TIPS BEFORE SESSION

A bit of planning before your photo shoot will create a lasting, cherished image to be enjoyed for years to come. Below, you will find a few guidelines that will help you plan your session, so as to avoid any unwanted surprises after the fact.

There are a number of suggestions listed here to check out. It is important to remember though that this is your photo session, and nothing is "carved in stone". The following pointers are only general guidelines for a jumping off point.

Regardless of your approach, exercise lots of attention to detail, and you won't be disappointed!

- plan your wardrobe carefully. Decide (and discuss with the photographer) whether the look is formal, dress casual, or lifestyle. Your wardrobe and grooming are key elements, so spend the time to ensure a polished look. In general, it is probably better to err on the side of being slightly "overdone" and "polished", rather than being a bit too casual and "loose" with your grooming.

- keep everyone's wardrobe in a similar tonal "value". Darker tones tend to add a bit more elegance or texture to the overall look, whereas lighter clothing tend to soften the overall impression and create an "airier" feel to the final image. Just remember though, to have everyone in the photo dressed in a similar fashion and tonal range.
If you are having a group portrait, try to avoid having everyone dressed in very light pastels, or very dark colours, such as navy or black.

- additionally, darker colors tend to visually reduce body size, and lighter tones tend to visually increase body size.

- while we are at it, try to stay away from strong patterns and loud colours on adults as they tend to distract. (Kids are OK though, within reason).
Hot, stylish clothing can often "date" the photograph, and although it fabulous today, 5 or 10 years from now it may not create the same impression. While your wardrobe plays an active role in defining your personality, they still are only "props", and we want to treat them as such!

-full or 3/4 sleeves work great, especially for men. Collars and turtle necks are great on slender faces and longer necks...V-neck tops and collarless on heavier set faces and shorter necks.

- the choice of background will be determined by you and the photographer at the beginning of your session. If you are unsure about your wardrobe, the best advice is to have your selections ready, and with the help of the photographer at your location, you will choose and prepare for the session at that time. This approach works very well if you have a couple of options that you wish to have a second opinion on. This is part of the beauty of having the photographer come to you!

- plan haircuts, hair salon visits, perms etc at least a few days prior to your session. A new hairstyle or perm are the last things to be experimenting with when it will be captured forever in print. Hair and makeup should be natural and have a fresh appearance. Simplicity is important. Often times, less is more...

- men, watch out for the 5 o'clock shadow. Even with retouching and rebuilding in Photoshop, it can be very difficult to remove from the final image! If you have facial hair, make sure it is carefully groomed to maintain a tailored look.

- if you wear eyeglasses all the time, by all means make sure you wear them during your photo session. If it is at all possible, have the lens removed beforehand. Some eyeglass lenses have a tendency to reflect a lot of light. It is possible to reduce this during the setup stage, but the perfect solution is to remove the lenses prior to the shoot.

- don't forget about the footwear of everyone in the photograph. A little polish goes a long way...

- if there are young children in the shot, book a time when you know they will be rested and not thinking about "filling their tummies". Involve them with building their wardrobe and planning for the shot. It will pay off in the end if they are excited and relaxed about the session.

- during the session, you may wish to also prepare for individual shots of children, shots of Mom and the kids for Dads desk at work, (or visa versa :-), etc. If so, plan ahead for any wardrobe changes/ set changes etc.

  and for pet portraits...

- if you are booking a photo shoot of your pet, just a couple of guidelines. Try to have your pet out for a bit of exercise before the session...it generally pays off with a calmer, more relaxed session.

Have some favorite treats on hand, as well as a couple of favorite toys that can be used to "manipulate" their attention.

If you wish to have your pet groomed, by all means have it done a day or two before the shoot. Make sure to have your pets brushes etc close by for last minute touch-ups prior to and during the session.

The owner/master plays a very important role on the set during the photo shoot, to keep the pet under control and relaxed. With patience and calmness, it becomes a very rewarding experience for all during the session. Your photographer will guide you and work with you to keep the pet (and you) camera ready!