As I mentioned last month, I have refined my process to include an in-person consultation.  I have always done a phone consultation but this in-person consultation is much more beneficial for everyone.  It allows me to meet people when it's not on the "big day" of the portrait session.  It also enables me to answer any questions my clients have.

The biggest question people ask me is "What should we wear?".  I have some definite opinions on this.  Bear in mind that the clothing I suggest is based on the style of portraits I create.  Other artists will have opinions on this that differ from mine and that is fine.  If I am not your photographer, go with what your photographer recommends.  

• When I look at a portrait, I think my eyes should go to people's faces.  When people wear busy prints or very bright colors, my eyes go to the clothes instead of the faces.  Prints make an image more busy and less calm.  That's why I recommend people stick to solid colors.  A small print is fine on one person in the group but if everyone wears a small print, the clothing can become a distraction. 

• Have each person show their own style - to a point.  No need for everyone to wear white matching polos.  If you want to wear white shirts, then how about Mom in a blouse, Dad in a button-down shirt, brother in a polo, and sister in a blouse?

• Red, yellow, and orange stand out more than cool colors like blue and green.

• Most groups do not want one person to stand out more than the others.  Therefore, have everyone dress harmoniously.  This does not mean everyone has to match.  But having one person in red and everyone else in black will make the person in red stand out like a sore thumb.

• Neutrals (black, white, grey), earth tones (blue, green, brown), and pastels are wonderful choices.

• Most women do not like their upper arms.  If that is the case, do not wear a short-sleeved shirt.  A 3/4 length or long-sleeved shirt will give longer lines and not visually chop the arm off where it is largest.  Same goes for shorts.  Pants will have a longer, more slimming line than shorts.

• If you hire me, you won't have to worry about a stain or spot on your clothing since I can easily fix that in photoshop.  Be sure to ask your photographer if photoshop work is included.

• Women should bring powder and lipstick to the session for touch-ups.  Make-up should look natural.

• If you want to create a portrait that hangs in your home for many years, you might want to wear basic outfits that will stand the test of time.

• Do wear jewelry if you normally wear jewelry.

• Chances are good that your feet will be in some pictures.  But they will probably be full-length shots so your feet won't take up a huge amount of visual space in the portrait.  Still, care a little about your shoes in case you choose portraits that have your feet in there.  

I'd love to hear your thoughts and I'd also love it if you could forward this to two of your friends.  Thanks so much! 

Until next month -  

Dawn