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:
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Keep it simple
Solid colours are best. Try to avoid large or bold patterns and bright
colours. They draw attention away from the face.
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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.
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Co-ordinate your attire from head to toe,
carefully selecting appropriate shoes and stockings, as we may take
some full-length portraits.
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Darker clothing tends to minimise body
size,
lighter tones tend to emphasise body size.
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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.
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Dress everyone in the same style of clothing.
Do not mix casual and formal attire.
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Keep the tonal range of clothing within
the group the same.
Do not mix light and dark clothing.
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 bring along any favourite toys or props
to make your portrait unique to you.
