CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS

 When choosing clothing there are several basics you’ll want to keep in mind: 

• Dress for the room that the portrait will be displayed in

• Avoid clothing with patterns as they dominate the portrait

• Choose flattering clothing color for skin tones and the portrait feeling

• Avoid clothing styles that will become out of date soon

• Coordinate all portrait members’ clothing similarly if not identical.
   

CHOOSING SLEEVE, SLACKS, AND SKIRT LENGTH 

Elbows are handy, but they don’t photograph well!  Choose long sleeves and avoid sleeveless or short sleeves unless your arms are very flattering.   When choosing slacks or skirt length, choose a length that is attractive to your figure.   If you don’t like your thighs or legs don’t show them.   If your thighs and legs are one of your best attributes, let’s show them off in your portrait.   We suggest that you analyze your attributes, keep in mind that you may be photographed either seated or standing. 

Choose clothing that is neither too tight or too loose because this assures that it will hang evenly without excess creases or folds.  Although such detail is not often noticed in real life, it can be very obvious in a portrait.  Frequently at Christopher Norris Photography our poses are laying down, leaning or such.  Clothing needs to be able to hang well in non-straight up and down positions. 
 

CHOOSING COLORS AND CLOTHING STYLES FOR OUTDOOR SESSIONS

If you are planning an outdoor session - dress for the outdoors.  For example, if you are planning a portrait session in October, dress in fall clothing such as matching ivory sweaters and matching jeans.  For a spring time outdoor session, perhaps white tops and khakis.

DON'T FORGET SHOES
Often people forget that their shoes will appear in full-length portraits.  make sure that in a group portrait all of the shoes match.  The same with socks.  There is nothing wrong with tennis shoes in a casual portrait as long as all of the members are wearing tennis shoes.  Many of our clients go for the casual look and even go barefoot.

TIPS ON EYEGLASSES
If possible don't wear glasses.  If you have to wear glasses. try to get a set of empty frames in the same style that you wear so that there will be no glass glare or corner refraction problems.  PhotoGray lenses go dark outside and therefore cannot be used for outdoor photography.  Do not wear sunglasses, colored lenses or lenses that darken.  There are no problems associated with contact lenses that you need to be concerned with for your session.
 

GROOMING

FOR WOMEN
To look natural wear your daytime make-up.  Avoid false eyelashes which cast shadows and use powder and eye shadow sparingly.  To make your complexion look glowing and healthy under the lights, use a shade of foundation only one shade darker than your complexion and blend it past the chin line.  Blend the foundation just slightly onto the neck area.   Facial blemishes can be minimized with the use of a solid cover-up.   An extra coat of mascara will make your lashes appear longer and fuller.  To prevent a spikey look, brush the lashes lightly with a mascara comb or brush between applications.  If you have lines under your eyes – use a lightener to hide them. 

Wear your hair the way you like it best and don’t try a new hairstyle for your session.  Although it may be possible to try a new hairstyle and have it turn out the way you want it the first time, that doesn’t happen often.  The key to making your hair look its best in your portraits is to wear your normal hair and keep it smooth.   Loose ends will pick up light in the studio and photograph prominently.  For our outdoor sessions a few loose hairs look natural.  A light wind enhances the outdoor look and most of our clients enjoy the results.

FOR MEN
Be sure to shave within an hour or so of your session.   A five o’clock shadow cannot be removed with simple retouching.  If you have a facial blemish, use a blemish cover-up to help hide the problem.   If unsure consult your photographer for advice. 

If you plan to have a haircut before your session, try to schedule it a week in advance so freshly cut ends won’t stand out and your hair will have time to grow into the new style.   This is especially important in summer when a haircut may reveal un-tanned skin

BIRTH MARKS, MOLES, SCARES AND OTHER MARKS
It is probably best to discuss any important facial or body marks that will show with us prior to the session.   Using the digital image enhancement tools available today can significantly remedy these marks if desired.

BRACES AND TEETH
It is possible to remove braces from images today, however it is expensive.   It is probably less expensive to have the orthodontist temporarily remove the front braces prior to your session.  The new clear type of braces offers less of a problem. Or if you don’t want the braces to show – we suggest smaller smiles or no smiles. 

It is also possible using digital techniques to brighten teeth.  Discuss the matter with your photographer prior to the session. 
 

EXPRESS YOURSELF

We encourage everyone who visits our studio for a session to express themselves.   We invite you to bring sports equipment, crafts, books, uniforms, changes of clothing even the family pet.   Bring anything that helps personalize your portraits.   It’s really worth the extra effort.

That completes our suggestions to help make your portrait session at Christopher Norris Photography as exciting and personal as possible.   The small amount of good planning that you invest will mean many years of enjoyment of the finished portraits.

And, please feel free to call us or e-mail us as often as you need to.  No question is too simple.  We want to make your portraits as memorable as possible.