WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO BRING? So you have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear. Here are a few ideas that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear in you Senior Portraits. But first, do you wear glasses? Wearing glasses with your lenses in is almost a shure way to end up with a disapointing portrait. If you go to your neighborhood optomitrist they will almost always be willing to remove your lenses and restore them again after your session. Some may charge a nominal fee, but it will be worth it to ensure that you don't have that nasty glare in the lenses. If you do wear you lenses and you pick an image with glare, we can remove it for an additional fee. How much will depend on how much glare. Choose a VARIETY of outfits. It's a good idea to include both casual and "Sunday Best" outfits in your senior portrait settings. Remember, this session is all about you but you also have many others to please: Grandma and grandpa, Aunt Sally and Uncle Tim, not mention Mom and Dad. So you choose a couple of outfits and let mom help with another one or two. Problems to avoid! A big problem we have seen are clothes that are wrinkled or don't fit. Don't bring your outfits folded or rolled in a ball. Keep them on a hanger. If your clothes are wrinkled, they'll photograph that way. We see over and over guys with shirt collars and sleeves that do not fit. Often this is due to bad fitting or borrowed suit items. In your formal setting it is imperative that your shirt, suit and tie are properly fitted. The same goes for guys and gals for the casual shot. You may have that favorite shirt, blouse, or pair of jeans, but make sure they haven't passed the time of usefulness and they still fit properly. Sometimes, its just worth it to buy that next favorite! Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits. Stay clear of stripes and busy patterns! Stripes do not photograph well and strong or busy patterns tend to pull the eye into them and away from the focal point of the portrait, YOU! Medium to dark clothes look best on dark backgrounds. If you like these more dramatic looks, choose colors that are dark and subdued. Medium to light clothes look best on lighter colored backgrounds. However, keep the colors somewhat subdued (pastels) Bright colors tend to detract the same way stripes and patterns do. Some poses will show your feet. So be sure to bring shoes and socks for each outfit you plan to wear. Some poses may look better in just stocking feet or even bare feet. single color socks work best. If you are in light colored clothes, keep the socks light. If your in dark clothes, wear matching dark socks. Oh and if we go bare footen, make sure they are washed clean and smelling fine! Black and White The acutal colors you wear is not important. However, avoid outfits that are predominantly black or white. Remember the image will only show black, white and greys. Mixing tones and textures makes a more interesting black and white image. Clothing with lots of texture (corduroy, flannel, denim, will) look great in black and white. Layers always add a classy look to black and white images. If you want to wear a baseball cap, choose one with texture (canvas, denim, wool). A cap with a bill lighter or darker than the cap sets it off nicely. Props ALWAYS help! Show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in either on campus, at home, or where ever. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session. Here are some Ideas: Musical Instruments Leather Jacket Sports Uniform Sports Equipment (including poms, megaphone, etc for the cheerleaders - oh and don't forget your lollies!) Balls / helmet / shoes / bats / stick / etc. The more the better. Hats Stuffed Animals Pets (Check with the studio ahead of time. There is an extra charge for pets and there are some restrictions.) We require a handler/pet carrier to tend to your pet during the rest of your session and they cant wait in the studio because other seniors may have allergies. Don't leave your pet in a hot car and the can't be tied up outside the studio. Vehicle (car / truck / motorcycle / bike / most anything with wheels) Most of these items require a special session. Often seniors request that we go to a nearby park or other outside area and this requires extra time and cost. We are happy to do it on site if it works for you. Please call ahead if you intend to use any large props on site. HERE ARE SOME FINAL TIPS: Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait Long sleeve shirts, blouses, and dresses are recommended. Darker clothes minimize body size. Keep the tonal range of clothing in the same group. Don't mix lights and darks in the same outfit. To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several additional clothing choices and let the photographer help you choose. Don't forget to bring your jewelery, especially your class ring. Gals, you should wear your hair in your regular style. This is not a time to experiment. Don't try a new hair style or go to a new stylist you have never used before. Guys should NOT have a fresh hair cut. If you need a trim, have it done about a week before. Nothing looks cheesier than neck fuzz peeking out from behind your head. DO have a fresh shave. five o'clock shadow will show and will be expensive to touch up (if it can be done). Heavier thicker materials will lay better and create a more pleasing photograph. For example, a sweatshirt is much thicker and will photograph better than a t-shirt. THREE MOST IMPORTANT RULES! Make sure you clothes fit you well! Make sure your clothes fit you well! And did I remember to mention; Make sure your clothes fit you well! Unless you have a fit and trim body you want to accentuate, avoid tight fitting clothing. You don't have to go baggy, but make sure it is comfortable. Last of all, make sure you get a good night's rest. Relax and be ready for a great portrait session!