A quote from Joanna -"I could not be happier with the results of the head-shot session with Lori and Gretje. My new picture conveys exactly what I was looking for: warmth and professionalism - which as a consultant, is tremendously helpful for me in opening new doors." 

Makeup and Wardrobe Services

Gretje Ferguson Photography

Wardrobe choices should be appropriate for all seasons. Trendy or season specific items will date the pictures. For example, a turtleneck sweater would be worn only in the winter. Simple collars like v-neck, round-neck and shirt neck work well. Long sleeves are best. Choose clean lines, well-tailored styles, and monochromatic wardrobe pieces. Styles should be current but not trendy. Avoid excessive fabric and multiple layers; the bulk will add weight.

Crisp, smooth fabrics with no shine and no wrinkles will produce the best results. Do the "crunch test"; crumple the fabric in your hand and let go, if the wrinkles fall out in a short time, the fabric will work. Texture, loose weaves, large knits or busy patterns and fabrics with

nap all add weight. Choose crepe, cotton spandex blends, tight woven knits, Tencel™ and fine wool blends. Avoid 100% cotton, linen, tweed, stripes, bulky knits, busy prints, shiny silk, satin and shantung.

Keep it simple. One simple piece that expresses your personality, image and who you are may be all you need. Remember, less is more when choosing accessories. Large shiny metals or busy patterns will not work well with the camera. Long, dangling earrings and necklaces will draw the face down. Fancy buttons should also be considered an accessory. Choose brushed metals, pearls, wood or fabric pieces. Avoid clutter and excessive accessories; they will draw attention away from your face.

Colors that complement your skin-tone, hair color and eyes are always the best choices. If you do not know what those colors are, ask someone you can trust. You may want to have a professional color analysis done. Lori can do this analysis before your shoot. If your photos will be black and white try to incorporate contrasting colors to create depth and interest. Choose simple, solid, medium range colors. Avoid black, white, light blue, and extremely bright or dark colors.

Have your hair cut one week before your have your picture taken. If you are not good at styling your own hair, have a professional do it on the day of your shoot. Facial hair needs to be in check. You may need to use an electric shaver an hour before the photo session begins. Choose neat, clean, smooth hairstyles. Avoid styles that have wispy ends or hide your face. Don't drastically change your hairstyle for the photo session. Lori will touch up your hair before the shoot but will not do any major styling. She can give you style suggestions during the pre-shoot consultation.

Makeup for photography is more intense than everyday makeup.  The lighting and flash washes the color from the face.  Saturated colors and darker foundation should be used.  It is very important to apply powder to eliminate shiny skin.  Don't forget your neck, shoulders, ears, receding hairline; any exposed skin should have powder.  Use concealer under your foundation to hide dark circles under the eyes and skin imperfections. Choose matte finishes in colors that compliment and blend with your skin-tone.  Avoid shiny, iridescent colors and hues lighter than your natural skin-tone. A professional makeup artist will make a big difference.  Lori is trained in makeup for photography to help you.

Start a good skincare routine long before the day of your photograph. Cleanse with a non-drying facial cleanser and then use a toner to remove impurities. To finish, apply moisturizer to give the skin its best appearance. A light exfoliating scrub a day before the shoot will give your skin a fresh look. Avoid harsh spa facials just before the shoot just in case you have a reaction.  Drink lots of water to hydrate your system. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes; they dry the skin and cause yellowing and wrinkles. Try to get a good night's sleep before your photo shoot. Lori has a great skin care line. If you would like suggestions on a system customized to your skin type give her a call.

Props can help tell your story. Is there something that defines you? A piece of jewelry or clothing, a tool of your profession, a book, a hat, a scarf, etc. can add interest to a photo. Choose items that will identify you but not take away from your appearance. Avoid offensive or silly items. The picture is about you, not the prop.

Bring options for wardrobe, accessories and props. Choose a few appropriate items from each category. Avoid bringing too much to cause stress in making choices. If you're not sure what to bring, Lori can help you make your choices with a pre-shoot consultation.

Emergency Kit

Water to stay hydrated.  Scissors for strings or flyaway hair.   A lint brush.  Makeup for touch up, especially powder for shine.  A comb, brush, hair spray, anything you use to touch up your hair.  Eye drops for red eyes.  A small sewing kit.  An extra pair of pantyhose.

The stress of having your picture taken sometimes shows in your face. The trick is to look natural in the finished product. Bring things that will help you relax during the shoot. We can play your favorite music on CD or burn your favorite soothing scented candle while your photo is being taken. Avoid anything that will cause stress during the shoot, such as your cell phone ringing, young children, a pet or arriving late to your photo session.