Preparing for your portraits. Hints & Advice on clothing and preparation for portraits.

Preparing for your Portraits

Portrait Photography . Preparing for your Portraits . Wedding Photography . Wedding Gallery . Family Gallery . Children's Gallery . Headshots Gallery . Groups Gallery . Commercial Gallery . Passport Photo Service . Restorations .

To obtain the best from your portrait sitting I would advise you to bear in mind the following points:

Please co-ordinate clothing (especially for group portraits) so that it does not clash with any other person in the group. Choose clothing in similar colours so that no single member of the family stands out because their clothing is too light or bright as compared to the rest of the group.
Try to avoid clothing with heavy patterns, stripes, pictures or logos, as these will attract more attention in the finished picture than the person wearing them. Darker clothing is preferable to light clothing – but try to avoid black. White is also not a good idea, unless you are specifically interested in a high-key portrait i.e. one with a white background. (Please discuss this with me beforehand).
For ladies – your makeup will tend to be diluted by the lighting – so please try to wear it a little stronger than you would normally. Also, your portrait will be with you for a long time so it is well worth a visit to your hairdresser before the sitting so that we can capture you on film at your very best. Do however resist the temptation to have a completely new cut or style as you may not be happy with the result and your portrait will be a permanent reminder of your disappointment. Avoid short sleeved dresses or short skirts, which will draw attention to your upper arms and thighs. If you are interested in glamour type portraits please discuss this with me beforehand.
For gentlemen - a shirt and tie will present an enhanced image. Please also have a shave before you come to the studio. Trainers are definitely out. Please remember that your portrait will last for years and what is this year's fashion will look extremely dated in ten years' time.
For children – do not prepare them by telling them to smile or not to cry as this will make them very nervous and result in poor expressions. For children under two, it is better to see their bare feet than the bottom of shoes, socks or tights. And please, no baby-grows or dungarees. Try to dress them in comfortable, well fitting clothing not something bought for them to grow into.
For dogs - please take them for a walk beforehand as this will make them easier to control. – it is a very exciting time for them and they are naturally inquisitive animals. It also helps to

Home