Tips for Amazing Portraits & FAQs

Clothing:

  • Solid colors or simple patterns look best. Avoid VERY bright shirts, small checker print, and small stripped prints. 
  • Long sleeves look best.
  • Avoid spaghetti straps, strapless and logo T-shirts. These styles have the potential to look very awkward in close up photos and will decrease your photo choices.
  • If you will be wearing multiple outfits, bring in the outfits you will be changing into on hangers. We have plenty of space for you to hang your clothes so they don’t get wrinkled.
  • Make sure clothes are ironed and ready to go before your photography session.
  • Collared shirts look nice. Avoid scoop necks and stretched out T-shirt collars.
  • For Black and White sessions darker colors are better than very light colors or try a large bold pattern. You want you to be the focus of the photo.

Makeup:

Go for the natural look and bring your makeup with you for touch-ups. If you have booked a Black & White session, then more dramatic makeup usually looks better due to the contrast.

Hair:

  • Haircuts are best done at least one week before your session. The day you have your photo session is not a good time to try a brand new hairstyle or get your bangs trimmed.
  • Ladies, for in-studio sessions, please feel free to bring styling products so you can check your hair between outfits. We have a dressing room with hair spray and plenty of room for of re-styling between your sessions. 

Groups:

  • Do your best to coordinate colors with everyone in your group photo. Having everyone wear the same color or similar color tones works best. Example would be everyone wearing a maroon top but bottoms vary per person OR everyone is wearing the same color jeans/bottoms or similar themed top. 
  • Avoid patterns and very bright colors.

Pets:

We love photographing pets! We will work with you and your pet to get a shot that highlights your pet’s personality and focuses on your relationship. Please remember that pets often respond unpredictably to new environments. We kindly request that you bring someone your pet knows to take care him/her if you have scheduled other sessions without your pet. Please arrive early to allow your pet time to become familiar with our studio. Also, if possible, please relieve your pet before arriving at the studio and bring toys and treat with you to encourage your pet during the session.

Portrait Session FAQs

Senior Session Q&A (applicable to many other photo sessions too)
What should I wear for my senior portraits?

You want to look great in your senior portraits so take some time to decide what you want to wear. Now is the time to dress up! Try on your outfits and group them on hangers. Make sure your clothing is ironed and ready to go before you arrive at the studio. We suggest following your style but dressing it up a bit if you want a change.

 

Any ideas for props?

Bring in a prop that shows off who you are. Typical props include sports equipment and musical instruments. Get creative! Some students bring in a copy of their favorite book or small collections. If you have something in mind, don’t be shy, just bring it in. Feel free to bring multiple props to increase photo options (for example, if you are a football player, please bring your helmet, pads, cleats, and jerseys.)

Don’t worry, as a photography studio, we’ve also got sports balls. But you can always bring your own.

We want to capture who you are!

How should I do my hair?
If you’re getting a haircut, please make sure it’s at least one week before the session. Wear your hair in a style that’s comfortable and reflects who you are. Portrait day is not a good time to try a brand new hairstyle.

 

Are my images retouched?

Yes, all of our finished images are retouched. Our retouching includes blemish removal, facial line reduction, blending and flyaway hair. Additional retouching is available, please contact us for an estimate.

Braces removal is $40 per image.

 

I usually wear glasses. Should I wear them during my photo session?
If you would like to be photographed wearing glasses, we will position your glasses and our lights to reduce glass glare. IMPORTANT: If you wear transition lenses (lenses that darken in the sun), please put the glasses in their case at least 30 minutes before being in front of the camera. Let the photographer know, and you can put them on right before being photographed. This will ensure we get to see your eyes in your photos.