What do I wear to my portrait session?

So, you've booked your portrait session but now the real question is how do you want to represent yourself? Here are a few quick tips that will insure you look your best! 

Men

The Do's

- Button up dress shirts in solid colors or white 

- Blazers/jackets in navy, black, dark gray, and light gray 

- Ties can be patterned or solid. Please bring options so not everyone shows up with a red tie! 

- Pocket squares are another great way to add some personalty to a business headshot! 

Don'ts

- Don't bring wrinkled clothing! But I do have a steamer if something happens during transportation. 

- Don't bring a button up dress shirt with pockets. I know most people don't do this but it's happened before and the pockets always show up by peeking around the lapels of the coat. 

- Don't bring just 1 tie

Women

Do's

- Wear a little extra makeup and bring it with you day of so you can freshen up right before your portrait. The flash typically washes out the face, so a little extra blush, powder and lipstick goes a long way!

- Bring a range of different colors and necklines. If you have any doubt about whether something will work or not just bring it along. Textures and layers are the best and try to keep jewelry minimal. Studs or small earrings work and simple necklaces, anything hanging or chunky will usually draw too much attention in a headshot. Have some fun with this, if you feel your wardrobe is missing something then go shopping and keep the tags on it in case you’d like to return the items after the shoot.

- Jewel tones and solids photograph best!

- Do wear tailored pieces

Dont's

- Don't bring wrinkled or lent covered clothing

- Don't wear bold busy prints, unless they are under a blazer or layered

- Don't wear loose baggy/flowy tops, or sweaters these tend to look less flattering on all body types. 

If you still have no idea what to wear I am more than happy to recommend a stylist! 

Up Close & Personal

What are the benefits to booking a makeup artist for a photo shoot? There are many benefits to booking a makeup artist! Even when you think your own way of applying makeup is decent and you are happy with it, take a moment to check out these comparison images. (The makeup and skin have not been retouched.)

The first 2 images show makeup applied the way I typically do on an everyday basis, which I thought was just fine and dandy. The last 2 images show a fresh coat of photo ready makeup applied by my good friend and makeup artist Sarah Jackson.

Lets talk about a few things that a makeup artist can help you with. Foundation and concealer, are two of the main problem areas that can show up on camera. When the color is off or not blended well, it can be very noticeable and is something that can be a real issue for photographers to blend after the fact. Blush and lip color are also super important. Blush is easily washed out by either strobes or the sun, leaving you looking pale. Your artist may add more blush than normal for your portrait session to fix this, but don't worry you won't look like a clown. Lip color, as you can see, makes quite a difference dry chapped lips are almost impossible for photographers to correct in retouching. Just add a gloss or lip balm and this will quickly smooth out the problem.

For your next portrait session ask your photographer for makeup artist recommendations! You will feel more put together and prepared for your close up. Trust me, I did. : )