How to Look Your Best

Portraits are best when the viewer’s eye is drawn to your face, so it is important you choose your clothing carefully as not to divert the viewer from the focal point.

Close-Up Portraits For your yearbook picture or other close-ups, dress in something simple in both color and style. Boys can chose a suit, sport coat, or sweater, and girls a plain dress, sweater, or blouse with a simple neckline. Both boys and girls should wear long sleeves to avoid attention being drawn to the arms.

Clothing Color and Style Make the Difference Proper clothing allows the face to dominate the portrait, with all other elements becoming secondary. Against a medium or dark background, colors that photograph best for close-up poses are medium to dark shades of green, brown, rust, wine or blue.

Clothing Tips

• Darker shades are more slimming.
• Avoid light colors similar to flesh tone, as they usually make the wearer seem unusually pale.
• Bare shoulders on tops usually make the subject look heavier.
• Bright colors such as red, orange, and pink will overwhelm the face and ruin a portrait.
• Striped, plaids, checks, and bold prints also draw the eye away from the face.

Informal Poses and Special Styles Informal portraits invite much more variety in clothing color and style. Girls can choose a favorite sports outfit, dress shorts, jeans outfit- the clothes you really enjoy. Possible choices for boys include a suit, jeans outfits, a casual or sports outfit, or a school jacket. Bring extra outfits and we’ll help you choose!

Express Yourself If you have a hobby then bring it along! Musical instruments, art supplies, sports uniforms, pets, girlfriends, boyfriends, and buddies. Think creatively and you’ll have a portrait to remember.

Enjoy an Outdoor Session Bring a casual outfit that will blend with natural outdoor settings. Earth tones and simple styles photograph best. If you have an outdoor hobby or interest such as backpacking, then bring your gear! We’ll also be happy to photograph you with your car, bike, or motorcycle.

Planning Your Session

Hair: You Should have your hair cut around a week before your appointment, but don’t experiment with a new hairstyle just for your session.

Skin Problems: Don’t worry, finished portraits can be fully retouched to eliminate blemishes and soften harsh lines.

Glasses: Problems with glasses can lead to extra retouching charges. Most glare can be removed, however, tinted or exceptionally thick glasses can cause distortion, and empty frames from your optometrist are recommended.

Braces: Braces can be removed with artwork at an extra charge.

Tanning: Removing tan or sunburn lines will incur additional retouching charges.

For Girls: Makeup can affect your portraits. Both fresh, natural makeup or ‘evening’ makeup photograph well.

For Guys: A fresh shave is a must! If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it is trimmed to your liking!

Final Notes

• Arrive at our studio about 10 minutes early, to make sure you can have a full, relaxed shoot while staying on schedule.
• You may be a bit nervous at first, but your shoot will be FUN! Our friendly atmosphere will have you relaxed in no time.
• Bring along as many friends and family as you’d like if it’ll help you feel a bit more relaxed.
• Don’t worry about the preview and ordering process, they will be explained to you in full detail.

And if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to call: 951-654-9999