SPECIAL CONCERNS FOR GUYS
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, please arrive early enough to be ready by your start time.
CLOTHING
First of all AVOID STRIPES AND PLAID!! Solids photograph much better! Also bring a variety of color, don't bring 5 blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing. Already, a few big names from just a few years ago, you would not be caught dead wearing now. No need to make your portraits advertising billboards for a clothing brand. Vary the style, all one look (like T-Shirts) gets boring. Vary the dress level, bring 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.
Bring a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts. A white t-shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb. so bring a black or gray.
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 sandles.
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.
SHAVING
Please make sure you are clean shaven. Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave. Got a goatee that mom hates, but you love? Do your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and go to the restroom and shave it off for mom's formals. Everyone is happy that way!
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.
PROPS
BRING THEM!! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: Sports equipment (soccer ball, football, hockey stick, hurdle, whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments (from school tuba to rock guitar), activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!), vehicles (motorcycles can come in the studio, cars must go to the park, we suggest more than an hour session for car shots).
SUNBURN/COMPLEXION
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.