Portrait Preparation

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Dress and Clothing Suggestions

Dress as if you are dining at a fine restaurant or going to an event. Clothing should be simple and elegant. The goal is to create an end result that is classic and timeless. The most important feature of the portrait is the subjects. Dark, solid colors tend to allow for the best portraits. Short sleeves can be acceptable, but long sleeves are more flattering. Jackets, shawls and other accessories that cover skin are advised.

It is important to dress fully--from shoes to important jewelry. Black, royal blue, navy blue, burgundy, and earth shades of green are great choices for all complexions. Accessories can bring a splash of color. Men can coordinate their tie with more colorful clothing. Bring black socks if you do not have dark shoes.

Children can have appropriate shoes or be barefoot. Everything should be laid out and ready the night before the session to save on stress and time. Clients may change at the studio. If you plan on changing at the studio, please prepare to arrive about ten to fifteen minutes prior to your session. There are two changing rooms. If your session includes multiple subjects, you may want to dress ahead of the session and just allow for finishing touches at the studio.

You may bring multiple clothing options with you so that the artist can assist you with the best combination.

Men always look their best in tuxedos or suits. Be sure to bring a jacket as it yields a much better result. Shirts appear unkempt in different lighting situations. Women look their best in formal gowns, dresses or suits. We recommend ensembles that fall below the knee, and long pants in lieu of "shorts". Clothing choices that show a great deal of skin are not always ideal. The brightest area of the portrait yields the greatest visual impact. Women should bring shawls, jackets or coverings. Darker colors tend to be more flattering for all physiques. Family portrait combinations are best when thought is placed on the color coordination between the members of the family. For instance, a wife's green dress, will not look appropriate next to a daughter’s favorite pink dress, in coordination with a son’s blue jacket and a husband's black tuxedo. A better way to navigate multiple subjects is to pick a color scheme and keep it consistent through each family member’s clothing. Keeping clothing simple and elegant with dark, solid colors yields the best results. For attire worn for the creation session in the studio we advise against stripes, heavy graphic patterns, mixing dark and light colors, and any attire with words, logos or pictures. For the work we create, our sets, and studio environment, casual attire is inadvisable.

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.

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