tips for beautiful portraits

Truth be told, I secretly love photographing portraits more than weddings. The original concept of fine art was borne from the study of portraiture in the early 16th century, and I have always been fascinated by the human form and all of its beauty. When I shoot portraits, I spend more time getting to know my clients, while the pacing allows me to be very creative and considered.

Most of my images are taken in natural light which enhances skin tones and brings out gorgeous colors. I prefer a casual vibe yet with a high-end editorial look. Come with a relaxed mindset and I will guide you through the entire process. I’ll put you at ease (and throw in some corny humor) so you can enjoy the session while I dive into my passion of composing fine art images.

Have confidence in yourself and in our photo session together because this will be a GREAT day of discovering hundreds of ways we can make beautiful pieces of art. Whatever occasion it is you want to document and celebrate, thank you so much for entrusting me to capture this time of joy in your life. Here are just a few tips to help you prepare:

1.      How should I do my hair and makeup?  I advise all my clients to schedule an appointment at their local salon and get their hair and makeup done if budget allows. There’s only so many times in your life where you need to get hair and makeup done professionally, so this is one very good reason to treat yo’ self and feel great about it. Try to go for a natural palette with some rosy accents to give your cheeks and lips color. I would avoid the nightclub and overly dramatic eye makeup look as our photoshoots take place during the day in natural settings, and you want to look effortlessly beautiful. The downside is that H&M takes about 2 hrs and you will need to give yourself extra time before you head out for your shoot, so at least 2.5 hours prior would be ideal. Don’t forget about a manicure while you’re at it. If professional H&M is out of the question, no worries. You can make yourself look just as gorgeous if you put some time into it. Layering on makeup a little heavier will show up “normal” in photos, so keep this in mind as you apply color. Getting your hair styled will make a world of difference in photos as well.

2.      What should I wear? Really consider the tone and palette of your family’s outfits - no one should be competing in colors (ie., everyone is in white except for one in bright red). When you aren’t coordinated, one intense color can consume the entire image or distract from the rest.

Coordinate your outfits, but don’t be too matchy matchy. There’s no need to be in uniforms, unless that’s your goal! Dress for the weather and season but think about layering and accessorizing too. Color and pattern are also welcome – just make sure that they are complementary.  For example, patterns should have different scales.  If one is in a medium size pattern, then the other should be in small print or solid. She’s in a medium size print floral print dress, and he’s in a fine checkered/plaid shirt (so fine that it looks solid from afar).  If his print was same scale as hers, you can imagine how busy it would look. 

As for colors, I like my clients to dress in neutrals and pastels as this helps reflect light onto your faces. Please avoid all blacks/dark or neon colors because a small amount of those colors can consume a whole image. T-shirts with graphics or text are not recommended; neither does business casual attire for settings that take place outdoors in a park or with natural environments in the backdrop. Consider the context of our shoot location. For women, loose fitting tops or flowy dresses can offer a lot of movement and interest from a visual standpoint. Formal attire could be considered in the right context. Men should remember to do their hair and wear clean shoes, and be sure to match the right amount of formality with your partner or family. Well-fitting shirts and jackets, jeans and khakis, are just some options to consider. As long as you love what you’re wearing it’ll look great! For children and babies, bring an extra change of clothes and outfits just in case.

3.      Make it meaningful.  Pick a location that reflects you, but remember that the location is just your backdrop.  Don’t let it take away from you and your story.  If you’re going to incorporate props, make sure it has meaning!  Again, your props should accessorize you and not distract from you.  Your location and props should all come together as one cohesive story. If your children have special toys or items you want to include, we can definitely find a place for it. Try to bring light-colored blankets for the younger ones who may not want to sit on grass or bare ground.

4.      Rest and relax.  If children will be in the photo shoot, make sure they are fed and have taken their nap. This way, they will be more inclined to listen to the parents. A family session is a fun time so bring along some snacks and favorite toys to keep your kids happy during the shoot. With children, try to remember to be patient even while they start acting up or getting cranky. There are many ways to keep them distracted and as your photographer, it is my job to keep their attention long enough to get the right shots. Your kids will pick up on your mood, so simply relax and they’ll follow suit.

5.   Photo process. I typically photograph on both film and digital, so you’ll get a mix of both. Each type of format has it’s own set of unique looks and pros/cons, but ultimately I will choose the images from each camera that represent you the best. Film has a rich color depth and gradient, which gives it a three dimensional quality. It really helps when clients try not to make large, quick gestures or movements though because film requires a slower pace to prevent heavy blur. Digital format is really great for the quick movements and faster shots where children are moving and running around. Both types of cameras have value and I will change it up depending on the shot. Film images can have tiny imperfections such as a bit of graininess and sometimes soft focus, although these characteristics are also part of the charm and beauty of film.

6.      Have fun! In the end, having fun with the shoot is all that matters. If you’re having a good time, it will reflect in the images.  So pick a place you enjoy, get dolled up so that you feel confident and great, and go have fun!