How to Prepare for Portraits  

• Avoid getting sun burned prior to your portraits. It may be best to stay out of the sun in the week leading up to your portraits just to make sure you do not get sun burned.
• If you must be in the sun in the week or so before your portrait, be sure to use a high SPF sun screen on all exposed skin areas but especially on your face. (The photographer’s favorite is SPF 45. Contrary to popular belief it is still possible to get tan, and even sun burnt, while wearing it so be sure to apply it often.) Wear a hat while in the sun to further avoid a sun burnt face.
• It is important to be on time for your portrait session.

Portrait Recommendations  

• Try to keep your clothing simple. Solid colors are the least distracting and often the best.  Large or bold patterns and bright colors are distracting in a portrait. They draw attention away from your face.
• Sleeveless shirts and dresses tend to distract from your face as well. They also tend to make arms look heavier than they truly are. Sleeved and long sleeve dresses and shirts help draw attention away from your arms and focus on your face. 
• Darker clothing tends to have a slimming effect and acts to minimize body size while light tones tend to emphasize body size.
• Necklines – If your neck is short and your face is full then scoop or v-necks tend to be most appealing. If your neck is long and your face is slender then a turtleneck or high-necked garment is more flattering.
• Though the couple’s clothing does not have to match it is best if they are in the same style clothing. Do not mix casual and formal attire.
• Often it is appealing if the color of the subjects clothing matches or is similar.
• Mixing light and dark colors can distract from your face. 
• Save stronger colors and patterns for accent items like scarves and neckties.
• White or light pastel clothing looks best in portraits taken against a white or light colored background.  Dark clothing looks best photographed against darker backgrounds and creates a more formal mood.
• Glasses – If either person in the portrait wears glasses regularly then consider wearing the glasses in the portrait. However, if it is possible bring, a second pair of glasses without lenses for the portrait in order avoid glare and distracting reflections. Only have a trained professional remove the lenses from your glasses. If it is not possible to have a pair of glasses without lenses, do not worry. 

Home