Smile! Click! Well, actually that's probably something
you want to avoid…a photographer that instructs you to "say cheese",
or "smile!" is probably not going to get the best, most natural
expressions from you and your family members that way. So the
first thing to do to insure that you look your best in your portraits
is to interview photographers and find one who you are most comfortable
with!
Once you've selected a photographer whose work
you like, and with whom you are comfortable, there are a number
of things you can do to insure you look your very best for those
portrait memories that will be seen by friends and family for
years to come.
Perhaps the most obvious thing is to get a good
night's sleep the night before! Here's another tip that should
be obvious, if there are little ones in your family between the
ages of two and about six years old, plan your portrait session
for the time of day when they are usually in the best mood. And
make sure they are well rested and fed so they don't get grumpy
during the session.
When it comes to fashion and what to wear for
portraits, it's important to select clothing that is complimentary
to your body type, and if you are having family portraits made,
,make sure that the colors throughout the group are also complimentary.
Everyone should also be dressed in the same mode. That is, casual,
semi-casual, or formal. It doesn't look appropriate when everyone
is dressed in formal wear and one person is in t-shirt and cut-offs!
And it looks silly if everyone is casual and one person is in
a formal dress! So, coordinate the style.
Speaking of styles, it's best not to wear the
latest fashion style in your portrait unless you are looking for
a fashion portrait. Fashions go in and out of style so fast, you'll
really date the portrait if you go with the latest, greatest fashion
statement. It's best to wear something that is more of a timeless
style of fashion. That way your portrait will always look it's
very best.
In most cases medium to darker tones are more
complimentary than lighter tones. Darker colors tend to have a
"slimming" effect on the wearer, especially in portraits. And
believe it or not, long sleeves are better than short sleeves
or thin straps. For women 'V' neck tops are better than scoop
necks or high neck tops…unless you have a very long neck.
For men, unless they are wearing a necktie should
not button up all the way. Leave the top button undone, and do
not wear a t-shirt underneath, unless it's a scoop or 'v' neck
so it doesn't show under the collar of their shirt.
Men should also be sure to shave within about
an hour of the portrait session so there's no stubble. And contrary
to what you might think, it's best not to have your hair cut the
day of or just before your portrait session. It's better to have
it cut at least a week before the session so it has a chance to
grow out slightly.
Women should have their hair and makeup done right
before the session. And always bring your hair brush and makeup
along in case you need to touch up. Generally, you should apply
your makeup just a little heavier than on a normal day. Even if
you don't normally wear makeup you should do at least the basics
for a portrait. Basics being eyeliner, a little shadow, and lipstick.
You never want to over do it, but because of the lighting used
in portraiture, and especially if your portraits are being made
outdoors, you want to accentuate the eyes and lips.
Just a quick word about jewelry and accessories.
As long as it is complimentary to the outfit you're wearing, it's
appropriate to accessorize, but don't overdo it. Think, "simple
and timeless". A nice, un- ostentatious pair of earrings, maybe
a matching necklace is nice. One bracelet, and one ring per hand
is plenty. You shouldn't put on everything in your jewelry chest
for your portrait; it tends to look gaudy.
Follow these guidelines and you'll look wonderful
in your portraits, and will be proud to show them off!
