The session fee is paid, the portrait agreement signed, and you're excited about your upcoming session. But then.....the dreaded question arises. What on earth are we going to wear? Undoubtedly you know the basic portrait rules: that you can't go wrong with solid colors, that you probably dont want 40 photos of Aaron in his day-glo Lightning McQueen tee-shirt, and that huge bow on Violet's head might draw a bit too much attention away from her sparkling hazel eyes. But where to go from there? And what tradional portrait wardrobe rules are meant to be bent, if not broken entirely? And what about dressin the entire family? Worry no more, that's where this section enters the, ahem, picture.
Families:
Flowing white shirts and khakis on the beach. Navy polos and yet more khakies all around. We've all seen those photos----heck, most of us have been in those photos. I've been in them too! But did you know that coordinated but not 'uniform" looks for families create a much more pleasing photograph? It is not nearly as difficult as you think it is! The cardinal rule for family dressing for portraits is simple: choose items for the entire family as if you were creating one outfit. If all of your choices were somehow on one person., would the result be pleasing, colorwise? A handy trick for those who are hesitant to break away from the monochrome look is to choose one patterned item (for example, a print dress for your daughter) and then select the rest of the colors from within that pattern.
Maternity:
Sometimes the simplest clothing choice for your maternity session is.......very little. Mom-to-be are often stunned at the elegant images that result from creative posing and camera angles that show just enough. if youre not inclined to bear all, there are many options that result in the gorgeous belly shots that everyone wants. Try a fitted tank top and a low-waisted pair of yoga pants or a skirt. Black looks especially sleek. A flowing top that accentuates your belly when a hand is placed above and beneath can be a nice choice as well, but typically, fitted is key. A few shots with hip tees with clever proclamations on them are always fun as well! Be sure to keep tightly-fitted elastic waistbands and socks far away for a few hours before your shoot so that we avoid intentations in your skin. Wrist watches are also best left off for the session.
Newborn
For newborn sessions, two key wardrobe questions significantly affect your resulting images. First, what will the baby wear? And second, what will we wear? Thats right mom and dad......you'll be in some of the photos as well, even if just as a 'backdrop" to the star of the show. Newborns are absolute perfection when they wear nothing at all! For variety and some fun pops of color, I sometimes like to use the swaddling blankets that you have at home......that also gives the images a personal touch. There are few things as stunning as skin-on-skin shots of a newborn and the proud parents. Dad can be shirtless for some of the shots and Mom could wear a strapless bra or tank top. Images of this type are generally closely cropped. Also, black shirts for mom and dad provide a sophisticated, dramatic "backdrop".
Children
A wildly-patterened pair of cargo pants and a hipster tee. Her funky hot pink tutu and cowboy boots. His "superhero" cape. Individual shots give your child a chance to show his or her personality through fashion like no other. Without the concern of clashing or competing patterns that exist in a family shot, the possibilities are limitless! So whether you decide to go for a classic, traditional look, or to break out your daughters bright, crazy ensemble and your sons beloved rain boots, and lets capture something memorable and fun!
Siblings
Wardrobe choices for sibling shots, like those for family images, should be complimentary, but far from a matching uniform. A tried and true formula for a boy/girl sibling duo includes a patterned dress or skirt for the girl, with the boy in a solid shirt pull from that pattern. If the little girl is wearing a solid shirt with a patterned skirt, have the boy's top match a different color in her skirt, so that their shirts dont match precisely. Trust me, it works! While many parents have the urge to put their boys and girls in the exact same outfit, mixing it up a bit, while still creating a pleasing overall combination---creates a considerably more interesting color palatte and image.
Your hair and makeup are flawless, but your nerves? A little frazzled with that camera lens in your face. Heed these tips to guarantee great shots -- of you, your groom, and your friends.
For Your Portrait
Aim to Flatter During formal pictures, stand at a slight angle, not straight on. And remember the basics: Take a deep breath, exhale, then tilt your chin down and look up. Also, people look slimmer when photographed from an elevated point, so ask your pro to hop up on a chair for some shots.
Bring a Friend
Have her stand off camera to carry on a conversation -- bonus if she's the funniest bridesmaid. There's nothing more attractive than a sincere laugh
Hold the Bouquet with One Hand
Rather than clasping both hands around it, clutch it loosely with one and let the other hang naturally by your side. It'll look more relaxed.
Be Nervous -- It's Okay
Everyone's a bit jittery on the big day. Rather than forcing a smile the whole time, let yourself be real. If I can catch the bride staring anxiously out the window or welling up with her mom, I know I've got a good one. Raw emotions make for gorgeous photos.
Just You Two
Ask for Some Alone Time. At the start of your session, have your photographer give you a few minutes while she discreetly shoots, paparazzi-style, from a distance. You're more likely to act natural without a third party right there.
Take a Walk
Hold hands and set off on a short stroll, even if it's just across the lawn. The hair moves, the dress flows, and there's energy to the image.
Kiss
(Yes, Really) It may feel cheesy at first, but it's your wedding -- go for it. Let your guard down, and you'll get a beautiful image.
Use Props
And no, we don't mean moustaches. Seek out items that are part of the scenery. If there's a statue outside your city venue, climb on. Getting hitched by a lake? Pose in a rowboat.
Your Wedding Party
Find a Backdrop: The ocean is always nice, but a wedding party lined up in front of funky hotel wallpaper or peeking out from the windows of a B&B is interesting, too.
Get Moving
As with the bride and groom, it helps to walk. I like to have giggling flower girls and ring bearers chase the bride and bridesmaids.
Use Furniture
Varying the height within a group can look much better than the standard lineup. If you have couches or vintage chairs set out for the reception, take a seat.
Make It Look Random
Stagger people or ask everyone to look in a different direction. Group shots are best when they're not so uniform.
Catch the Guys Off Guard
Most men aren't exactly pro posers, so lets capture them doing something -- like clinking glasses of Scotch or throwing a football.
Travel Fees
I will travel anywhere inside the state of Alabama, the first 10 miles are free after that it's 75¢ per mile to your location.
Check back Monthly Discounts and Specials
Book your January 2013 wedding and take $100 off any package!
Book this month and get 2 free 8x10's of your choice!
I'm happy to offer a special discount for active military $30 off any wedding package. If your loved one is deployed, your session is FREE!
Pay your grand total off when you sign your contract and get a free 11x14 print from your wedding day a $20.00 value.
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