I strive to capture the personality of the subjects I am photographing. That being said, the subject should look natural and be comfortable in their clothing. Always, props are encouraged… hats, scarves, bows, toys, vests, jackets, etc always work together to make a good photograph. Please be aware that my camera will capture tiny details. Spitty rags, wet wipes and lip gloss are all good things to bring, just in case. And, a good general suggestion I like to give is to make sure noses, teeth and eyes are clean.
The following is a list of suggestions that I have found to make the best photographs. Please keep these things in mind when choosing your outfits and planning what to bring.
Maternity:
If you’re interested in bare belly shots, it would be best to wear a button-down shirt. Be cautious of what you’re wearing underneath your shirt and whether or not it will show; the same with how the waistband of your pants and how it will photograph. Black is a favorite for mommies-to-be, but don’t limit yourself. There are cute maternity clothes as well as bright-colored shoes and accessories that can bring pizazz to the photograph. Bring a favorite item (blocks, special stuffed animal, book, balloons, baby shoes, etc. of special significance to you, if you have anything). It might be nice to bring lip gloss and a bottle of water.
Babies:
Newborns and young babies have the softest, most perfect skin. I like to capture that as best I can with the baby wearing just a diaper, with minimal additional props. Bring favorite and/or special significant items such as blankets, hair bows, stuffed animals. We will have plenty of time for the baby to eat and be changed.
Families:
Please try to avoid ANYTHING with patterns, logos, words or stripes because these things will be very distracting in the photographs. Also, please try to avoid white, as this will wash out the wearer. Also, it is nice to coordinate family members, but this does not mean that everyone needs to wear the exact same color or exact matching items. Everyone could wear similar colored pants (khakis or jeans, for example), while shirts can range in the following suggestions: bright colors (green, orange, blue, pink) work well together, as do items in the same color family (think browns for fall and blacks and reds for holiday photos). Bring items of special significance such as special books, toys, family items, balloons, sports, hobbies or other personal items.
Children:
If the child will need a snack and/or a drink, please bring it. We want them to be happy and playful. The same basic clothing suggestions apply and please feel free to bring items of value to the child. Please know that I will not ask your child to say “cheese”; however, slimy, green pizza isn’t off limits! I would rather follow them around (as they are playing) and capture true, happy expressions. Please don’t encourage them to “look at” me or to “smile” for me.
Seniors:
Bring YOU… Do you play a sport or an instrument? Bring it. Have a hobby or talent? Let’s showcase it! Dress like your personality… If you’re going to buy new clothes, but something you will want to wear again. This will assure that it is YOU. You will want to make sure that whatever items you bring are in good condition. Check your nails and bring lip gloss and/or touch up make up and a bottle of water. We’re gonna have fun!
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