Here are some tips and ideas to consider when you come to me to have your portraits taken. This is sort of a look at a portrait session, what you can expect, and what is required from you.

I don’t do studio portraits, I love nature and prefer photographing portraits in nature. That’s my style. If required I will also photograph at your home if you have a nice family room or location that you would like to have portraits taken in (usually for the more formal portraits).

1. A meeting between you and me will take place prior to a portrait session. At this meeting we will get to know each other and discuss your portrait session so I can get an idea of what you want from your portraits. We will discuss colour schemes, clothing, styling etc. And from this meeting you will start to get an idea of the location where you would want to have your portrait taken.
2. Before having your portrait taken, take some time to consider how you can best show ‘who you really are’, as a person, group, couple or family. Visualise/imagine what you want the photos to look like. How you are going to pose, what you will be wearing, etc.
3. On the subject of clothes, consider wearing ‘dull’ clothes, don’t go for bright coloured clothes, and also don’t wear t-shirts with funky graphics or logos printed on them. In the photograph, this bright colours will take the attention away from you and the focus will be on these bright colours and images. Wear clothes you are comfortable in, clothes that fit your body. Wear the clothes before the portrait session and have a look in a full length mirror. Take note of clothing that make funny folds, that make bumps where there aren’t any, shirts that are too short, and seams that are out. When wearing jewellery, keep it simple. ‘Less is More’
4. Make-up and hair, again, keep it simple. Don’t go over the edge when you apply make-up for a portrait session, maybe just a little more than for daytime, but not too much. Have your make-up with you when coming for a portrait session, in case you need to reapply. Guys, have a look in a mirror, and look for shiny foreheads, guys can wear make-up, so powder the shiny bits. With hair, make sure it’s clean and styled in the way you want it to be, when having a hair cut for your portraits, cut your hair at least a week before the time. Also bring along combs and brushes and hair sprays.

This is just a basic idea of what you can do prior to your portrait session to insure you get the best photos.

Later I will post an entry on what to expect at and during a portrait session.