Hi all,

So it’s time for a portrait and you want it to be one you will cherish for years. So here are a few tips to help that happen.

There are many kinds of portraits here I will be dealing with the individual or family portrait for family or personal use.

Probably the biggest mistake I ever see in portraits sessions is not being ready. People pay good money for a quality session and they don't put any effort into it. In reality they don't do this every day so most would not think about it at all, just make the appointment and show up.

However if you want a great picture all the elements must be there and these are elements that one feels more than sees unless they are used to looking for them.

In our hurried lives we pass over a lot, we get a perception or a feeling and that is how we make our judgement concerning certain things.

So what are the elements that make up a great portrait? Well certainly it is the skill of the photographer, they must know how to light, and this is whether it is in the studio or outside.  Experience, ability to work with people, a good eye, imagination, and yes decent equipment are all necessary.

However all of these things will not help to create that amazing, emotionally satisfying portrait if the subjects don’t follow a few simple suggestions.

The things below not only will help the photo look better but will let you know you are ready and help you feel your best and more relaxed. This will help the photo greatly.

I always try and make the sessions fun and a fun session is the best way to get a great portrait.

This is what I recommend for what to wear to a portrait session

• wear solid colored clothing
• choose muted tones that are a bit subdued
• choose similar tones for your top and bottom (both dark or both light)
• choose 1-3 colors for your group portrait, ones with similar tones that go nicely together and have everyone work within that color palette. For example: dark green, navy, and burgundy – all dark jewel tones.  OR tan, a lighter olive green, and denims – all lighter, softer tones.
• choose a top with sleeves at least to the elbow
• choose long pants for men/ladies or a skirt below the knee for ladies
• choose dark socks and footwear (unless it’s a barefoot photo on the beach)
• keep jewelry simple and minimalistic
• do your hair the way you’d normally do it while wearing these clothes (I’ll explain more later)
• if getting a haircut or new hairdo, make your appointment at least 2 weeks prior to your portrait session
• I do advise hiring a makeup artist, I recommend having you hair styled as above, the most problems I have seen is with makeup it really helps having a professional do it.