To personalize your Photo Session …bring some accessories, sports apparel/equipment, and props to personalize the images …and things to keep little ones happy!

When selecting clothing, work for simplicity, balance, and color coordination. Busy patterns, bold stripes and trendy styles overpower the people in the portrait. Similar colors make a large group blend together and create a feeling of unity. No one person should jump out of the portrait because of the color or style of clothing. Simple, timeless outfits photograph best because they are not distracting. This allows the viewer's eye to go to the faces in the portrait. It is the faces, not clothing, that should dominate a portrait.

This does not mean you have to wear matching outfits. The clothing can reflect each person's individual taste and style, but wearing similar tones will ensure the portrait is more pleasing. Clothing should fit comfortably, and you should avoid clothing that restricts movement or sitting positions. For example, you might be asked to try sitting on the lawn or floor in order to create an attractive angle. Your clothes should not restrict these actions.

For more finished look, long pants and long sleeves are suggested, even in the warmer months. Covering the skin on the arms and legs helps to draw attention to your faces and expressions. Note that strapless tops are not flattering to most women.

Plan to dress from head to toe. Also, expect a breeze if we're outside. Extra hair spray helps a little, but only a little (even for the guys!). Avoid collars that "flap" in the breeze, particularly with children. (It helps to take a small safety pin and tack the collar down.) When it is not windy, sometimes the bugs come out. It's a good idea to put a little insect repellant on before you leave the house, just in case. We carry some “Michigan Perfume” (insect repellent) with us regularly.

Make-up: Because we believe in natural portraiture, we recommend that women follow their normal make-up routine. You may want to bring your make-up with you, in case any minor modification is required, especially pressed powder & lipstick.

Men: You should be sure to shave just prior to the portrait session, as there is no way to hide a five o'clock shadow in photography. Don’t forget that your shoes and socks may show …match the shoes & socks to your pants. Undershirts that show thru aren’t attractive in photographs …leave them at home.

Children: Make it a happy day! Feed them, make sure they have their naps and make the photography a fun thing to look forward to. If possible, try to keep the little ones from falling asleep in the car on the way to the session. Just like anyone awakened from a nap, sometimes youngsters become cranky and the session can be more difficult. Tell them we are going to have a fun time with a nice lady who is a photographer--don't tell them they have to smile, just have fun. Please reschedule if the child is sick or just had a visit to the Doctor.

Hair Styles: Hair should be styled and groomed in a manner that is completely natural to you. Now is not the time to experiment with a new look, or a major change in styling or color. Keep in mind that you want your portrait to represent you for years to come. Both men and boys should avoid the just-cut look by having hair trimmed at least a week prior to the portrait session.

Glasses: If you normally wear glasses, plan to wear them for your portrait or people won't recognize you. For the nicest possible portraits, it is worth your trouble to borrow a pair of blank frames from your optician or to remove your lenses from your glasses. This way we won't have reflections or distortions in the lenses. Please note that it’s impossible to correct lenses that darken in sunlight.

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