Beautiful and memorable portraits don't just happen; they are carefully planned.
But we can only accomplish this with your help. Please take a few moments to discuss clothing and colours, which will bring everything into line for memorable and personalised results.
Key Points to remember when deciding what to wear:
 Keep it simple - Solid colours are best. Try to avoid large or bold patterns and bright colours. They draw attention away from the face.
Long sleeved dresses and shirts are recommended - They draw attention away from the arms and focus it on the face. Short sleeves are acceptable for children and babies.
Darker clothing tends to minimise body size against darker backgrounds - Lighter tones tend to emphasise the body size against a dark background but the opposite applies when your photographs are taken against a light background.
Necklines are important - A V-neck or scoop-neck is best if your neck is short and your face full. A turtleneck or high necked is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender
Dress everyone in the same style of clothing - Do not mix casual and formal attire
Keep the tonal range of clothing within the group the same - Do not mix light and dark clothing
Steer clear of "up-to-the-minute" clothes - Do you really want to be looking at pictures of yourself in your poncho and fringed skirt in five years time. Try to stay classic, black & white or denim are timeless looks.
Extra advice for Baby and Children Portraits
Young children should be dressed as you like to see them. Pale colours look better on small children and try to avoid large motifs that detract from your child's face. Babies and toddlers look best in bare feet, rather than colourful clumpy shoes.
Beware of new clothes bought "to grow into"; shirts hanging from shoulders and cuffs turned back can look untidy, better to wear an old favourite.
Please don't warn children to behave themselves, either before or during the session, as this tends to put them under pressure and precludes us from capturing their true personality.
Never tell your child to smile, they will just pull that funny expression, which you know only too well and most certainly do not want hanging on your wall for all time. We will take some smiling poses as well as some quieter and more thoughtful ones, which are often more appealing. Please also feel free to bring along any favourite toys or props to make your portrait unique to you.
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