What is their best time of day?... Early in the morning? After lunch but before their afternoon nap? To get the best out of your child schedule the session when they might be at the happiest.

CLOTHES
Pick simple, nice looking outfits that allow your child's personality to shine. Stay away from cutsey giffafes and such that might distract the viewers attention.

PROPS
Bring along items that are special to your child right now. For a baby that might be a blanket or stuffed animal. It's also fun to bring in Daddy's tie or some of Mommy's necklaces. For an older child it might be some favorite toys. Does your girl love to play dressup? Is you boy into Legos? Bring that stuff because this is all about capturing memories!

The "Style" of your session:

Are you thinking about a formal portrait, casual, or storytelling? Do you prefer indoors, outdoors, or a special locaton? Talk to us about your thoughts and preferences.

Clothing Tips:

Family portraits should be about the relationship... not the outfit each individual is wearing. Our recommendation is to wear solids in a similar color tone. Your eye will jump to any place there is contrast so... avoid contrast and patterns. OUTDOORS - Darker colors work better for most outdoor portraits. SLEEVE LENGTH - 3/4 to full length sleeves look best on most people when it comes to portraits. (If your nickname is "Twiggy" you might be able to pull off sleeveless.)

Unlike so many other things in life... Your Senior Portraits are a once in a lifetime experience. Let's really do it right!

We want to capture your personalities!... Yes, all of them! What's your style?... what are you into?... what kind of "stuff" do you have? Bring it! Yeah, sometimes it looks like our Seniors are moving in but that's cool, it's great to have lots of choices.

And speaking of choices... we've got a huge variety of photographic techniques, too. B&W's, tones, artistic styles & effects, composites and so much more. There are many different things we can do to make your Senior Portraits unique. Just tell us what you want, or ask us for our suggestions, and we will do our very best to capture who you are at this moment in your life.

ARRIVE EARLY

In order to be prepared to start shooting on time, please arrive 15 minutes early. Come even earlier if you need some time to change into your 1st outfit, fix hair, etc.

CLOTHING

Solids are best! (and bring a variety of color) Stripes, plaids and small busy prints do not translate well on camera.  Large plaids or prints are ok for a couple of outfits. FOR OUTDOORS - Darker tones do the best! 

Vary the style, all one look (like t-shirts) gets boring.  Vary the dress level, bring something dressy as well as nice casual outfits. Longer sleeves photograph the best so be sure to include several in your selection.

Remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the stuff you like. Our sessions have unlimited changes which means the faster you change the more variety of looks you will get.  We suggest you bring double what you think we will do so we have more to pick from.

Make sure that all of your outfits are complete.  If you are in a suit or evening gown, don’t forget your dress shoes. Group your outfits together on hangers. This will prevent wrinkling.  Wrinkled clothing will show up on camera.

PROPS

Bring props that help define you.  Sports equipment, sports uniforms, musical instruments, etc.  Sunglasses, hats, scarves and your cars are also some popular props.

SUNBURN/TANNING

Tan lines and peeling are not attractive in portraits. Avoid sunburn! Please don’t over do your tan.

FRIENDS AND PARENTS

Friends or parents are welcome.  They can be a help.  However, if you can’t relax in front of the camera with mom and dad watching, it may be best to have them wait. You can have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend or sibling at no extra charge.

GIRLS:

There are certain things girls should be aware of and watch for in their presentation:

CLOTHING STYLES

Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have any extra weight in your arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller.  Wild to mild.  We don’t really tell you what you can and can not wear.  A little sexy is OK, but don’t make ALL of your outfits that way.  We photograph everything from prom dresses to shorts.  What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. 

MAKEUP

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal.  About like you might wear in the evening.  Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps.  So if your mascara is old and clumpy, replace it first.  Avoid makeup with “sparkles” in it.  When you move, it makes a nice shimmer, but in a photo, where you are still, it creates a little white spot that almost looks like a zit.  Also avoid makeup with an SPF in it.  Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine.  Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

GUYS:


SHAVING

Please make sure you are clean shaven.  Got a goatee or scruffy look that mom hates, but you love?  Do some of your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and go to the changing room and shave it off for mom’s portraits.  Everyone is happy that way!

CLOTHES

Avoid contrasty patterns. ie: plaids and polo shirts with big bold stripes as they are distracting. Best are solids! Darker colors work better for outdoors.