Session Tips

Much of what you will find here is common sense, but were provide this information as a checklist to help you prepare for your session. The information is based on our experience of what it will take to make a portrait that you will treasure for a long time. Infants Infants should be well fed and "dry" just before the session begins. With especially young infants it may be best if they are sleepy. Pictures of sleeping infants are often some that we treasure most. You know your infant better than we, so it is good to try to schedule the session at a time when your infant is the most cooperative. Some infants are "morning" persons, and some are not. Consider this aspect when scheduling a time for the photo shoot. Most infants photograph extremely well when clothed just in a diaper. If the infant is especially young, then we suggest that you bring a blanket to wrap the infant between shots to keep them warm. If you want shots of the infant clothed, we suggest very simple clothing that is solid in color. Light but not white colors usually look the most pleasing in a portrait. Simple creams, tans, and off whites are good choices. A small and favorite toy is also suggested. We may include it in the portrait or just use it to get the babies attention. Children Children, like infants, should be well feed. Clothing choices should be simple, solid colored cloths. Avoid bold and bright colors and clothing with patterns. Young girls photograph especially well in simple off white or cream colored dresses. Bring a small supply of your childs favorite snack. Having your picture taken by a stranger can often be stressful for a child. The snacks can sometimes help remove some of that stress and can be used to encourage cooporation. As hard as it is, the parent should be prepared to step back from the shoot and let the photographer and the child interact. If the photographer needs or wants the parents assistance, they will ask. Often a child is more likely to be compliant to wishes of the photographer than the parent. This is not always the case, but is something to keep in mind. Again, bring along a favorite toy. Something small and portable. Teens Simple and solid colored clothing is always a good choice. Avoid bright colors and patterned clothes. Simple blue jeans and a tan or light colored shirt or blouse will often produced the most pleasing casual portraits. For more formal portraits, follow the same rules on colors, but in this case dark colors would be appropriate, but try to keep them solid. Location portraits seem to work best with young men. They can reflect a bit of their personality. Young ladies do well in both studio and location settings depending on the mood. For more formal portraits, in studio is usually the best choice. Adults In general, the same rules apply for adults as teens. Stick to simple and solid colored clothing. Family Have everybody dress in similar tones. They don't have to be the exact same color, but they should have the same tonal value - same brightness and contrast. Try not to have some in dark colors and others in light colors. This will take away from the effectiveness of the image. This is supposed to be a family portrait, not a picture of your clothes. Make sure that everybody is prepared before leaving and that you have everything that you need. If children are involved, bring something to entertain them between poses so they do not get bored. Everybody Bring grooming supplies with you. A hair brush is a good idea. Make sure to have any other items you might want or need. Come prepared to have a good time. We want to capture YOU in a portrait. We want to be able to see your personality and to produce a portrait that will become a momento of that point in time.

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