Tips for the Perfect Portrait
Here are a number of my suggestions and guidelines that will help us create gorgeous images...
Congratulations!!
Congratulations! The number one most important step to getting superb portraits is a step that you have already taken. Choosing a Master Photographer who knows how to use lighting and composition, and can pose you in flattering ways to maximize your positive features and minimize distracting elements.
**Remember, the main goal of getting your portraits done is to create images that make you feel great about you!
The following tips are a collection of ideas from our clients and are only suggestions to help give you ideas to make yourself feel wonderful going into your photography session. We are not suggesting that any of these tips are required, or necessary. Just choose what fits within your budget, lifestyle, and current beauty regimen, and have fun!**
Photo Session Prep Week
When having your portrait taken, there are five areas where a little advanced preparation can make a huge difference. The week before your session (or sooner, if you’ve booked ahead) is a time for planning. Decide on outfits, choose which beautification steps you will take, and schedule the appointments (even if they’re just with yourself).
#1 ·· the Face ··
·Whiten Teeth. There are several over-the-counter products that whiten teeth in a week or less for a quick whiteness boost. Also, many dentists whiten teeth. If you’re due for a cleaning, you might consider going “all out”.
·Get a Facial. If you’re going to go all out into pamper mode (at home or spa), be sure to ex-foliate and do your facial at least a week before your session.
·Wax Eyebrows. If you decide to have your eyebrows waxed be sure to schedule the appointment for at least a few days before your photo session.
#2 ·· the Hair ··
·Touch Up Your Roots. If you dye your hair, doing a deep condition and touching up your regrowth three days before your photo session is ideal. This is not the time for drastic changes.
·Get a Trim. Neat, healthy hair is youthful and vibrant. If it’s been a while since your last haircut, even a subtle trim can make a world of difference.
·Consider a Hair and Makeup Professional. In twenty-six years of photographing people I have heard many, many clients tell me that having their hair and makeup professionally done before their portrait session was the best thing they could have done to feel gorgeous. We have recommendations upon request.
#3 ·· the Hands ··
·Get a Manicure. You know the importance of pretty nails in your pictures. If you’re hard on your nails, plan the mani/pedi for the day before your session. Minimalists can stick with neatly shaped, clear nails. Soft, neutral colors work well for fingertips. (Think about the outfits you’re bringing and be sure to choose a color that will compliment your choices.)
·Clean Your Wedding Ring. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste is a great day-to-day way to clean your bling, but most professional jewelers have sonic cleaners that make it sparkle like the day it was born. Many will even clean your ring for free.
Don’t forget to bring your ring to our session!
#4 ·· the Skin ··
·Wax or Shave. If you go the waxing route, give yourself a few days to heal before your session.
·Tanning. If you usually love a sun tan, go tanning or get a spray tan a week before your session. Sunburns are not great for portraits. Honestly, though, fair skin looks great in images, too.
#5 ·· the Clothing ··
·Personality. Your portraits should be a reflection of you, just more polished. Choose outfits you love.
Many people get great inspiration and find wonderful options by looking at the clothing rental options on the following sites:
closet.gwynniebee.com (also tells you your own body type and what type of clothing you should wear for portraits.)
www.renttherunway.com
www.raineyscloset.com (for children)
·Something Dark. Either a whole outfit or just a top. Black, Navy or Charcoal work best here.
·Something Light. If you like a light outfit, think angelic. Soft, gauzy, maybe even layered and sheer. It doesn't have to be white, you could go with cream, nude color, light pink – whatever.
·Something Fun. This outfit is your chance to make your images really stand out and show your personal style. If you tend toward more conservative tastes, choose a different adjective. Instead of Funky, try Structured, Soft, Elegant, or Formal.
·Something Sexy(ish). This one is entirely your call. As you can imagine, your guy will love this one.
·Consider Necklines. Boat neck, scoop neck, square neck, deep V and off-the-shoulder are great necklines for portraits. Whatever you choose, try to make it more interesting than the basic T-Shirt neckline. If you’re doing more than one outfit then try not to bring all of one style.
·Bring More Than One Outfit. Individual sessions and couples sessions are able to do clothing changes. Having more than one outfit gives you even more options for your final image.
·Think Texture. Sumptuous textures for all outfits lend a rich, tactile element to your photos. Good call.
·Avoid Prints. Patterns, stripes, and prints are distracting. No Bueno. We want people to look at you, your personality, and your relationship when they see your portrait, and even the most beautiful print will steal that attention. Prints and patterns of any kind can easily become a distraction.
·Fit Your Form. MJ poses his subjects very carefully to maximize good features and minimize distracting features. Fitted clothing that shows your shape work best for photographs. This applies to all body types. Baggy clothing is discouraged. While they might be flattering in person, they will not be slimming in camera. Choose outfits that will hug your curves.
·Use Shapewear. Underclothing can make a huge difference. Body shaping clothing like “Spanx” are encouraged for their lifting and tightening qualities.
·Forget Shoes. Most images won’t show your feet at all, and if some do, bare feet will add an organic feel to your portraits. For images that do show shoes, keep in mind that Sport shoes and Sneakers are not typically the best choice.
·the Guys. Guys should wear long sleeves and long pants. Usually button up shirts are best.
Consistency is Key for Group Portraits
If you have decided to do a formal portrait, everyone who will be photographed should be wearing formal clothing. Likewise, if you decide to go informal, make sure everyone is dressed casually. Otherwise all attention will be drawn to the one person whose clothing is not consistent.
Color coordinate clothing for group portraits carefully so as to blend bodies together. This is best achieved by having everyone wear matching top and bottom color tones.
A Note about Retouching
Photoshop may be able to fix a multitude of things, however, you’ll love knowing that your pictures have captured your most perfect self. At the end of the day, we want you to feel great about yourself and to be very happy with your images. This means that you have the freedom to do whatever you would like to prepare for your session, and wear whatever you would like to. By following some of the above recommendations and trusting MJ to do what he does best, you are sure to walk away from our photo session feeling incredible about your images!
Featured on front covers and inside:
Other awards and trophies:
· Master Photographer Degree
· Certified Professional Photographer
· PPA Platinum Photographer of the Year
· PPA Grand Imaging Winner Top 3 Wedding in the World
· 3 Time PHOTOGRAPHER of the YEAR
· Best of Show Intermountain Professional Photographers
· First Place Wedding Album(s)
· First Place Wedding Portrait(s)
· First Place Bridal Portrait(s)
· Judges Choice Award(s) Wedding
· Judges Choice Award(s) Bridal
· Photographers Choice Award(s)
· Court of Honor Award(s)
· First Place Group Portrait
· First Place Childrens Portrait
· First Place Landscape
· Fuji Masterpiece National Award
· (6) National Kodak Gallery Award(s)
If you want to make your engagement, bridal, or wedding day images even more jaw-dropping gorgeous, you may consider an expanded destination. Let’s talk about making it happen. Often, there are no additional travel fees.