Clothing and Shoes
Hair
The day of your sitting is NOT a good time to experiment with a new 'do'. Have your hair cut at least two weeks before
the sitting, and try the new style well in advance just to be safe. Bring along whatever you may need for hair touch ups.
Clean, shiny hair makes a portrait shine. Makeup and Glasses
Even the most beautiful women look best with a bit of mascara and lip color when having their portait done. Wear
the amount of makeup you would normally wear when going somewhere special.. as this portrait will be special to
many people for many years. Undereye concealer will minimize the darker areas most people have under their eyes,
and a foundation will even skin tones. Use powder to keep shiny areas to a minimum. And don't, whatever you do, get
too much sun before your sitting. It's just not 'fixable'.
Guys need to remember that it's most important to shave within a couple of hours before the sitting. Five o'clock shadow
is not conducive to a great picture. An electric razor is preferable to a razor with a blade, just in case of nicks or
scratches. For both guys and gals, remember that your hands may be in some poses, so be sure your fingernails are
well groomed.
If you wear glasses, remember that it's very easy to get glare. If you have a pair that you can use with no lenses in
the frames for your sitting, that would be ideal.
The most important thing to remember about your eyes is that they be well rested before your sitting. Get plenty of sleep
the night before. Tired eyes are not what you want to have the day of your sitting.
Support System
Who's the best person to bring along to your portrait session? An easy answer is: Someone you trust and with whom
you are comfortable. Mom may not be the first person you think of, but since Mom has the last say on lots of things,
consider her opinion. If you decide on a friend to bring along, make sure it's someone who will help if you need your
hair or makeup touched up, etc. Bring someone who understands that your portrait is as important as you do!
Bring several changes of clothing. Not necessarily your entire wardrobe, but choose some of your favorite garments
plus a few items that are considered "classic". Solid colors photograph well and your best guide is to choose and wear
what you look good in and have had compliments on. If you look good in royal blue or emerald green, be sure to
include these in your changes of outfits.
Extremely dark colors such as purple, dark navy and dark burgundy may appear much darker when photographed, so
keep this in mind. Darker, solid colors do tend to look more classic, so bring at least one such change of clothing. Very
"fussy" and busy prints tend to distract from YOU and may tend to clash with some backgrounds, or blend into outdoor
scenery. Good choices for outdoor portraits are colors that are natural... beige, tans, olives, khaki, blues, etc.
Make certain that your outfits are pressed and ready to wear at the time of your sitting. Wrinkled clothing just
doesn't look good. Choose garments that are not too snug fitting... this keeps undergarment lines to a minimum also.
Shoes should compliment your outfit. Be sure to bring an extra pair or two. New shoes are excellent for lay down shots
where the soles may be visible. Don't wear black shoes and socks with a white outfit, or vice versa, or the only thing
people will notice in your portrait will be your feet. Remember that lighter colors attract the eye first.
Dave's Photography
Dave Nix
Lancaster, WI 53813
Phone 608-723-5233
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