With family portraits I tend to recommend that you stay in the same outfits throughout the photo-shoot, but also bring some extra pieces that you can quickly throw on if needed, such as a jacket, extra sweater, vest, scarf, hat etc. You may also bring any props, pets, instruments etc. to any session as time allows...

Women/Girls:

Maybe you want to go out shopping for some cute pieces before taking the pictures.

• Solids with layered tops are safe choices - at least one long sleeve top
• Jeans and solid tops - any color, style or fabric
• Shorts and a summer top - any color, style or fabric
• Skirt/Capri's with cool tops- any color, style or fabric
• Formal dress and shoes (optional)
• Dare to throw in contrast colors that pop.  Stay away from neon colors and logos that will show.
• A few different styles shoes, boots, scarfs, hats, jackets
• Bring hair accessories and mirror to create different hairstyles as alternatives if you desire different looks.

Men/Boys:

Maybe a little bit of shopping here too wouldn't hurt.

• Keep it easy and casual.  I want you to feel comfortable
• Jeans and a long sleeve solid shirt is a safe casual look
• Long sleeve dress shirt can look sloppy in a casual pose.  It works best with a tie but limits the casual posing options.
• Casual button-down shirts are great.  Try it layered with a t-shirt under.  Stripes and patterns work too.
• Loose knit fabrics works great, such as Abercrombie Fitz, or Hollister t-shirts, polo’s and even hoodies give good results. No logos please unless you are going for a sports pose of some sort.
• Hair- keep it simple.  Do what you normally do.  No fancy creative styles you normally wouldn't do.
• Long hair- well we need to be able to see your eyes
• Short hair- don’t get a super short buzz right before the shoot so we see those very white areas where the sun hasn't filled in yet.

Babies/Toddlers:

• Try to time it so your baby/toddler is well rested, fed and a wears a fresh change of diapers before the session.
• Bring some favorite toys, books and "bribe" treats that can help keep the little ones engaged and happy.
• As needed we will take extra breaks so they stay engaged while we shoot.  I have been there myself and understand the challenges with toddlers.  As long as you are flexible with what you want we will adjust and adapt to what works.

Makeup/Hair:

• When applying makeup remember the photos are a reflection of you.  This is not the time to start experimenting with different styles. Have your make-up applied prior to the appointment.
• Bring extra foundation and other make-up for touchup.
• If you want a "no make-up" all natural look please apply at least a light application of matt finish foundation/powder and lip balm.
• If you want hand-posing options in your photos, a manicured hand always looks nice. At least remember to remove any leftover nail polish you might have on your fingernails.
• Avoid tanning 2-3 days prior to your session.  We want to avoid sun burned skin. This goes for artificial tanning as well.
• If you need to change your hair, remember to bring curling/straightening iron.  Always style your hair before coming to the appointment, starting with the one that takes the longest time to accomplish. Don't make it to complicated since that time cuts into the actual photo shoot.
• Bring extra hairspray and brush/comb for retouching flyaway hair etc.

• Sorry, but I don't have professional make-up and hair recommendations to give you at this time.

Color schemes:

If you're not sure what colors work together, a great tool is the Adobe Kuler App. that can be downloaded for free onto your smart phone or pad.  You point your device to a color, freeze the image and it will suggest other colors that compliments the selected color. AMAZINGLY EASY!

If you don't have access to this app. here are some suggestions;

• Shades complimentary to blue i.e.: blue, dark gray, black, dark red

            Earthy tones i.e.: brown, gray, tan, maroon, black

• Dark shades of solids - gives the photographer most flexibility when placing people if you have a larger group.
• Jeans: Jeans are fine, just remember that people with light jean colors, if a larger group, will be placed in the back as it visually draws more attention.
• Light color: White and ivory colors can be wonderful for group portraits.  Just make sure everyone is wearing similar style and color.
• Pay attention to the jewelry you are wearing.  Especially if you have temporary concert/club bracelets or yarn bracelets that you don't want to be looking at a few years from now.
• Scuffed nail polish on children is often forgotten until you see the photos.  Please remember to remove it.

Outdoor:

Since I work mostly with outdoor portraiture, here are a few other things to keep in mind.

• People tend to be more relaxed when they are outside.
• Cloudy days are great...we just don't have enough of them here in our neck of the world.
• Depending on what time of the year it is, the "magic" hour has wonderful light that is very flattering for the skin tones,  (About 1 hour before sunset unless it's summer, then you have some more time to get the good light) soft shadows, less contrast, no squinty eyes.
• Open shade is a great way to diffuse the light if we have to shoot in the middle of the day.  By open shade I mean under a patio, by the edge of tree clusters, shade from a large building etc.
• If it's windy and cold you have an option to reschedule since the chill and wind most likely will get you tense and uncomfortable. Photos usually don't turn out to your advantage.  This is something we would discuss, as we get closer to the scheduled shooting day.

Remember to talk to me about certain things you are self conscious about. Remember, I am here to make you look the best.  I want you to be happy with your photos.  Digital retouching is also your best friend.  It's done very tasteful and I promise you won't look like a china doll.