SPECIAL CONCERNS FOR GUYS
There are certain things guys should be aware of when getting ready for your session:
ARRIVE EARLY
If you are scheduled at 4pm, and show up late, or not ready, you will have less time with the photographer. Please plan to get your hair done before you arrive. If you need a few minutes for final touch-ups, please arrive early so your session can start on time.
CLOTHING
Avoids stripes and plaids! Solid colors photograph much better! Also, bring a variety of clothing: don’t bring 5 different blue outfits, even if it’s your favorite color. Avoid clothing that has a lot of text on it: it can be very distracting in a photograph. There are a few big names from a few years ago you probably wouldn’t be caught dead wearing now. Don’t make your portraits advertisements for a particular brand. Vary the style: all one look (like all T-shirts) gets boring. Vary the dress level: bring some dressy, some medium, and some casual outfits. Remember to bring one or two outfits that Mom will like, and then we can do the stuff you want to do.
Our sessions give you unlimited looks within your session time. This means if you change fast, you get more variety. If you spend too much time changing, you get less time in front of the camera. Most people can get three or four different looks per hour. We suggest that you bring double what you think you will need, so we will have more to pick from
Some shots are close up, while others are full length. Plan you outfits completely! It is difficult to do a full-length portrait in a suit if you only brought sneakers. Don’t forget the socks! Dark slacks with dark shoes and white socks will look pretty bad. Brown casual shoes (even boots) will draw less attention to your feet, and are less distracting than athletic shoes, especially with darker outfits.
As a general rule, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds, and darker colors look better with darker backgrounds. If you want darker, moodier images, bring darker clothes, lighter looks suggest lighter clothes. We recommend some of both for the greatest variety.
Group your outfits together ON HANGERS! It’s amazing how many people come with clothes stuffed in a bag, and wonder why their clothes look wrinkled in the photographs. Make sure your clothes are ironed before you arrive.
If you are doing an outside session, we do have a small changing tent available. However, when outside, we are often at the mercy of the setting sun, and have limited time available. A layered outfit will give you a different look with a minimal amount of time spent changing.
SHAVING
Please make sure you are clean-shaven. Retouching stubble costs extra, and still does not look as good as a clean shave.
CLOTHES FOR HOLLYWOOD BLACK & WHITE
Our very popular ‘Hollywood’ B&W is best with black clothing, preferably long sleeve. The contrast between the skin and the black clothes is what makes it so dramatic. Remember to bring a black outfit. A layered outfit can give you additional looks as well. Remember, dark pants are important to complete the outfit.
HAIR
Avoid changing your hairstyle, or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it look natural. If your Mom wants you to have a haircut, plan your cut AT LEAST a week before your session.
PROPS
BRING THEM! Bring any props that help define your interests and personality. Popular choices include (but are certainly not limited to) sports equipment, (balls, bats, skis) sports uniforms, musical instruments (from the tuba to an electric guitar, and everything between), hobbies, trophies, you name it! We’ve even done shoots on the pool deck with swimmers. Cars are also a popular choice, but must be limited to outdoor locations, and often take more time to do.
GLASSES
Most glasses glare, some prescriptions more so than others. The best option is for your lenses to have an anti-glare coating on them. Another option is to check with your optometrist: many will let you borrow an empty set of frames, similar or identical to yours for the session.
COMPLEXION
We can easily retouch any blemishes for a small fee. We even offer an inexpensive option to retouch your entire folio or album.
PETS
Pets are OK as long as they are housebroken. If you want to bring a pet, it’s a good idea to have someone bring it for some poses, then take it home for you. Remember, in the summer, it is extremely dangerous to leave an animal unattended in a hot car. Bring treats if it will help your pet perform for the camera.
FRIENDS & PARENTS
Friends and/or parents are welcome. They can be a big help during the session, especially outside. HOWEVER, if they will distract you, it might be best to have them wait in the gallery. You can even have a couple of poses with a girlfriend, best friend or sibling.
TATOOS, SCARS and BRACES
Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It’s that easy. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened by request. Extensive artwork may require an additional fee. Braces can also be removed if you request it. Please remember, DON’T fight smiling: a natural ‘braces’ smile looks much better than a fake ‘hide the braces smile’.
WEATHER FOR OUTDOOR SESSIONS
Let’s face it; we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Don’t worry about cloudy weather, it actually helps! If it’s raining heavily, we will simply have to reschedule. If it is raining, we will determine if we need to cancel, often at the last minute. If you don’t hear from us, assume we are ON! If you have any questions about the weather, feel free to call the studio.