becomes the  white shirt. Remember that dark clothing tends to minimize body size, and light tones tend to emphasize  body size. If someone is self-conscious about their size, this guideline should be kept in mind.
 

Children's clothes  should be chosen with care. Bring several outfits; casual clothes are usually best. If you want a dressy  photograph, have the child wear the dressy outfit to the studio, and bring the  play clothes. To avoid tears, be sure the child likes the clothes you bring. You may also want to bring a young  child's favorite toys and blanket. Keep in mind that the appeal of some  children's cute or decorative clothes may be short lived.  When in doubt, plain is better. It is best to select clothing that will withstand the test of time.
 

Please try to avoid having your hair done in a new way  on the day of your session.

Glasses wearers, try to have your optician give you empty frames to wear during your session. Not only do glasses catch light  reflections, but they can also deform facial lines. However, we can and regularly do retouch reflections in  glasses. For the best look, however, borrow the empty frames. If you wear wire frames, we can probably  remove the lenses here at the studio. Contacts do not pose a problem.

Remember...
    
Simplicity is the keynote.
 
Solid colors and textures are best. Knits and sweaters are especially flattering.
 
Avoid large or bold patterns and bright colors.
 
Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended for everyone, except infants and small children.
 
Darker clothing tends to minimize body size, and light tones tend to emphasize body size.
 
Necklines are important. A vee or scoop neck is best if your neck is short and your face is full. A turtleneck  or high necked garment is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender.

Dress everyone in the same style of clothing. Do not mix very light and dark values.
 
Wearing a starched shirt without a jacket is not a good idea; every wrinkle shows.
 
To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several clothing choices, follow our guidelines closely, and discuss your choices with us before your session.