You are going to have our photo done: Now what to wear?

A photograph is a magnificent thing. It creates feelings and emotions, most times happy sometimes sad. Their value increases as the years pass. They go from valuable to invaluable. As soon as your image is captured it becomes a vital part of your family's history. Photographic images give us the ability to look back into our past, remember it and  experience it again. Photographs give us the opportunity to meet relatives we have never seen.

Once you decide to have a portrait done here are a few tips  that I would like to share.

These tips will help you and the family look great.

But remember regardless of what choices you make, we will create great photos during our time together.

If there are any questions call or email I will very happy to go over your ideas.

My tips:

If the portrait is be be done in the studio bring a number of wardrobe selections. We can capture just the right look.

If we travel to a location other than the studio,  beach or park for instance it is usually impossible to change your wardrobe. It is prudent to choose your wardrobe wisely. Please no sneakers unless they are great. Please wear black socks. Plan on leaving your cell phones, purse, accessories, bags, makeup etc in your car. If your keys are bulky I will carry them for you. We don't want bulky things in your pockets. The one exception is a hair brush. I will carry it for you.

Please make sure your clothing is pressed. An insignificant wrinkle may detract from an otherwise magnificent photo.

Avoid clothing featuring strong patterns, busy prints or logos. These styles will most certainly draw attention from your face.

Multiple layers of clothing can add weight and bulk, this may cause you to look as if you have added pounds.

It is difficult to focus attention to the face when bare arms are competing for attention in the photograph, this applies to very slender people as well as a little endowed. Please avoid sleeveless blouses, sweaters, shirts.

Bras and bra straps often cause problems, please ensure that your undergarments are not visible through your clothing.

Unless we are creating a "rugged man" look, guys should have a relative fresh shave.

A manicure for both men and women a day or two before is a very good idea.

Get a good nights sleep and avoid alcohol.  This helps to limit bags under the eyes. 

Couples, Families, Groups

When your photograph includes more than one person there are a couple of additional pointers to consider.

Creating a portrait is the same as decorating a room in your home. It should be harmonious,  all of its elements should flow and blend. As such matching wardrobe colors would be perfect. Blue jeans and denim shirts, or khaki or softer pastels . It is very important that in choosing a matching color scheme all colors match exactly. A new red shirt and a well washed red shirt will not look the same the color difference will be most apparent.. Put simply, matching works, it is simple and makes for wonderful photographs.

If matching is not your thing you may want to choose clothing in the same color palette (the same hues and tones). As an example everyone in earth tones or the same pastel hue.

However, please avoid highly contrasting colors. If everyone chooses to wear black shirts and one person chooses a white shirt that person will stand out very badly and will very apparent in the finished photograph.

When wearing sneakers the same tips apply they should all be similar in color clean and neat.

The same concept applies to shoes.  Feet will not be all photos, but when the feet show they need to blend into the overall composition.