What type of clothes will be best for my portrait?
How can I look thinner?
Are you going to tilt my head in some unnatural position?
Should I have my portraits retouched?
My kids won't sit still. What do I do?
What does "documentary-style" photography mean?
What is Environmental Portraiture?

What type of clothes will be best for my portrait?

Foremost in the planning of your portrait is clothing choice. If you select and harmonize the right tones and styles, your portrait will be pleasing to the eye. It will have a sense of harmony and balance.
In a family portrait, proper clothing coordination is critical. Choose colors in the same tonal range so that no single individual stands out. I suggest laying out everyone's clothes on a bed and removing any items that stand out from the others. In addition, include socks and shoes and keep them in harmony with the clothing selections. Here are some basic guidelines:

• Simple garments and solid tones work best. Look for clothing with textures to add richness to the photos. Thick knit sweaters, corduroy, lace, and chiffon all bring depth and interest without distraction.
• Darker colors tend to minimize body size.
• Clothing below the waistline should be darker than above. Otherwise, even lighter colored jeans worn below a darker top may easily attract attention to the lower part of the body and away from the face.
• White or pastel colors work best against a light backdrop. For casual outdoor portraits with light background settings, lighter colors blend in with the backdrop allowing the faces to be the focal point of the portrait. All white or pastel clothing works nicely.
• Fall portraits are perfect for deep rich colors such as burgundy, hunter green, navy, plum, and charcoal gray. Avoid whites in fall settings with dark foliage.
• Avoid:
  • Mixing casual and formal styles.
  • Busy patterns — which are very bright and distracting. (Horizontal or vertical stripes, plaids, appliqués, floral patterns, polka dots, etc).
  • Big, old running shoes (especially those that used to be white).
  • Short tight skirts (unless it's a fashion shoot).
  • Tinted glasses — especially outdoors. It's impossible to see the eyes with them. If you can, pop out the lenses or use an alternate pair.
  • For men: that five o'clock shadow.
  • Women: make-up that is more than normal.
  • New haircuts. Stick with a cut that is a few days old and "broken in."
  • Clothing that is too tight or too loose.
  • Short pants and short sleeves for adults. Instead, wear long pants and sleeves.

 

The style of clothing you choose is entirely personal and should reflect your taste — be it casual, semi-casual, or formal.

 

How can I look thinner?back to top

With proper planning and a few applied techniques, looking thinner and leaner is a cinch! First, avoid standing out by wearing the wrong colors or patterns. (Read previous information.)
Tied-back hair has a tendency to show too much of the face and should be avoided. Hair should frame the face softly.
A soft, high collar will frame the lower portion of the face. V-necks are a good choice. Avoid scoop and boat neck style tops.
Double chin? Avoid tight collars that squeeze the skin. Sit straight using your lower back muscles (not tense) and lean forward while gently pulling your chin out.

 

Are you going to tilt my head in some unnatural position?back to top

People have a natural tendency to make themselves comfortable. Unfortunately, relaxing one's muscles leads to poor posture. This means round shoulders and double chins.
To look one's best, we need to fight gravity. Therefore, I may direct you into the most flattering position — and it probably won't feel comfortable! But it will look good, guaranteed.

Should I have my portraits retouched?back to top

Not everyone likes retouched portraits. Many extensive retouching techniques are available. The most common retouching is of lines or circles under the eyes and blemishes on the skin.
More extensive work such as altering hair that is out of place or glare on glasses (something you want to avoid, or simply learn to live with) is possible but can be expensive and may not look right. Even digitally retouched portraits are subject to the same challenges and expenses as conventional retouching.
Whether to retouch or not retouch is a personal choice and should be determined only when the results from the portrait session are viewed.

 

My kids won't sit still. What do I do?back to top

The best advice I give all parents is to be patient and not try to control the situation. Trying to have control over the moods and reactions of children is usually futile and only makes matters worse.
I understand children and know that I need to gain their trust, at their pace, not the adults'.
To allow this to happen, simply be patient and let me talk to the children. Don't answer for them or instruct them to "smile." Often for younger children (1.5 to 2.5 years old) the best thing to do is ignore them. They often will sit still in the picture because they suddenly feel left out.
Above all, be patient. I will. And no, I really don't have a lot of patience, I have learned what to expect from children and know that sometimes it may take some time before I get the desired results.

 

What does "documentary-style" photography mean?back to top

When I refer to "documentary-style" photography, I simply mean a more casual and relaxed approach in which I document what is transpiring versus interjecting my opinions into the session. I apply the principles of classical portraiture but strive for natural, spontaneous portrayals of the people present.

 

What is Environmental Portraiture?back to top

Environmental portraiture may incorporate elements of a person's life (playing an instrument or a sport) or a family's way of life (hiking, playing at the park.) The photo session is done in a place that has personal significance such as your home or a location that holds special memories for you. Please feel free to discuss your interests during our initial consultation.