Studio Weblog - News and Interesting Stuff

Family Portrait Guidelines ...

A Family portrait is a time to display the cohesiviness of your family. The best way to accomplish this is to coordinate your clothing. This doesn't mean that everyone has to be dressed identically, but in similar tones and colors so that one person doesn't stick out.

The best way that I can describe your clothing choices is to think of your family portrait in the same terms that you would be decorating your home. You plan your furnishings to compliment each other in the same color families and tones. Just think if you tossed a bright pink pillow in the middle of your greens & blues decorated family room - it would become the center of attention.

When deciding on your clothing, you want it to become secondary to your faces in the portrait. By keeping your clothes in similar tones, it allows your faces to become the center of attention. Bold stripes and patterns also compete for attention to your faces.

Longer sleeves are preferable, but not mandatory, especially during summertime sessions. Shorts on adults are discouraged if everyone else is wearing longer pants/skirts, as bare legs will draw attention.

Infant Portraits ...

Infant Portrait Guidelines...

In creating beautiful portraits for you and your infant, we want every aspect of your session to be perfect.  We'll take care of the technical details, but when it comes to clothing and other personal items, we need your help.  Please take a few moments to review the following guidelines that will greatly aid in our efforts:

• Remember that simple styles of clothing are always more flattering.  Pastels and whites (along with tiny bare feet) photograph beautifully.  We ask that you refrain from putting your infant in overalls until he/she is able to sit unassisted.
• If your infant is extremely fussy or has the beginnings of a cold, please reschedule your appointment.  (You wouldn't want to be in front of the camera if you didn't feel well, and your infant doesn't either!)
• Because babies and infants are so curious about their surroundings, we ask that only the mother remain in the camera room with the baby.  The presence of siblings and/or grandparents lends too much distraction for the child being photographed.  We have a comfortable waiting area for grandparents where they can watch through the door if they would like to come with you.  We recommend making childcare arrangements for siblings.
• Don't forget extra diapers, pacifiers, juice and/or formula and other necessities that help comfort your baby.  Please schedule your child's session around nap and feeding times.
• When we work with babies, we work on their schedule, not ours. Some babies will let us work with them for a long time and allow us to do different clothing changes. Others will only give us a few minutes before they become fussy. Often we can get wonderful images quickly and have enough to give you a wonderful selection. It is best to not upset the baby more than necessary, and we may end the session if he/she isn't wanting to work with us.

• I look forward to working with you and your child--now and in the future--to create a lifetime of beautiful images!

In creating beautiful portraits for you and your infant, we want every aspect of your session to be perfect.  We'll take care of the technical details, but when it comes to clothing and other personal items, we need your help.  Please take a few moments to review the following guidelines that will greatly aid in our efforts:

• Remember that simple styles of clothing are always more flattering.  Pastels and whites (along with tiny bare feet) photograph beautifully.  We ask that you refrain from putting your infant in overalls until he/she is able to sit unassisted.
• If your infant is extremely fussy or has the beginnings of a cold, please reschedule your appointment.  (You wouldn't want to be in front of the camera if you didn't feel well, and your infant doesn't either!)
• Because babies and infants are so curious about their surroundings, we ask that only the mother remain in the camera room with the baby.  The presence of siblings and/or grandparents lends too much distraction for the child being photographed.  We have a comfortable waiting area for grandparents where they can watch through the door if they would like to come with you.  We recommend making childcare arrangements for siblings.
• Don't forget extra diapers, pacifiers, juice and/or formula and other necessities that help comfort your baby.  Please schedule your child's session around nap and feeding times.
• When we work with babies, we work on their schedule, not ours. Some babies will let us work with them for a long time and allow us to do different clothing changes. Others will only give us a few minutes before they become fussy. Often we can get wonderful images quickly and have enough to give you a wonderful selection. It is best to not upset the baby more than necessary, and we may end the session if he/she isn't wanting to work with us.

Senior Portrait Guidelines ..

Here are a few tips to help ensure great portraits ...

Gals: Make sure your hair and makeup are fresh.  Even if you are the natural kind of gal, at least a little bit of makeup makes you look better. Wear a bit more mascara than you usually do. You'll want to include some lipgloss/lipstick in your bag. A portrait session is NOT the time to try a new hairstyle.  Solid colors work best...plan to wear 3/4 length or long sleeves for at least 1 outfit. Make sure your clothes fit - avoid the MuffinTop.

Guys: If clean-shaven is your look, be prepared. If "stubble" is your look of choice, allocate enough time before your appointment so it's the way you want it. You should probably schedule your session about a week after a haircut.

Clothing: My suggestion is to bring at least 1 traditional/classic type of outfit for your yearbook picture and the grandparents poses. Then you can bring the type of clothing that is YOU. If you want the white on white look, bring an all white top. Bring props - hats, instruments, jackets, your favorite teddy bear ... make it all about you - this is your time to Express Yourself