Great Portraits are No Accident

Here are a few ideas that will help you prepare and look your best.

CLOTHES:


• Stay away from stripes! Small thin ones will not photograph well.
Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering. Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting. Your face should be the focal point of your portraits.

• Having your clothes fit and ironed is very important!
Too often, students will bring clothes that have been thrown into their backpack. Wrinkles are not something that can be retouched. Gentlemen often have shirt collars and sleeves that don’t fit, usually due to a bad fitting or borrowed suit items. It is important that your shirt and tie are properly fitted and that your suit/sport coat is the proper size.

• Medium to dark clothes look the best on dark backgrounds. So if you like these more dramatic looks, use darker more subdued colors for your personal selections.

• Medium to light colors look the best on lighter colored backgrounds. So if your yearbook pose is to be taken in your own clothes, wear lighter colors that will go well with these backdrops.

• If your school’s portrait session allows it, it's a good idea to include both a casual and a more formal outfit for your sitting. Try one the student likes and one that Mom and Dad prefer, to keep everyone happy. Also use a variety of colors.

• One of the biggest problems we see is sunburn and tan lines from the tanning salons! Please try to avoid the sun prior to your session. We often see strap lines on the shoulders of ladies when being photographed in a strapless formal dress or drape for the yearbook, as well as uneven sunburn from gentlemen who wear ball caps; peeling skin on noses from recent burns; and raccoon eyes from people who were wearing sunglasses. Sunless tanning products may be used to even out some of these conditions. Remember, there may be an extra charge for retouching tan lines.

JEWELRY:

• Don't forget to bring your jewelry. GIRLS:A necklace and earring set can add a nice touch. GUYS and GIRLS: some poses will show your hands, so think about wearing your class ring.

HAIR / MAKEUP / GROOMING

• Wear your hair in your regular style. Guys should NOT have a fresh haircut, but should have a fresh shave! We cannot touch up an unshaven face! If you need a trim, have it done about a week before. Ladies should not try a new style or stylist right before their session.
• Keep your make-up natural and fresh. Regular make-up to cover blemishes is recommended. Mascara, blush, lipstick, etc. will enhance your best features.

• Nails should be manicured neatly with no chipped polish.

• Lenses should be removed from your glasses if you plan to wear them for your portraits. Your optometrist may do this for free if you can't do it yourself. Our lighting is set up to best bring out your eyes, but may cause a glare if you wear glasses with the lenses still in.

PERSONALITY POSES

Props can help to show the real you and capture the types of activities you are involved in at this special time in your life. If personality poses are part of your session, think about bringing some of your own items. Here are a few ideas:
• A musical Instrument
• Varsity / Leather Jacket
• Sports/Band/Scout/Work/Military Uniform
• Hats
• Sports equipment. (ball/helmet/shoes/skates/stick/bat etc.)
• Sunglasses
• Poms/megaphone
The more the better!


Final tips to remember:
• Simplicity is important to a great portrait.
• 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.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Bring Visine if you have allergies or red eyes.
• Relax and have fun!