My goal as your photographer is to make you as comfortable as possible and feel like yourself during your session. This will make photos that you will cherish for a lifetime and will bring out the true you. Below are some tips to help you feel at ease before, during and after the session.
The clothes you and your family wears have a large impact upon the end result of the images. I suggest that you bring a few different outfits so that we have a few choices to choose from.
A person's outward appearance can say a lot about who they are. The clothes that you wear will convey meaning and tell those viewing he image something about you. So think carefully about what you are trying to achieve with your images and let this be communicated through the clothes that you wear. Examples would be fun and crazy with casual attire or a more formal look.
I often get asked about colors and styles of clothing such as matching outfits for the whole family. If time allows for clothing changes bring a few different outfits. Keep the clothing choices in the same color family such as all blues, all earthtones or all pastels. Try to avoid patterns as much as possible.
Think about including a dark top which will allow for the real focus of the image to be your face(s). Darker clothes also tend to slim a person's appearance. One exception to this is your complexion. Fair complexion with a dark top can be too much contrast and dark tops with darker complexion may not be enough contrast.
Another exception is children. Children's portraits can come alive with some nice bright colors. The key is to watch out for the bright colors that have zany patterns.
I suggest wearing minimal makeup and little or no jewelry with a natural hairstyle. Consider polishing nails, having a manicure or leave them neat and unpolished. Long hair may be pulled up and photographed then be let down naturally for additional images.
Wear clothing that makes you look and feel like yourself; don't pull out the shirt that looks nice but you never wear. Try to avoid patterns or bold stripes as they distracts from the face. Also avoid wearing matching outfits as they can look cheesy and don't provide separation between your unique personalities. Bring several outfits for different looks depending upon timeframe.
Either of you may wear jackets or other accessories to vary looks. Don't camouflage yourself; if you want photos outdoors in the spring then avoid wearing colors that will blend into the natural scenery such as green.
I recommend that the bride-to-be have her hair and makeup done professionally. I have can provide names of stylists if your interested. Bring extra makeup for mid-shoot touchups.
I like to meet with all couples prior to their scheduled session to get a feel of what the couple is like and what they are looking for in their photos. This also allows you to tell me what kind of poses you have in mind along with locations you prefer.
This session is about you and the love you have for each other. These photos mark the beginning of the next chapter in each of your lives – the chapter where two become one.
Wear loose clothing without elastic as the elastic will leave impressions on your skin. Bring several shirts including tank tops and scarves in a variety of colors and texture. Since the final images will be black and white a dark shirt such as purple, navy or red will appear as dark grey or even black and lighter colors such as yellow or light blue will translate to a light grey color.
Since some skin tones work better with dark colors while others are complimented by lighter colored fabrics we'll experiment with the different fabrics to find the perfect one for the desired look.
If older siblings are going to be included in some of the shots take time to prepare them prior to the session. Have some of their favorite toys along with a snack available. Some children may want to participate in the beginning of the shoot while others may wait until the latter part. Either way we will work according to your family's needs to capture the images and encourage the sibling's participation as we proceed through the session.
Some men are not comfortable with public displays of affection. If your session is going to include your spouse or partner, closeness, touch and eye contact are necessary to capture relationships and connections.
Photography sessions involving infants will be set up around the babies feeding and sleep schedule and breaks will be taken as needed. Babies are best photographed without diapers and sometimes swaddled in a blanket. Towels should be available in case of accidents after the diaper is removed. Also have extra diapers available as diapers will be taken on and off throughout the session. Cradle cap, stork bits and minor skin imperfections can be retouched upon client request or approval.
I always tell parents to allow the children to just be them selves – let them play and run around. You typically get better shots of children when they can do what they wish instead of being forced to sit still. Once they have warmed up to the camera and the stranger behind the lens they will typically calm down and allow for posed shots. Prepare the children for the portrait session by having age appropriate conversations with them. Even though you may have a camera glued to your hand on a nearly daily basis photographing your child that doesn't mean they will be OK with someone other than mom or dad being behind it.
Be sure to have younger children fed prior to the photo session and keep snacks available during the session.
Get at least two nights of rest so that you look refreshed and alert. If you plan to cut your hair do so two weeks prior to your shoot so that the cut will look more natural. Shaving is up to you. If you want a wide variety of looks feel free to begin the shoot with a full beard, mustache or goatee. You can shave them off for a natural, clean look. Avoid patterns with your clothing choices. Popular trends include worn out jeans, earthtoned shirts and jackets. Don't forget your letterman's or school jacket. Make sure your clothes reflect you and your style.
Bring as many accessories as you want. Mix and match earrings, bracelets, hats and necklaces with your outfits. Don't forget to bring your athletic jerseys, school uniform or other items that reflect your personality, hobbies and talents such as musical instruments, sport equipment, cars and pets.
Make sure you bring extra makeup for touchups throughout your session along with your hairbrush and curling iron or straightener. Apply your makeup evenly; minor blemishes will be taken care of pre-printing.
Feel free to bring a friend along to ease your nerves and you may include them in some of your pictures.
Practice your smile in front of the mirror a few days before the shoot and get comfortable with it. Most importantly don't forget to have fun!
As with engagement sessions and weddings I'd prefer to meet with seniors for a preshoot consultation to get a better idea of the student's personalities, likes and dislikes. This will also be a time for the senior to give posing and location ideas that he or she would like to try.