How to make the most of your photo session…
Photo Session Tips
General
# It is very important to get a good night sleep before your session, also drinking lots of fluids will improve your skin texture.
# Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait.
# Think about what type of portrait you want and bring in the necessary outfits that capture that look.
Clothing
# Think about what type of portrait you want and bring in your favorite outfits that capture that look.
# If you are taking full length photos, don’t forget shoes, hosiery, etc.
# Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits. Remember, if you are self-conscious about your arms do not wear sleeveless tops.
# Earth tones are best for outdoor portraits, since we can drop you into an outdoor background if you request it before your photo session.
# Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come.
# Busy patterns and bright/loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits, however, subtle aloha wear is always nice. Avoid large and bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face.
# Solid colors are best but avoid solid white outfits.
# In a group or family portrait, proper clothing coordination is critical. Do not mix casual and formal attire and choose clothing in the same tonal ranges (i.e. do not mix light and dark values) so that no single member stands out.
Props
# Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session. Here are some ideas:
• Flowers
• Musical Instrument
• Jacket
• Uniform
• Hats
• Sports Equipment
• Stuffed Animals
• Sunglasses
• Beach Props
Make-Up and Hair Styles
# Don’t forget your necessities…makeup, hair brush, hair spray, etc.
# If you would like to have a professional makeup artist (recommended), you must notify us at least 2 weeks in advance. The fee is $45.00.
# Be careful when applying foundation. You do not want your face to be one color and your upper body another.
# Apply makeup as you would if you were going to a formal occassion in the evening. In other words, using a bit more than you would during the day.
# Use enough powder base for a matte finish to avoid any shiny or oily appearance on your face.
# Pay special attention to your eyes, as they will be the most important part of your portrait. Eye shadow should be a lighter color to bring your eyes forward.
# If you plan to get your hair cut, do it at least 1-2 weeks before your appointment.
# Allow two weeks for a fresh perm to relax.
# Don’t experiment with new hair styles the day of your session.
# Gentlemen remember to to shave before your session…a “five o’clock shadow” cannot be removed from the finished portrait.
Accessories
# If you wear glasses all of the time, you’ll probably want them in your portraits but please keep in mind that light will glare and reflect on the lenses. Also, tinted lenses may darken under studio lighting. It is very difficult to remove the glare once a photo is produced so it may be best to avoid it entirely by removing your glasses or removing the lenses temporarily from your frames.
# Items such as watches, glasses, and other tight fitting jewelry or clothing can leave red marks on your skin and can take up to an hour to disappear. Please be sure you remove them at least an hour before showing up for your appointment.
# Fine watches, rings, necklaces, pins and bracelets are always in good taste and should be coordinated with each outfit you bring.
# If your hands will be in the photograph, be sure your nails are manicured.
Days before your photo session:
If you need to get a haircut, we suggest you do so 2 weeks prior to your photo session. This will give your hair time to relax and grow back a “normal” length. We can suggest hairstylists and makeup artists to help your achieve your desired look.
The day of your photo session:
Come in rested with a good attitude! It all shows up in the photo imagery, so bring your happy face and feel secure that we’ll capture the real you! You need to come prepared. This means you need to relax, breath and think about this as fun. If you have an iPod or favorite CD, bring it in so we can all enjoy it. Bring a comb and/or brush, as well as extra makeup for necessary touch-ups. For those who shave, it is best to do 2 – 3 hours before your scheduled session. This will give your skin enough time to “cool down”, and eliminate the redness that can often occur with shaving.
Clothing Tips:
This is where the most questions come about. What should I/we wear? Well, what is the photo for? What is “normal” for the use of the imagery? If this is for a business card, then wear something appropriate for that. Suits and shirt and ties are great if you’re a banker or lawyer but not necessarily for a high school senior. But do come prepared to change clothes. Bring as many changes of clothes as you like, as we don’t limit the number of changes you can go through.
Clothing Tips for Families:
I suggest you all dress similarly, this helps identify you as part of the family and makes the image more cohesive. For families in casual settings, think about jeans or khakis and white or pastel colored shirts. Shorts and casual shirts look good as well. For beach settings you could go with sandals, or be barefoot. It comes down to what type of image you want to portray.
High School Senior Photo Sessions:
Wear your “normal” clothes but please check with your school first and make sure you follow their dress code. The yearbook picture of most schools allow for little variation, thus we’ll need to be aware of that while we create your image. Bring extra clothes so you get a variety of looks to choose from. If your session includes location segments, then be prepared to change what you wear outside. You don’t always have complete privacy, so layering is a good thing. Check with Mom and Dad, they may have something they would like to see you in. Wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to move and pose in comfortably. Wear clean clothes free from stains, which are difficult to digitally remove. If you are a part of a sports group or special group and want to be photographed in special uniforms with props, please bring them with you for your session. Cheerleading, football, baseball, basketball or any special sport or activity’s uniform is always acceptable. Props such as sports equipment, musical instruments, pets, stuffed animals, bicycle, cars, etc. are welcome, and can be used to enhance your portraits. This is your image let’s make it special and memorable for you. If you bring a friend to your photo session, make sure your friend understands they will be asked to participate in the image as well as be in some photos. Come prepared to have fun, this is important because it will come through on your images.
After Your Photo Session:
Shortly after your session, you will receive an email or phone call with the following instructions: 1) Go to www.cherrycreekstudios.com 2) Click on link for Event Proofing 3) On Event Proofing page select your name 4) Write down the name or number of the photos you would like 5) Email, phone, or drop by the studio with your order.