FOR FAMILY PORTRAITS: Good ideas: Everyone wearing outfits in the same color family (light blue and dark blue, etc.) Dark, muted colors that you can find easily in nature (i.e.: greens, blues, browns) Solids or simple patterns Comfortable clothes you can sit, stand, run, and jump around in Nice jeans, paired with a dressy top Bad ideas: Bright white shirts Wild patterns or horizontal stripes Shirts with lots of writing on them Sleeveless shirts Crazy colors (orange, lime green, fuschia, etc) Short skirts, low necklines, anything even remotely risque Things you might want to have ready: Flip flops (everyone in barefeet is always a classic) Change of clothes in case one gets dirty or wet or you just want to change things up Hairband, clips, ponytail holder, etc Any props you want to use (limit to 2 or 3) FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS: Good ideas: JEANS – always classic Both of you wearing outfits in the same color family (light blue and dark blue, etc.) Solids or simple patterns Comfortable clothes you can sit, stand, run, and jump around in Nice jeans, paired with a dressy top Accessories like jackets, hats, scarves, sunglasses Bad ideas: Bright white shirts Shirts with lots of writing on them Sleeveless shirts Watches or rings, unless they have a lot of sentimental value to you.. We want to emphasize the engagement ring, and lots of other jewelry will take away from that. Short skirts, low necklines, anything even remotely risque Things you might want to have ready: Flip flops (if you plan on wearing heels, just to walk around in while we’re not taking photos) A posterboard with “Thank You,” your name(s), or your wedding date written on it Change of clothes in case one gets dirty or wet or you just want to change things up Hairband, clips, ponytail holder, etc Any props you want to use.. A frisbee, cowboy boots, dogs, anything that you both enjoy together

Jewelry And Accessories
Keep it simple is the best advice here. Remember, the part played by accessories and jewelry, the same as with clothing, is simply to flatter the subject, not steal attention from the subject: you. Unless an accessory or piece of jewelry is essential to the look or feel you want in the portrait, or is something you wear all the time, or has special meaning to you, leave it out.

On the other hand, if something is important to you such as your great aunt’s locket, or great granddad’s walking stick, or plays an integral part of your life such as a stethoscope, or a canoe paddle, talk with your photographer about how to include it in some of your portraits.

Makeup
Men will tend to skip right over this while women will zoom in…MEN: before by-passing this whole topic, look in a mirror at your face. What color is your skin? How’s the complexion? Circles under the eyes? Are your nose and forehead shiny? You want to look your best in your portrait, and it’s perfectly OK for men to blotter the forehead, put a little powder on for portraits. Even a little lightener under the eyes or blush on the cheeks! Even Arnold, and Steven Segal wear makeup when on camera!

Now, Ladies, just do what you do normally in applying your makeup, as if preparing for an evening at a benefit gala: tastefully a little stronger than for daytime. It’s a good idea to bring all your makeup to the session along with some tissues and cold cream. Your photographer may have some suggestions for color changes or additions.

Hair
Real basic here: Make sure your hair is clean and styled the way you want it when you get to the session. And bring your brush, comb, spray, gel, whatever you might need to re-do it! If your hair needs to be cut before the session, have it done at least a week prior to having your portraits made. If you are having your hair styled specifically for the session, have it done just before going to the studio.

Posing
Whether your portrait style will be literal or interpretive, if you give some thought to posing before going into your session, it’ll be easier to work with your photographer, and you will look more natural and relaxed in your portraits. In the weeks or days preceding your portrait session be particularly aware of people you see in commercials, movies, magazines, TV shows, at the park, at home, at a friends house. Try to see poses of individuals, or groups, which look good, and portray a quality of feeling or emotion as in a good painting. Imagine yourself or your group in the same or similar pose.

When we see ourselves in a photograph, or portrait, we don’t always look the way we think we do, or should. Fact is all faces are asymmetrical to a greater or lesser degree, and we can present different looks from different angles. It’s a good idea to look at your face in a mirror and ‘practice’ looks that you think are flattering to you. Check your smile from different angles. Look at your nose and chin from different angles. What looks best to you? Work on reproducing two or three looks that you like. When you get to your portrait session show your photographer what you like, and ask for help if you think you can use it. Remember, the lighting your photographer uses wont be the same as you have in your bathroom or hallway where your mirror is, so if he knows what you like, he’ll be able to reproduce it for you with his lighting.