Your Session

Click Here to Download these Clothing Tips as a PDF file.
There are many things you can do to prepare for your photo session that will have a direct impact on the quality of your photographs.
The most important thing is to remember that these photographs are about you; your style, your personality, and your face. When thinking about clothing, makeup, jewellery and other accessories, always keep in mind that you want to compliment your features, not take away from them.

Colour

Wear clothing with solid colours that will allow your face and eyes to be the prominent features of every photograph.  Avoid patterns, plaids, checks, polka dots or bold prints because these will draw attention away from your face.  Prints, slogans, or any kind of pattern, no matter how small, may become a distraction.
Wear dark colors, not bright ones.  Deep cool colors will make you look thinner, light colors make you look heavier.

For Group Photos

A group photo can be significantly improved by being consistent.   For example, the entire group could dress all in sweaters or all casual or all formal.  Everyone should be in the same family of colors so that they blend with each other.
Try to coordinate colors in complimentary or similar shades.   One option that can produce very nice results is to have most of the group in one shade and a couple people in accent colors.  If you would like to do this, please contact me so that we can discuss some ideas.
Here are a couple examples of colours from the same family that will photograph well together:
Family of Browns: dark brown, warm gray, rose, burgundy, maroon, rust
Family of Blues: dark blue, cool gray, & navy, purple, dark green
Black: All in black (belts and shoes too).

Sleeves

Long-sleeves are always going to look the best. Bare arms can be uncomplimentary in photographs.

Necklines

A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck, like a turtleneck or a V-neck top, will thin the neck and frame your face beautifully.

Hair and Makeup

Hairstyles should be simple and should not cover your face. Hair falling down onto the sides of your face will create distracting shadows. Long bangs hanging in your face will block light from your eyes (the most important part of your face). Eye makeup should be blended – no sharp demarcation lines between colors. Avoid white above or below your eyes. Too much color above and/or below your eyes will attract attention to your make-up and away from your eyes. Blend foundation makeup at the jaw-line so that there is no demarcation between your face and your neck.

Jewellery

Remember that you want to compliment your features, so keep it simple.  Choose ear­rings that you like, but not something that will distract from your eyes. Simple studs or hoops are usually best. Necklaces (collar bone length) can add a nice touch, but avoid large pendants.   Again, the idea is that you don’t want anything that will distract from your face.

Glasses

If you wear glasses, it is best to keep them on for the shoot if others are accustomed to seeing you with them on.

Black and White Photos

If you want black and white photos, remember that texture is the key.  Clothing with lace or denim looks nice.  Stay away from red as it looks like plain gray in Black & White photos
Keeping all that in mind, choose clothing and accessories that make you feel comfortable.  Generally, it is a good idea to bring something that is a little “dressier,” you can also bring outfits that are more casual and express your personality. If you’re uncertain about some of your choices, feel free to bring along extra outfits or call me to discuss your options.
I have been receiving many requests from women regarding makeup before a photo session.  I confess that everything I know about makeup I have learned by reading articles regarding makeup and photography, so I thought it best to simply pass on a couple articles that will pass on some of this information.
In general, you have to remember that you are a 3 dimensional person being photographed by a medium that is only 2 dimensional.  This means that they way you wear makeup can enhance or distract from the photo that will be seen very differently than in real life.

Makeup Application Tips for the Camera

These camera-friendly makeup tips focus on how to apply makeup that enhances rather than detracts from your looks.
Click here to learn how to apply makeup for Photos