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Choose a VARIETY of outfits. It's a good idea to include both casual and more formal outfits in your senior portraits. You choose a couple and let Mom choose one or two, that way everyone is happy.
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Also use a variety of colors... for example, if you bring a black, gray and white outfits for a 3 outfit session. You're previews will be really drab and boring. These are all good choices, but include some items of color too!
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Stay clear of stripes! (large bold ones of 5+" are tolerable. Small thin ones will not photograph well. It's best to not use any stripes or solids with 1-2 stripes or lines.
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Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits.
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The most common problem we see is sunburn! and tan lines from the tanning salons! Everyone please keep out of the sun a week or two before your session. We often see uneven sunburn from guys who wear ball caps, peeling skin on noses from recent burns, raccoon eyes from those who were burned while wearing sunglasses. Or strap lines on the shoulders of gals who wish to be photographed in a strapless formal dress or top. Sunburn, uneven tanning and tan lines can not be retouched. Your session will need to be rescheduled.
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Second biggest problem is clothes that are wrinkled or don't fit. Gals, don't bring your clothes rolled up in a ball in a backpack. They'll be a winkled mess and they will photograph that way. Guys! we see over and over that their shirt collar and sleeves do not fit. Often due to a bad fitting or borrowed suit items. It is imperative that your your shirt and tie are properly fitted and that your suit/sport coat is the proper size.
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Medium to dark clothes look the best on dark backgrounds. So if you like these more dramatic looks, use darker more subdued colors. -
Medium to light colors look the best on lighter colored backgrounds. So if you like the lighter sets and backgrounds, bring lighter clothes that will go good with the backgrounds you prefer. -
For outdoor portraits. Be careful of bright greens as they often clash with the greens of the leaves and grass. Black, Khaki, pink, orange, navy, tan, gold, burgundy, dark yellow are good outdoors. We recommend staying away from white, light/pale yellow or other very light/pale colors outdoors. -
Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come. So try and use styles and looks that will be in style "next year" as well as this summer. Otherwise you're portrait will look dated and out of style in a year or two. -
Classic solid sweaters will always be in style. Trendy summer tops will look out of place next summer.
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Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes & socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Barefoot and sandals! No problem for your casual clothes. And though white socks are in, they don't photograph well. So bring darker ones too. (just in case they show!) Guys don't forget those belts and Gals, don't forget your jewelry, -
Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits. Avoid large & bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face. -
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Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session. Here are some ideas:
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Musical Instrument
Vehicle (car/truck/bike/cart) you must book a special session for this. They often require we go to a nearby park requires extra time and cost.
Leather Jacket
Uniform/ball/helmet/shoes/stick/bat the more the better!
Hats
Sports Equipment
Sunglasses
Poms/megaphone, cheerleaders don't forget your lollies.
Pets (check with the studio ahead of time, they are an extra change for additional time/film required. And there are restrictions, we require a handler/pet carrier to tend to your pet during the rest of your session and they can't wait in the studio (As many of our other seniors have allergies) or in a hot car! They can't be tied up outside. Call the studio for tips.
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Here are some final tips:
Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait. That and all the little
elements that come together to create the end result. Each thing you
do right will make a major difference in the end product.
Lenses must be removed from your glasses. Your optometrist will do this
for free if you can't do it yourself. Or... borrow a pair of empty frames
from your optometrist that look similar to your own. They'll often do
this for free or for a small 5.00 deposit that they refund when you
return them. Due to our lighting and the way we concentrate our lighting
to bring out your eyes we can not photograph you with lenses in your
glasses if you plan to wear them.
Contacts can be worn, but often your eyes will be less red and will
have more sparkle if you can get by with your contact lenses out.
Long sleeve dresses and shirts are MUCH better than short sleeves ESPECIALLY
for your head and shoulder/traditional poses.
Coordinate your outfit from head to toe.
Darker clothes minimize body size.
Keep the tonal range of clothing in the same group, don't mix lights
& darks in the same outfit.
To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several additional
clothing choices and let the photographer help you choose.
Don't forget to bring your jewelry, especially your class ring. If you're
in sports don't forget, helmet and ball, hockey stick, etc. You often
need to contact your school/coach weeks in advance to get jerseys and
helmets during the summer. (don't delay in doing this)
You should wear your hair in your regular style. Guys should NOT have
a fresh haircut, but should have a fresh shave! 5 o'clock shadow will
show and can't be touched up! If you need a trim, have it done about
a week before. Gals, don't go get a new style or go to a new stylist
that you've never used before.
A little Visene will "get the red out" if you have allergies!
Heavier thicker materials will photograph and lay better for example,
a sweatshirt is much thicker and will photograph ten times better than
a t-shirt or button down cotton shirt. Guys, button down shirts are
fine if you put a sweater or suit or sport coat over them.
Having your clothes fit and ironed is very important!
Get a good night's rest, relax and be ready for a great portrait session!
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You can also stop by the studio for a free consultation. Kenn will show
you samples of good and bad clothing choices to help you see what works
best!
