Family portraits—what should we wear?

I always suggest planning your family’s outfits well in advance of your session.  You don’t want to feel stressed in the days leading up to your portraits because you don’t know what you are going to wear.  Remember that our background will be natural park, and that being comfortable and feeling like yourself is very important.

• Solid colors or simple patterns are usually best. Avoid any clothes that have large logos or writing on it. It’s also best to avoid all black clothes, as they don’t fit well with an outdoor setting and will read really dark.

• I suggest coordinating your outfits instead of matching entirely.  You can mix solids with pattern for example but try and stick to similar color families.  Think earth tones, jewel tones, pastels.  Whatever you select, make sure you feel comfortable in it and you won’t be worried about things like your blouse being too low cut or your dress/skirt being too short. Or your child feeling itchy or grumpy with their clothes.

• It’s also good to think about what you plan to do with your images.  Will you be displaying them on a wall in your house? Perhaps then you’d like to compliment the color palette in your home.  

• If you have small children, I highly suggest bringing a back up outfit.  Accidents can happen and it’s best to be prepared! 
  

What about for a headshot, what should I wear?

Consider your profession. Headshots can vary depending on industry. General tips are to wear something you feel good in, that fits your workplace, and flatters you.

• The best necklines for photos are modest V necks, boat or crew necklines.

• Avoid turtlenecks or scarves that can't be loosened around your neck. Turtlenecks make you look like you have no neck, and in photos, can make you look out of proportion.

• Avoid really low necklines that you'll be tugging on.

• Avoid buttoned shirts that are too tight around your neck. If you wear a buttoned shirt, it should fit without causing bulging.

• Long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves look more professional. Because I typically have you turned at an angle to the camera, your arms will be the most camera-forward part of you. Unless you absolutely love your arms, you will want longer sleeves. 

• If you decide on a tank top or sleeveless top, bring a sweater along too for a few shots.

• Layers work well for headshots, but be strategic about fit and color. Lighter colors should be underneath, with darker colors over the top in suit jackets and blazers. If you don't love your midsection, pick a jacket, sweater or blazer that can be buttoned.

• Choose colors that fall in the mid-tone to jewel tone color range and avoid pastels and neons. The best colors to wear for headshots are the colors that lie in the mid-tone area of the color spectrum, or the muted or dark tones. Neutral hues are great as well.

• Large patterns take over the photo. Solids are best for headshots. Some prints can work when layered with solids over the top. For example, a medium sized floral print under a solid top can be very flattering and add some visual interest to your photo. Avoid really tight patterns or tight prints, like tight pinstripe or polka dots.

Any hair & makeup tips?

Take these tips with a grain of salt. Ultimately you should look like YOU! But if you want some tips, here’s what I’ve found:

• Avoid shiny, glowy, or dewy makeup, like those that contain minerals or sunscreen.

• Use a matte foundation that matches your skin tone and blends well with the skin color on your chest and neckline. Don't apply foundation too thick; it will cake and enhance wrinkles.

• For more mature skin, use a thin liquid foundation rather than thick liquid or powder foundation. Thick makeup settles into fine lines and wrinkles and makes you look older. Opt for a light foundation with a touch of moisturizing quality, then cover any noticeable shine with a translucent powder.

• If you have makeup with some shine, use a loose, matte finishing powder over the top, like Laura Mercier's Translucent Finishing Powder.

• Use concealer a bit more liberally than normal to cover any blemishes, but make sure it's blended well.

• Wear lipstick with a slight shimmer or gloss. Matte lipstick also makes your lips look thinner.

• Avoid strong lip lines and avoid going outside your natural lines to make lips appear bigger. Both are picked up easily on camera and look strange.

• Eyeshadow should be in neutral tones.

• Highlight with a matte ivory or white shade under the browline to make eyes appear more open. Concealer sometimes does the trick.

• Do NOT wear eyeliner on the lower lash line. It closes down your eyes, makes them appear smaller, and makes you look older.

• Avoid fake lashes, especially really long ones, as they also tend to close down your eyes, add shadows under your eyes and make eyes appear smaller.

• Avoid shimmery eye shadow. Shimmer falls into creases and accentuates lines.

• Use black mascara. Brown is too light for photos.

• Do your hair in a style you typically wear. Photo day is not the day to try a new style.

• Bring a hairbrush or comb for any quick touchups.