Preparing For Your Portrait Photo Session

Unless you have arranged for a special "themed" shoot with unusual or over-the-top outfits, the following recommendations can go a long way towards helping you look your best in print.

Clothing

• For a full 60-90 minute portrait session, bring at least 3 different outfits and at least 2 different pairs of shoes. If you are doing a headshot session, 2 outfits will usually suffice.
• Avoid clothing with large logos.
• Avoid bright reds, pure whites, dayglo colors (like hot pink or magenta) and loud patterns. i.e. no polkadots or loud stripes.
• Unless we're doing a special-purpose session, avoid outfits that are highly formal, glamorous, or theatrical.  The focus of the session will be on YOU.  Overly loud outfits can really throw a wrench in the works.

Hair

Try not to have your hair cut too close to the date of the portrait session.  Most hairstyles look their best when they have had time to grow out a bit.

Makeup

The most versatile makeup is low-key and fairly neutral.  In fact, many glamorous or theatrical makeup jobs create much more trouble than their worth.  Of course, if you are interested in doing a special themed shoot (goth, cyberpunk, glamour/fashion, or whatever) then most of this advice goes out the window.  For specialty photo shoots I may recommend retaining a professional makeup artist.