Preparing for your Portrait
Dress Code and Clothing Suggestions
Dress elegantly, akin to a fine restaurant or event, aiming for a classic, timeless look. Opt for simple, dark, solid colors for the best portraits. Long sleeves are more flattering; jackets and accessories covering skin are recommended. Fully dress, including shoes and important jewelry, with black, royal blue, navy blue, burgundy, and earthy green as great color choices. Accessories can add a splash of color. Men can coordinate ties with colorful clothing, and children can wear appropriate shoes or go barefoot.
Prepare everything the night before the session to reduce stress and time. Changing at the studio is an option; arrive ten to fifteen minutes early if planning to do so. Two changing rooms are available. For sessions with multiple subjects, consider dressing ahead and doing finishing touches at the studio. Bring multiple clothing options for the artist's assistance.
Men look best in tuxedos or suits; bringing a jacket is essential for optimal results. Women shine in formal gowns, dresses, or suits below the knee, with long pants preferred over shorts. Clothing revealing a lot of skin may not be ideal. Bright areas in the portrait have the greatest impact, so women should bring shawls, jackets, or coverings. Darker colors are generally more flattering.
For family portraits, coordinate colors to avoid mismatched combinations. Choosing a consistent color scheme for all family members results in the best outcome. Keep attire simple and elegant with dark, solid colors.
During the studio session, avoid stripes, heavy graphic patterns, mixing dark and light colors, and attire with words, logos, or pictures. Casual attire is discouraged for the studio environment and sets we create.
Details
- Ladies should make sure their nails are prepared as they see fit.
- If you choose to go with bare feet, make sure toenails are trimmed and prepared.
- For portraits like this, you will want to wear your favorite pieces of jewelry and any other personal accessories that are dear to you.
- Please avoid any drastic hair cuts before your session. It is important that hair does not obstruct the view of the eyes.
- Be sure to allow enough time for everyone to shower and properly prepare.
- Cosmetics should be natural to the subject. Please refrain from visiting a new cosmetologist or beautician ahead of the session. Drastic cosmetic enhancements can detract from the realness of the subject.
- Men should shave an hour earlier than the scheduled session time if they prefer to be clean shaven.
Accompaniments
We are happy to incorporate what is important to you. We understand that pets are part of the family and we are happy to include them. You can speak with the artist about inclusion of accessories and props. Feel free to bring special items with you, even if they are last minute ideas. Many clients include pets, books, instruments, objects of significance, even photographs of loved ones that can no longer participate in person, and whatever else might be an important accompaniment to their portrait.
