Memorable portraits take careful planning, and the clothing you choose is very important to your portrait's success. These guidelines will help you make important decisions about your portrait.

The first decision is whether the dress is to be formal or casual. Most people opt for casual for a more relaxed and comfortable look. However, whatever is decided, everyone must be in the same dress mode. 

Avoid contrasty patterns, checks or stripes. Also to be avoided are T-shirts with prominient logos etc. The contrast range of everyone's attire should be similar. Mid-tones work the best . If one person is wearing white or a light color, then that person will stand out. We want attention to go to the faces.
Long sleeves are essential, as bare arms call attention to themselves and will overpower the face.

If the feet are to show in the portrait, make certain the shoes and socks are in keeping with the rest of the clothing. No white socks, unless it is a high key portrait with light coloured clothing  to match. Women being photographed in full length should wear long skirts, pants, or dark stockings in order to keep the eye from being directed toward the legs and away from the face.  

Men should have their hair cut no less than one week prior to the session.To put it another way:  you shouldn't look as though you've just had a haircut -- or need one!  Shave if necessary prior to the session, as a 'five o'clock shadow' is not retouchable! Women should allow time for a new perm. to relax, and certainly to be happy with their hairstyle at the time of the portrait session.

Eyeglasses:  What are the choices? If they are worn all the time and not just for reading, then they should be worn for the portrait to ensure a natural look.  But the lenses can either reflect lights, or distort the face.The ideal solution is to borrow a pair of empty frames from your optician, or have them remove the lenses from a spare set. Tinted lenses can also darken the eyes giving a 'sunglasses' appearance. Please be aware that excessive reflections in the lenses cannot be properly retouched.

Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions on these points. A brochure detailing these and other matters is available at the studio, and will be given to you at the time of your consultation.

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