We want to work with you to create beautiful and relaxed photographs of you and/or your group.  If you have any questions about the session please call either of our offices and we would be happy to discuss your thoughts and plan ahead with you.  Listed here are a few basic suggestions regarding clothing and session planning.

We look forward to working with you.

General Thoughts:

• Relax, this will be a fun experience.
• View some sample sessions from the links at the bottom for ideas.
• Call if you have any questions.

Session Ideas

Clothing ideas for Women:

• Dark colors are slimming, light colors are not.
• We suggest clothing with no pattern or design that can distract the eye from the subject and draw attention.
• Shirts should be a solid color and at least ¾ length sleeves. Necklines should be at a respectable length.
• It is best to remove a watch from the wrist.
• Don’t get a hair cut for your appointment. It is best to have done so a week or two prior to.
• Normal makeup, our lights do not need extra makeup.
• Dress from head to toe. If you do not we will be limited in what we can do creatively.
• Have nicely manicured fingernails (and toe nails for more casual portraits)

Clothing ideas for Men:

• A fresh shave is a must! schedule your appointment as early in the day as possible.
• Dark colors are slimming, light colors are not.
• We suggest clothing with no pattern or design that can distract the eye from the subject and draw attention.
• Ties with a subtle pattern are okay.
• Shirts should be a solid color and long sleeves are best. Shirts that offer a buttoned collar should be fastened.
• Jackets should be solid color and fit properly.
• It is best to remove a watch from the wrist.
• Don’t get a hair cut for your appointment. It is best to have done so a week or two prior to.
• Dress from head to toe. If you do not we will be limited in what we can do creatively.

Clothing for Groups:

• For groups of 3 or more, select 1-3 colors (keeping them all solid). One of the colors should be a neutral such as khaki, white, black, jeans (something everyone can incorporate in their ensemble). Veer away from everyone wearing the same thing. People should show their individuality while still blending with the group.
• Try to stay away from too much white.

Sample Images

Children's Health on Photo Day:

• We work hard to capture the natural joy of childhood in our photographs and our ability to do so when a child is sick is very limited.  Children who do not feel well physically, do not do well in photo sessions and it is more difficult, if not impossible, to get playful and fun expressions.   We know that when we work with kids under these circumstances, you will not be pleased with the expressions, quantity and quality of choices available in your finished proofs.  We also do not feel it is fair to our staff and other clients to have children in the office and studios who have coughs, colds or runny noses. 
  
  We will be extremely flexible about rescheduling and encourage you to do so if your children do not feel well on the day of your scheduled session.

Timing for Children's Sessions:

• Children will have more energy and fun during sessions scheduled in the morning.  With late afternoon sessions, we will have a smaller window of energy and less opportunity to get great images.  For children under 7, we encourage you to schedule before 12:00 noon.  Children under 3 should not be photographed in the afternoon.  If scheduling necessitates an afternoon timeslot for your children's session, we recommend that the kids come well fed and rested. 

Clothing for Children:

Girls

• Dresses for little girls should not be straight and tight at the hem line. This will not work well for seated portraits.
• It is best to have flowing and billowing dresses that will cover the legs.
• Bows should be subtle in a solid color.
• Try to avoid short collars on dresses and shirts. They often come out of place, not laying properly in various poses other than standing.

Boys:

• Pants should fit a little on the longer side if possible. Once the child is sitting the pants look too short.
• Undershirts should fit properly underneath sweaters.

Sample Images

Business portrait samples