Tips For Better Portraits
These tips apply to commercial portraiture as well as family portraiture.
Get plenty of sleep the night before
Scout out your photo locations and pick your favorite spots. Keep in mind that I may not be able to use a certain spot due to time of year and lighting.
Make sure everyone arrives at the shoot together.
Clear enough time in your day before and after the shoot so you can enjoy the photo shoot without rushing.
Allow yourself enough time before your session to prepare yourself.
If a makeup artist/groomer is not doing your make-up or hair, bring your own beauty supplies for reapplication. Bring day and evening shades of make-up with you.
Please wear the appropriate outfit for the type of photo shoot that you will be in. Bring two outfits of preferably solid colors with you, one light outfit and one dark outfit. Men, please avoid tweed or herringbone suits. They may create banding in the photos. If you are having a group portrait do not all wear the same color. You are individuals and should dress as such.
Getting a manicure & pedicure is suggested. Men too (you can do it yourself or have your wife do it). Your hands and feet may or may not show. You don't want your hangnails showing do you?
Get your hair cut no later then a week before so you have time to style it the way that you like.
Do not tan for at least 2 weeks before. Fresh tans do not photograph well and often look fake. Remember those tan lines!
Remember to be yourself and have fun.