My first recommendation is to always wear something that you are comfortable in! If you are not comfortable, it will show in the portrait. Below are more recommendations!

Newborn Portraits
• Simpler the better, meaning no clothes are really needed, just a diaper and I can supply a cute diaper cover.
• If you choose to have your newborn clothed in something, keep it plain.
• Fun accessories like a hat or bow adds a splash of color to the cuteness! I do have newborn accessories available.
  


Family Portrait
• Wear solid color shirts. All of the same color or a few slightly different hues of the same color works best. Or do something fun like the ladies wearing purple and all of the gentleman wearing blue.
• Avoid bright colors and white, instead opt for greens, blues, or browns. Bright colors are overpowering while white can dominate and make everyone look larger then they really are.
• Wear clothes that are the same level of dressiness. Don’t dress up when everyone else is wearing everyday street clothes.
• Feet may show in the portrait, se be sure to wear socks and shows that compliment the outfit you are wearing.
• Dress children comfortably but in the same color and style as the rest of the group. Choose fabrics such as cotton that won't itch.
• Everyone should match on their lower half; all jeans or all slacks. Women may wear skirts as long as they match the color and material as everyone else.
  


Couples Portrait
• Wear something that you are comfortable in. If you are not comfortable, it will show in the pictures.
• Wear clothes that are complementary in style and color. For example, you could all/both wear fall colors or all/both wear different shades of blue. Just don't be too matchy.
• Darker colors are slimming and they are also easier to photograph. But if you have something white or off white, don't be afraid to wear it, just don't wear clothes that are too bright!
• Stay away from patterns. The background usually has enough texture that patterns can sometimes make the photographs too busy.
• Have the clothes match the location and season for the shoot. Shorts and flip flops are not the best on a cold day. This goes back to being comfortable, if you are not warm, it’s harder to look warm and happy!
• Wear clothes that are the same level of dressiness. Don’t dress up when everyone else is wearing everyday street clothes.
• Leave your purse behind unless you want to include it in the photographs. It is a lot easier to move around in between poses/locations when you don’t have to worry about where to put your purse.
• If you want to include your dog in some of the photographs, it would be best to have a friend along to watch him while we are taking other shots.
• Plan on having a good time. Think of it more like a date, and less of smiling to the camera.
  
  
  Individual Portrait
• Wear layers and textures, button-down or collared shirts work great
• Try to avoid black or white shirts. Wear bright colors or earth tones (purples, greens, blues, brown, and deep reds).
• Don’t be afraid to wear a striped or patterned shirt. I normally discourage it but for individuals portraits it can help display your character and personal style!
• If you’re going for a casual look, a nice pair of jeans is the perfect complement.
• Maternity: Jeans are recommended, try to bring a pair that that does not have a belly band. Bring a few shirts to work with. A shirt that buttons, a tight shirt and a couple others to choose from would be helpful.
• Seniors: Feel free to bring along extra accessories or props (sport item or music instrument) for us to play with.


Business Portrait
• Choose a simple classic styes, this will not look dated as styles change.
• Wear mid-ranged and darker colors. Solid colors such as blue, brown, gray, red, and green are best for both men and women.
• Avoid busy patterns, large amounts of white, and very bring colors. You want to draw attention to your face and use your clothing as a frame.
• Wear a simple classic style
• Suits tailored from structured fabrics such as wool or linen work well. Single breasted suits or jackets tend to lay better when you are sitting for a portrait.
• Avoid fabrics that winkle easily.
• Women with long hair should choose a jacket that is a different tone from their hair, otherwise the hair and jacket tend to run together when photographed.
• If you prefer casual clothes, scarves, hats or small props, please bring them along.
  


Headshot Portraits
• Wear a solid color shirt. Prints and patterns do not photograph nearly as well, and may take away from the focal point of the headshot--your face. You can stick to a basic white or black.
• Decide what type of neckline accentuates your features. If you want to elongate your neck, wear a v-neck. To show off your collarbones, wear a scoop-necked shirt. If you are large chested, make sure you wear a higher neckline.
• Bring several choices of shirts with you to the photo shoot. This will give you options. Sometimes, what looks good in person does not look as good in print and vice versa. Therefore, you will want to have options and be able to change your look.
• Resist the urge to wear accessories. In terms of a model headshot, less is more. You want your headshot to be simple, elegant, and representative of you.
• Wear makeup, but don't overdo it. You need a nice base that will photograph well, but you still want to look like yourself in the headshot.
  


Additional Things to Consider (applies to ALL types of portraits)
• If you normally wear glasses, they should be part of your portrait. I’ll control the reflections to the best of my ability by adjusting your pose, but sometimes it’s impossible to completely eliminate glasses glare. If you have thick lenses or have had severe reflection problems in the past, you may want to ask your optometrist to loan you a frame with no lenses for your portrait. Or if you’ll feel more comfortable being photographed, wear contacts.
• If you have braces, we can do a variety of pictures of you smiling and not smiling in order to give you a good selection to choose from.
• Jewelry should be kept simple, wide-plated gold and silver necklaces may cause too much of a glare a become a distraction in your portrait.
• You want to look your best, so pay a little extra attention to your grooming before your portrait session. If anyone needs a fresh haircut, have it done about a week ahead. Also, It is best to wear your hair the way you normally do.
• Men, if you have an afternoon or evening appointment , you may want to shave mid-day to avoid the “five o’clock shadow” look. If you wear a beard or mustache, they should be neatly trimmed.
• Turtlenecks or V-necks are flattering provided that neither is exaggerated in style.
• Apply make-up as you normally would, an even foundation that matches your skin tone, mascara and a touch of lipstick. Also bring along translucent powder to eliminate any shine.
  

Serving the twin-cities area of Minnesota.

Telephone: 651-747-6346 Email: beth@bethwphoto.com

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