.Portrait Planning Tips - Presented by

“Images Forever”

Get a good nights rest the day before your session.  Tired eyes always show up as tired eyes in the photograph.

The selection of proper clothing for your portrait is an important factor in the preparation for a               successful portrait.  If the clothing is extremely noticeable, it could easily become a distraction.

Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the ultimate goal.  It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and just another picture.

Darker clothing helps to blend the body with the background.  Dark clothing definitely tend to make the body more slender.  Light clothing seem to add weight to the body.

The color of the clothing should be toned down.  Bright colors attract attention away from the face.  Any kind of pattern or lettering - no matter how small, may become a distraction.

Avoid short sleeveless shirts and short pants.

For casual portraits it is better to wear long pants instead of shorts.  When arms and legs are exposed to the camera there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than in the face.

White shirts and/or light colored blouses under a dark jacket are great.  A scarf loosely tied around the neck helps to frame a face beautifully when a collarless blouse or sweater is worn.

Neckties should definitely be toned-down in color and with a minimum of pattern.

Today’s fashions with bright and pastel colors look great for contemporary posing…but don’t forget the colors that Mom and Dad would like for you to be photographed in.

We want to create portraits of people, not clothing.  Apparel and prop should not detract from the subject.  However, clothing and props can establish a mood and should be well thought out.

If you have a special theme such as sports, music, art, letter jacket, guitar, cheerleading uniform, tennis racket, etc., feel free to bring your own personal props with you.  This is one way to make your portraits show your unique individuality.

Tone is the lightness or darkness of the color you choose.  If you want your portrait to be taken with a light background, choose a light tone of clothing.  For a dark backdrop, choose a darker tone.  The reason tone is so important is that the eye goes to the area of greatest contrast, and the best portraits bring the eye to the face of the subject.

Solid colors are best, because they do not draw away from the face.  However, a very subtle pattern is fine and does add variety.  Loud patterns are not recommended.

Long sleeves and long pants are better than sleeveless or shorts unless you want to draw attention to the body rather than the face.

Resist the frills temptation by keeping the clothing or background simple.

Dress in simple, soft fabrics that follow the body’s natural contours.  Avoid baggy clothing and abundant lace or frills, which can be overpowering.

Some poses will show your shoes so don’t forget to bring shoes and socks that match for each outfit.

The most flattering  neckline for anyone is something that comes up close to the neck.  A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph.

On the other hand , a neckline that comes up to the neck, a turtleneck or a v-neck top is the most flattering.  It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.

Clothing  that wrinkle should be put on at the studio.  Careful pressing of the clothing is more important than how new it is.  Photographs do not show the age of the clothes, but they will show the wrinkles.

Lay out all your clothing the day before onto a bed.  Then take a careful look at the collection.  If your eye goes to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph.  That item should be changed.  If you are not sure, bring it in.  It’s better to have too many clothes at your session than too little.

Have an idea of what kind of pose or style you would like for your yearbook picture.  Have the clothing carefully thought out for this pose.

Guys, shave prior to your session and bring a razor and you can shave here.

Girls, a light application of makeup is better than a heavy application.  Most wrinkles, zits and skin acne, and eye bags can be removed on the negative .

Girls, be sure to have your nails manicured.  Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don’t forget those toes.

If you have naturally oily skin, this will show up as a light sheen in the picture.  A dry wash cloth will help by wiping the face periodically.

A hair cut a week before your session is better and has a more natural look than one the day before.

Be careful in the sun a few days before to avoid a red face appearance and unwanted tan lines.

Feel free to call if you have any questions that you aren’t quite sure about.

The most important thing to remember that there is no rush and to have fun.  We will do everything possible to make  your photographic session a memorable  experience.

We look forward to seeing you on ______________________ at approximately__________.

Please call if you have any conflicts.  (320) 763-7265)

Sincerely

Gregg Vieregge