To Get the Best Portraits Possible
The key to the success of your portrait lies in preparing for your session. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be for you to be relaxed, look your best, and end up with a portrait you & your family and friends will cherish. Together we'll choose from a variety of backgrounds, and settings, but our emphasis will be on YOU. Our personal approach is what will make your photographs unique.

Formal In-Studio Portraits
For these images, you'll want to choose something CLASSIC that won't be outdated in just a few years. Jackets and sweaters work well. Solid colors or very subtle prints are best in medium or darker tones. Long sleeves are the best choice. If you are not sure what to wear, bring an extra outfit or two and we'll help select what will photograph the best.

Girls - Select outfits with necklines that complement you. If your face is full, scoop or V necklines work well. High necklines are flattering on someone with a long neck and slender face. Bring one light or white shirt for a "high Key" portrait, and one dark or black shirt for a "low key" image. SLEEVELESS TOPS ARE NOT ATTRACTIVE IN PHOTOS! Accessories such as earrings & necklaces are great, but avoid flat, reflective jewelry.

Guys - Shirts with ties, blazers or suits are recommended for a classic look. Don't want to dress up? That's OK, wear something comfortable, but avoid busy patterns that draw attention away from your face. Plesae have one solid white shirt and one dark shirt.

Casual Portraits
These are usually shot outdoors and as far as your clothing is concerned, anything goes, from your best torn jeans to your letter jacket. Bolder colors or trendy clothing are OK. Got your own ideas? We'll do our best to create them for you.

It will save you time if you arrive at the studio ready for your first session.

Very Important Suggestions

Glasses - Wear them if you ALWAYS wear them. We recommend you have the lenses removed or ask your optometrist for empty frames. Our artist can correct glass glare on your portraits, but not on wallets. Contacts are not a problem.

Blemishes - No need to worry. I will remove blemishes and even-out your skin tone.

Sunburn - A little tan is great! Sunburn is not. Avoid the sun & all artificial tanning for several days before your session. Corrective art may help correct this problem but it will be at an additional charge. Call to reschedule if you have a severe sunburn.

Shaving - Guys, remember to shave before your session. Retouching can't remove what the razor can.

Hair/Makeup - You want to look natural. If you're looking for a new hair style, experiment before the day of your session. Also avoid changing to a new hair style at least 2 weeks prior to your photo session. If you don't like it, then you may have to wait before it grows to a manageable length. Do not cut or change your hair style after your photo session either until you have had the opportunity to view your photographs.

To enhance your features under studio lighting use a little more makeup than usual. Powder is helpful to reduce shine. Make sure to bring your makeup with you. If you usually don't wear makeup, it's a good idea to wear some powder to smooth skin tones, and mascara to enhance your eyes. Your hands & fingernails may show in some of your poses. They should be clean & trimmed.

Clothing Wrinkles - Make sure your clothing is exactly how you want it to appear. It's expensive to remove wrinkles on the photograph. We suggest you bring your clothing in on hangers to reduce any wrinkle problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IF I wake up on the morning of my session with a brand new PIMPLE?
Don't worry! We have the miracle of RETOUCHING. In your final photos, your skin will look terrific. We can even remove or reduce freckles and moles, but would only do it with your permission. We don't want to change the real YOU!

WHAT IF I never wear any make-up?
Not everyone is blessed with perfect skin. We recommend wearing at least some make-up to accent your best features. Just think of it as you were going to prom. A touch of mascara and lipstick can make a huge difference in your portraits!

WHAT IF I always wear sleeveless clothing?
There are many reasons why we highly recommend that you do not wear sleeveless clothing for your portraits. Bare arms draw attention away from the face and can appear larger in photographs. Also, you'll want at least one pose with a timeless look. For your casual look, anything goes!

WHAT IF I want to look slimmer than I am?
Who doesn't! Here are some tips to assure you look as slim as you can. Stick with solids and avoid horizontal lines in clothing. Wearing an outfit with all the same tones will lengthen your look. Wearing medium to long sleeves will help. Medium to darker colors will also make you look slimmer. For example, in choosing jeans or pants, go with the darker tone. If you're not sure what will work best, bring extra outfits to your session and we'll help you choose. This is a common question and we are happy to help!

WHAT IF I want to add poses with additional outfits, a pet, or a special prop?
If you want to be photographed in more outfits or with special props, please call first. We want to make sure that there is enough time reserved in our schedule to accommodate your needs. Your original session is one hour, additional time is charged by the half hour.

WHAT IF it rains on the day of my outdoors session?
You may come for your indoor studio shots and we will reschedule your appointment for your outdoor shots. You will only be charged for one session fee, of course.

WHAT IF I have some really different ideas for my senior pictures?
Different can be good! You're welcome to bring examples of poses you like. We can work together to create portraits that truly reflect your style and personality. This is YOUR TIME to shine!

WHAT IF I am nervous about having my pictures taken?
Good preparation is the key to being relaxed. Make your clothing selections ahead of time and make sure each outfit is clean and ironed. Choose the accessories you need and put them with your outfits so you don't forget them the day of the session. Actually, the most difficult part is thinking about it. Once you arrive at the studio, we will guide you through everything. Just be yourself! Many seniors say that it is so much easier than they thought it would be, and fun too! If you would feel more comfortable with a friend or parent along, by all means, invite them.

What if I don't feel well?
If you don't feel well or are upset by an argument at home or with a friend, you will not be at your best for your portraits. Call to reschedule your appointment for a better time. We understand that life cannot always be scripted the way we would like but for this big day, you should be happy and relaxed.

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