With a little preparation and planning, you can create the perfect portrait.
Clothing and colors are very important factors. If you select and harmonize the right tones, fashions and background setting, your portrait will be pleasing to the eye, it’ll have a sense of harmony and balance and will have the look and feeling of a masterpiece.
• Very simple garments, and solid tones, work best.
• Whatever style you do choose, be it casual, semi-casual or formal, it is entirely personal and should reflect your taste.
• There are no colors that are preferred over others (well not really), and you can easily mix tones, but keep in mind that everything should be consistent. For example, if you were going with lighter colors and pastels, you can mix different shades of blues, yellows, green, whatever…..the important thing to remember is that everyone is lighter or pastel. Same guidelines apply for medium tones and dark tones.
• BE CONSISTENT. In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. Choose colors in the same tonal range so that no single member stands out.
• AVOID: Busy patterns. They are very bright and distracting ie….
horizontal or vertical stripes; plaids; floral patterns; polka dots, etc,etc…….
• AVOID: Big old running shoes(especially ones that used to be white).
• AVOID: Short tight skirts(unless it’s a fashion shoot).
• AVOID: For men: that 5′oclock shadow.
• AVOID: Tinted glasses. Especially outdoors. It’s impossible to see the eyes with them.
If you can pop out the lenses or use an alternate pair, great! Non-glare glasses are often okay, and the newer style small frames seem to pose no major obstacles.
• AVOID: New haircuts. Stick with a cut that is a few days old and is tried and true.
• AVOID: Tight white shirts on men with larger bellies.
• AVOID: Short sleeves and short pants. Short sleeves make upper arms look wider.
PLANNING YOUR PORTRAIT
Slimming Colors and Ideas
Most people prefer to look a little slimmer than they are; yes it’s true that a camera adds ten pounds (at least). BUT, most photographers can correct that plus subtract a few extra pounds by proper posing, turning your body to a better angle, and adjusting the camera angle or height. But it makes a big difference if you do the following:
To look slimmer try these:
• Darker Colors are slimming. Consider Black, Olive, Gray, Navy, Plum, Burgundy, Dark Brown, or Eggplant. Dark, Dull Cool colors recede (slim), warm colors advance
• Solid colors (monochromatic) are slimming
• One color (darker) head to toe is slimming
• Instant flatter stomach: try pants with a flat front, No drawstrings, pockets, zippers, or decorations.
• Use eye catching, shiny jewelry or objects to avert attention away from problem areas. An interesting or long neckline draws attention from other areas
• Simple lines are slimming; consider A Line Skirts, collared blazers and blouses. Vertical lines are slimming; consider vertical pleats or a long chain.
• Single breasted jackets or blazers are slimming. Shoulder pads (small rounded) have a slimming effect
• Heels add height and therefore are slimming on a full length portrait
• Good posture always makes you look slimmer
• Wear your proper size. You’ll look slimmer in clothes that fit properly rather than too tight.
To look slimmer AVOID these:
• Lighter colors (white, most pastels etc) make you look heavier
• Bold patterns, shiny fabrics, heavy fabrics make you look heavier
• Do not draw additional attention to the waist area so avoid any horizontal dividing lines, like belts or a different color
• Horizontal lines make you look heavier avoid belts and wide collars or wide lapels
• Double breasted jackets or blazers add weight
More ideas:
• White or pastel colors work best against a light or pastel backdrop.
• Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed and cherished for years to come. Fad type clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have a portrait taken annually.
You will feel very rewarded when you view your portraits. All of your efforts will be worthwhile.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW CAN I LOOK THINNER?
Here is a question I get all the time. If I don’t hear the question, I’m sure that everyone is worried about this one, since the camera has tendency to add a few pounds.
With proper planning and a few applied techniques looking thinner and leaner is a cinch!
Firstly, avoid standing out by wearing the wrong colors or patterns.(Read previous information)
Tying hair back has a tendency to show lots of face, so avoid this.
Hair should frame the face nicely and looks great when coordinated with a soft, high collar that will frame the lower portion of the face.
Turtlenecks often work well.
Double chin?
Biggest question of all. Avoid tight collars that squeeze the skin. Sit straight with your lower back muscles (not tense), and lean forward while gently pulling your chin out.
Adam will automatically remind you to do this and will coordinate the poses, angles and lighting so the best and most flattering portraits are taken.
BE CERTAIN TO RELAX DURING THE SESSION
Have fun! Let us capture you being you!
(509) 264-7831
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