What should I wear?
GENERAL:
Layers (such as vests and sweaters) and Textures (such as chunky knits, corduroy, or denim) add dimension and character to your portraits.
Hats & scarves help to frame the face, bring attention to the eyes and can also complement the clothing.
Sometimes you may even want to kick off your shoes for nice, relaxed portraits.
Try avoid busy clothing with characters, logos, or patterns (e.g. plaid) because they tend to be distracting.
Don't forget to take off your watch!
For fun or creative portraits, feel free to bring your own props! Some theme ideas:
- Active: Hula hoops, bicycles, streamers, your favorite instrument
- Rainy Day Adventure: Colorful umbrellas, rain boots/jackets
- Modern: Cool chairs or furniture (outside)
- Carnival: Balloons, bubble gum, giant lolli-pops, cotton candy, funny masks
- Travel: Old suitcases, cane, gloves, scarves, funky hats
- Picnic: Quilt, wine glasses, cheese plate, picnic basket, books
- Urban-Chic: Sexy Heels, Black-rimmed glasses, scarves, feather boas
FAMILIES:
Color-coordinated outfits are the best choice (however, not necessarily matching). Think of your family as one outfit- where the shirt goes with the pants, socks, shoes, belt... but they aren't all the same color. They complement each other.
Simple, solid-colored tops and bottoms such as jeans or khakis may be an easy and safe choice, however they tend to create a uniform look that can inhibit the "character" of your family. Don’t be a afraid to be a little more adventurous with color and texture.
WOMEN:
Don’t be afraid to spice up your portraits with bright colors, scarves, high heels, boots, fancy hats/headbands, and jewelry. However, try to avoid wearing body glitter, sparkly make-up or lipgloss (these don’t photograph well).
MATERNITY:
Solid black/white camisoles, black underwear, and drawstring pajama bottoms are good for belly shots.
To prevent elastic marks on your belly, avoid wearing tight pants or cover-all underwear to the session.
Depending on the look you would like to achieve, you might consider bringing a mix of outfit ideas- i.e. sheer nightgowns, sexy black underwear, scarves, silky bathrobes, fashionable jewelry, and fit/flare shirts with jeans, men's white shirt, etc.
BABIES: Consider bringing a diaper cover or any knit blankets you may have. You are also encouraged to include your child’s favorite toy, blanket, doll or other significant objects in their portraits.
Take some time to plan your look before-hand, and it will make all the difference in your pictures. If you need more guidance or ideas, please call me!
Shooting Outdoors?
Outdoor portraits and events will have the best photographic results if scheduled for the late afternoon/evening or early morning.
The best time to plan an outdoor event or photo session is when the sun is lower in the sky, during the last couple “magic" hours before sunset or the first few hours after sunrise. At these times the light is softer and warmer, and will result in the same effect in your pictures. Sunrise/Sunset tables can be found here: http://www.timeanddate.com
Intense mid-day sun is the hardest to work with because it is directly overhead, and tends to create unflattering harsh shadows under the nose, eyes, and chin, and can cause everyone to look squinty.
Overcast light is actually great for portraits (lucky for all of us living here in the Northwest) because clouds diffuse light with an even and flattering effect (though you won't have the bright blue skies & puffy clouds in the background).
Even a little rain won't hurt (that's what umbrellas are great for!) so don't fret about booking an outdoor session on account of overcast skies or light/intermittent rain.
Night shooting:
The best results for night photography can be achieved by locating important scenes (such as a ceremony or dancefloor) under a white canopy/tent.
Also consider stringing white party lights and/or luminary globes around to add dimension and a romantic glow to the background of night photos.
The biggest challenge with shooting outdoors is that after dark there's no longer any natural light to rely on. In this case, we have no choice but to introduce artificial light, such as a flash or spotlights. Keep in mind that a Flash in the dark shoots from one direction, which can illuminate a single person (with marginally flattering results), but it cannot illuminate an entire outdoor scene, such as a dancefloor. However, if the flash can be bounced from a large white ceiling (such as a canvas canopy or tent), the light can spread to cover a larger scene with an even and flattering light.
Weddings:
DISCO LIGHTS:
DJs often use flashing colored lights, which are difficult to overcome with a flash. When these lights show up in photographs it results in color casts, color spots, or blasted out light spots. DJs don't always take orders from the photographer, so it will be up to you to let them know that you don't want those lights interfering with your pictures.
If you instruct your DJ to cut out any flashing colored and disco lights during important reception scenes, it will help prevent the loss of any important pictures.
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