SPECIAL CONCERNS FOR GIRLS
To be sure your session runs smoothly and your images come out great, please keep these things in mind:
ARRIVE EARLY
If you are scheduled from 2:00 - 4:00 and show up late or not ready, you will have less time in the camera room. If you need to get ready here (hair, makeup, etc.) please arrive early enough to be ready by your start time.
CLOTHING
Try to AVOID STRIPES, PLAIDS AND OTHER LOUD PATTERNS! Solids photograph much better! Also bring a variety of color, don't bring 3 blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Vary the style, all one look (like tanks) gets boring. Vary the clothing style by bringing some dressy, some medium and some casual. Remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the stuff YOU like. And always bring a few extra outfits than your session allows. It is best to have more and not have to return home.
Expect a variety of poses from close-up to full length. Plan outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length formal in your suit if all you brought was tennis shoes.
Group your outfits together ON HANGARS. It is amazing how many people come in with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed. Wrinkles are not easy or cheap to fix digitally.
Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller.Wild to mild. We don't really tell you what you can and can not wear. A little sexy is OK, but don't make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Our philosophy is as long as it is rated PG, we don't care.
CLOTHES FOR BLACK & WHITE
The black and white "glamour" look that is so popular is best with black clothing. The contrast between the skin and black is what makes them so dramatic. So bring some black (top and bottom.
MAKEUP
Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Similar to what you might wear in the evening. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. So if your mascara is old and clumpy, replace it first. Avoid makeup with "sparkles" in it. When you move, it makes a nice shimmer, but in a photo, where you are still, it creates a little white spot that almost looks like a zit. Also avoid makeup with an SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.
HAIR
Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or you loose camera time. Artificially bleached hair is often not best, in 10 years you might say "What was I thinking??" Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. It IS ok to show up early in curlers if you need to.
JEWELRY
Keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hangar with that outfit. Be sure to bring your class ring.
PROPS
BRING THEM!! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: Sports equipment/uniforms, musicical instruments, activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies), vehicles.
SUNBURN/TANNING/COMPLEXION
Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top or use a tanning bed to minimize any tan marks. Remember to not overdo your tanning, skin that looks like dark leather or is too red is not attractive. This can be difficult if impossible to fix digitally and costly to you.
AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! Tan, yes, burn, no. If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don't overdue it so you look too fake-and-bake.
Basic retouching is included to fix minor blemishes, so don't worry about minor breakouts.
FRIENDS/PARENTS/PETS
Friends or parents are welcome. They can be a help. HOWEVER, if they distract you, it is best to have them wait in the gallery. You can have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend or sibling at no extra charge. Be sure only people you are comfortable in front of are at your session.
Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone bring a pet, then leave with them after. Or bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to hold a dogs attention.
WEATHER FOR OUTDOOR PORTRAITS
Let's face it, we are at the mercy of mother nature. If it rains, we will reschedule at no cost to you. Don't worry about clouds, they actually HELP
TATTOOS, SCARS
Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at your request. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge.
UNDERGARMENTS
It is amazing how many times someone will come in wearing flowered underwear and not realize it is a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a black sleeveless shirt. Please bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is the best you can hope for. Also, if you need a strapless, bring one. Tucking the straps down usually shows and looks bad. With todays thin fabrics, you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.
FINGER & TOE NAILS
NAILS SHOW! If they have the paint all chipped off, it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don't forget about those toes! Avoid real bright colors. Natural or basic work best. We don't want to draw attention to your neon orange toe nails. And they may look really bad with your next outfit!