Portrait Tips and Information

ATTIRE

 Clothing allows us to tell the world the kind of person we are. Wear a leather jacket and jeans, or opt    for the classic ivory lace dress. When choosing your clothing, make sure it is you and something you    will be comfortable with wearing as we run around to get the perfect shot. The portraits we will create  will also be something you cherish for a long time - you can either go with a traditional solid long  sleeve, or something that follows today's fashion trends. It is up to you!

 

 Multiple People: Matching is nice - but not always best!

 Mixing different colors in the same tones, or the same

 color in different shades looks great. Our favorites are greys,

 pruples, blues and browns. We like to avoid mixing

 contrasting colors, such as neon orange with evergreen.

 The contrast draws away from the subjects in the photos.

 

 What to Avoid: Avoid horizontal stripes or contrasting

 patterns. The time of year will also decide what colors will

 photograph best. For example, avoid stark white in the fall

and winter. Long sleeves or short sleeves are better than tank tops or straps. We can discuss personally

what clothing  choices would be best as well.

 

Still not sure? Bring a variety of clothing! Half your closet is great too - we would be happy to help you

choose your clothing at the shoot. Pairing specific outfits on hangers will make them easier to lay out

and select from.

 

 

PROPS & ACCESSORIES

Feel free to bring props, too! This can be anything from a trophy, a guitar, a

signed Seahawks football - whatever tells your story! We also love fancy    

couches, chairs, benches - rough shape or new, they all create a unique feel in your images. If you aren't sure, feel free to send us a picture of what you have.

 

As far as accessories go, you can bring hats, sunglasses, or your jewelry box. Don't forget the jewelry! The little extra 'bling' can go a long way in a portrait, whether for Senior Portraits or for a equine marketing ad campaign! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAKEUP & HAIR

If you wear makeup, wear a shade or two darker - it will allow your eyes to pop the most! Use neutral

shadow colors such as browns and tans and avoid greys and harsh blacks for eyeshadow (eyeliner and

mascara are excellent!!). Greys give the impression on camera that your eyes are deeper set. If you

choose to have a pop of color use lipstick or bright colored eye liner. For your hair, be sure to not dye

or do a drastic cut right before your session! Try the style you want to have for the shoot a few times to

perfect what you want. It will allow you to be the most relaxed on session day. 

 

 

PETS

Having portraits done with a dog or cat? Wear a contrasting color so the dog doesn’t get lost in the portrait. If you want to bring treats to the session, do not bring them out unless we ask - as we want them to look at the camera, not you! Also consider having a neutral color basic leash such as black in case we need to use it to hold the dog in place - it will be easier to disquise. 

 

 

HORSES

Even the calmest of horses can get excited when venturing outdoors! Portraits can require a lot of down time which can frustrate some horses. Be sure to lounge or ride the morning of the session to take out the jitters. If feeding time is during your session, please let us know. If your horse can get antsy during feeding, it might be ideal to have your horse fed a little early so that it isn't frustrated seeing others get fed. 

 

If we are doing portraits outside, if possible take your horse out to where we may be doing portraits to get them used ot the area. Bathe the night before to ensure the legs are dry unless clipped, as long hair on the legs can take hours to dry.

 

If you would like, don't forget the horse's makeup! Bring babyoil and black chalf (if required) for the eyes and nose. White spray paint or rubbing copious amounts of baby powder on white legs and faces will really make those white markings pop. Be sure to do the legs only if dry as if they are web it will clump and look funny! Sand or clear white hooves, hoof black black hooves. 

 

Don't forget the tack! Show halters, saddles, show pads, bridles, all of it - anything you may want in the picture.