Looking Your BEST! Preparing for Your Sessions What you wear is as important as the expression on your face. These suggestions help you get the best looking portraits you've ever had...

What to wear, what to wear?      Here's the concept:  You're having a portrait done, not a catalog of your clothes.  It's all about your personality. And the expression on your face is where your personality is found. Your clothes say a lot about you. And, while you can express your personality by what you wear, it should compliment and not compete with your face. The better choices for clothes do just that.      Here are some examples and general guidelines: Colors and tones Medium and dark tone outfits usually photograph better than bright colors.  See how the bright sweater competes with her face? Patterns Patterns stripes and prints are put on clothes to attract attention to themselves. That's NOT what you want in a portrait. Sleeve Length Long sleeves photograph better than short sleeves or sleeveless.  What's the first thing you see?  Arms or face? Details are important!  Wrinkles and proper fit really have a chance to show up on photographs

The Classics      In the 70's they wore paisley and polyester.      In the 80's it was iridescent disco shirts with huge collars.      In the 90's, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and large block primary colors.      It's hard to believe that what you're wearing right now could ever look that un-cool. That's what they all thought. So...

Guys Decades ago guys wore a jacket and tie for classy traditional portraits.  Decades from now they will be wearing that too.  If you'd like to look classy, it's a jacket and tie.  It's tradition! Girls Soft sweaters or blouses with blazers in dark, solid colors with flattering necklines and accessories like earrings, pearls, necklaces etc.

The rest of you! Hair Confucius once said: "Everything is wrong if your hair is wrong."  It's TRUE!  Wear a style you're familiar with and check it out frequently throughout the session (bring your hair accessories along).  Consider matching your hair styles with your outfit. Guys, a 2-3 week old haircut photographs best.  The spikey hair gel looks cool but don't over do it.     Makeup for GIRLS Wear natural looking makeup.  Bring some extra makeup along for touch ups.  A touch of blush will help to sculpt the cheekbones, powder will reduce shine, a little mascara will highlight the eyes and lip gloss will help to highlight lips. Makeup for GUYS Yes guys!  You can benefit from some makeup as well.  Look at what it does for Marilyn Manson? Seriously though a little under the eyes reduces dark circles, powder reduces shine, and blemish concealer, well, duh! By the way, we've got all that stuff here.     Skin Stay out of the sun at least two days before your session!  Tan and sunburn lines can be a real problem.     Glasses If you're usually seen with glasses on, bring them, without the lenses.  Lenses may cause reflections, and distort, or discolor your eyes. If it's easy to remove your own lenses you can do that. Or you can rent or borrow similar frames from your optometrist. We can remove the lenses when you arrive with a well placed hit with a small hammer. (Just kidding about the hammer.)      When in doubt, bring more clothes than you could possibly get into in the time we have. We'll help you choose!