Your Moment. My Lens.
Making the most of your session
Below I cover everything from what to wear, doing make-up, and other preparations for your personalized photo session - capturing who YOU are.
These are general GUIDELINES and not hard rules. So keep in mind that there will be times that these guidelines should not be followed.
For other general questions, you visit my Frequently Asked Questions page.
What to wear...
This is a common and important question to consider as it will have a big impact on your images.
COLORS
Similar Tones - Stick to similar TONES, but don’t overly match (don’t all wear khakis and a light blue t-shirt).
Neutral colors are always recommended – Using 3-4 neutral colors for your base so everyone can use these to coordinate their outfits (e.g. grey, tan, cream, blue, and white).
Avoid Blacks and Fluorescents - Where my style is more of a light and airy feel, I do not typically recommend black or really dark colors. But there are exceptions such as suits and tuxedos for missionaries, formal photos, and school dances. Fluorescents can work in individual portraits if desired, but don't use them in group photos.
PATTERNS/Prints/Logos
Avoid Clashing Patterns - Patterns can be great, but not if everyone is wearing them. For Senior or Individual Portraits, you're fine to wear patterns and prints.
Avoid logos or writing in any group photo. I also discourage it for individual portraits as it can detract from you, but I also recognize that sometimes that logo or writing on your shirt is part of who you are.
TEXTURES
Textures are a great element of photography and can enhance portraits (both group and individual). Textured clothing such as linens, lace, and leathers can add detail, interest, and help to capture the real you.
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Pick something you are comfortable in that allows you to be yourself. If you're not comfortable with how something fits you, looks on you, or it otherwise makes you feel self-conscious, don't wear it. If in doubt, get an opinion from someone you know will give you honest feedback.
Makeup...
FOR GROUP PORTRAITS
For more casual photos you should keep makeup more natural (what you wear day-to-day) and avoid heavy or dark make-up around the lips and eyes if that is not how you normally wear your makeup. If your group photo is more formal, wear additional makeup to match the mood of your attire.
Use light powder to help skin look clean and oil-free. This goes for both girls and guys, especially if you more prone to perspiration.
FOR INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS
For more casual shots, follow the same recommendations I listed above for groups. However, if going for something a little more on the fancy or eclectic side, feel free to do something that stands out. Wear that dark red lipstick, do some heavier eyeliner - just make sure it goes with the outfit(s) you picked.
NAIL POLISH
If you're wearing nail polish, make sure you have a fresh coat applied. My camera will pick up on all the chips and blemishes. This is especially important for individual portraits where the hands are often used as part of the pose. Fixing chipped and blotchy nail polish in post-processing may cost extra depending on the extent needed.
Movement...
Move - This is mostly for individual portraits, but still applies to small groups and families. Don't be afraid to move. Walk. Dance. Spin. Twist your hair. Jump. Kick. Swing a tennis racquet. Give each other hugs. Tell each other jokes. Laugh with (or even at) each other. This is one of the best ways to captivate and elicit emotions as people see pictures of you. Capture who you are. It's particularly great for individual and high school senior portraits.
Props...
Bring Them - This is particularly true for High School Senior and Missionary photos. Bring sporting equipment, musical instruments, letterman jackets, school uniforms or sport outfits, cap and gown, favorite stuffed animal - anything you can carry that you want to capture in your photo. For missionaries - bring a flag of the location you will be serving in, name tags, scriptures, or anything else that tells the story of where you will be serving or what you will be doing.
Empty those pockets...
If you don't need it, leave it at home or in the car (or at least don't put it in your pocket). If you do need it, bring a bag to put things in during the session. But please don't put things in your pockets. This causes unsightly bulges, bumps, and clothing stretches in pants, dresses, and other clothing. Cell phones are the #1 item people forget about, but are very visible in pictures.
Be Natural and Practice...
Everyone feels a little awkward in front of a camera - even professional models get nervous. And that's okay. But getting more comfortable in front of a camera can go a long way in getting the images you want. Take deep breaths. Relax your shoulders. Think of something funny to help give you a natural smile.
You can also practice. Practice your smiles in front of a mirror until it looks and feels natural. Grab a friend and have them take pictures of you while pretending to do a fashion shoot. Make faces, do poses, be silly - but get comfortable having fun in front of a camera so you can be relaxed and enjoy your photo session. As my piano teacher used to say, the only way to get better at something is to practice, practice, practice.