We’re glad you’ve decided to trust Betsy’s Photography to create your portrait! Your session is going to be great — and to make sure that you enjoy the results, here are some tips to help you get the most from your session. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the studio between now and the date your session is scheduled.
Stripes, Polka Dots, or Solids…
Generally, it is best to avoid stripes, polka dots, and other busy patterns. These distract from the face, and draw attention to themselves, which is not what we want.
Color Choices…
As a rule, black is a slimming color. Dark colors are best for formal portraits. Earth tones (browns, greens) are great for most outdoor locations. White and light colors work well with our lighter backdrops, or at locations like the beach or in the snow. Bright colors (e.g., neon orange) are generally distracting, unless they are used with a similarly bright backdrop.
Clothing Styles…
Long sleeves are generally more flattering than short sleeves. You’ll want to make sure you choose clothing that isn’t too tight or too baggy. Properly-fitted clothing, loose enough for you to comfortably move, will be the most flattering.
Group Portraits…
When planning a portrait that will include multiple family members, it is important that the clothing coordinate. While you don’t need to have a “uniform” for the portrait, it is typically best if everyone wears colors from the same tonal family (i.e. hues of blue on top, with khaki pants).
And for a visual example, consult the images below. Yes, patterns are fun. But when you have a family portrait with multiple colors and textures, the only thing you will notice in the image are those colors or textures. See how the image on the right allows you to see the whole family as a unified group, and the faces become the main “focus” of the image? That’s not true at all when you look back at the image on the left, with the many patterns and colors, is it? The simpler your attire, the more powerful and emotional the impact your final portrait will possess.
Haircuts…
If you get your hair cut before your session, please try to do so a week in advance. It will give your hair some time to adjust, so that it looks more natural the day of your session. It’s also best not to try new hairstyles right before you are photographed — just in case you don’t like the style.
Tanning…
If you plan on tanning close to your session, please make sure not to overdo it — a healthy glow is great, but we don’t want your skin to be red or flushed during your session! If you use tanning lotion or spray, please make sure to apply a few days before the session, so that your skin tone has time to “naturalize.”
Complexion Problems…
Do not worry about minor complexion problems. These will be fixed when your portraits are retouched. Heavy breakouts can also be retouched, but may require an additional retouching fee depending on the severity. .
Glasses…
We always take care to avoid unwanted glare on glasses. We do, however, have a few suggestions to make life a little easier for everybody. Ideally, you can request a lens-free set of frames from your optician to borrow for the day of the session. If this is impossible, we recommend glasses with anti-reflective glass, or simply removing your eyewear for part or all of the session. Please do not bring transition lenses with you, as they are extremely difficult to work with.
Piercings & Tattoos…
While we can incorporate funky jewelry into your individual portrait session, for more traditional portraits we recommend keeping your jewelry simple. Less is generally more, as it can draw the attention away from your face. Also, please let us know if you want to show any tattoos you may have.
Invisalign, Retainers, & Braces…
If you wear Invisalign or a retainer, please remember to remove it prior to your portrait session. Though subtle, clear retainers still may show up in your portraits, and it is simply easier to take these devices off beforehand. If you will have your braces on, but do not want them to show for your senior portraits, please consider scheduling your session after getting your braces off. We can also remove braces during our retouching process, but additional fees will apply.
Hands…
Your hands will play a part in your portraits, so please make sure to trim and clean your fingernails. Ladies, if you wear nail polish, make sure to apply a fresh coat on both your fingers and toes.
Ladies…
If you plan on wearing make-up for your session, slightly heavier makeup photographs well; just be sure not to overdo it. Pay extra attention to the eye makeup, avoiding clumps in the mascara. Bring your make-up with you in case you need to reapply during the session. You may also want to bring translucent powder or blotting pads to reduce shine (especially important for an outdoors session in warm weather!).
Gentlemen…
If you plan on having a mustache or beard for your session, please make sure to trim it beforehand. If you’d rather be clean-shaven, make sure to shave a few hours before the session — you want to avoid a five o’clock shadow, but your face needs some time to recover from the shave so you can look your best. Please do not wear a hat to your session (even if we will be photographing you with the hat on); it could leave red lines on your forehead, or give you hat head.
When to Break the Rules
Remember, these tips are meant to help you get the most from your session. There can be exceptions to the rule, in certain circumstances. If you have a favorite outfit that doesn’t fall within these guidelines, that’s ok. Just make sure you bring it as a second or third outfit, rather than your only option.