Memorable portraits require careful planning. Over the years, we've developed a sense
of what factors contribute towards a successful portrait.
Communication
To ensure that you and your photographer are working towards a common goal in creating
your portrait, it is important to communicate your wants and expectations. Our portraits
range from very informal to very formal. Portraits may be traditional, playful, or portray
subjects engaged with each other. Options include studio, outdoors, in-home, color or black
and white photography, full body, close up, etc. Special props may be used to portray
personal interests or cultural background.
Studio
Our Bethesda facility provides a controlled environment where lighting, backdrops,
props, etc. allow for unlimited results. The studio is the best choice for very small
children, formal, and business type portraits. The studio accommodates a limited number
of subjects (approximately 12). For larger groups, an outdoor or in-home portrait may be
necessary.
Outdoors
Outdoor sessions provide a natural, playful, casual setting which reflects an "every-day"
feeling. Children are often most comfortable in the more familiar great outdoors where
there is little photographic equipment to make them feel they are "on stage".
Clothing colors must complement colors found in nature. Earth tones are great. Pastels are not.
In-Home
Home portraits may best capture a "time and place" feeling for subjects years from
now and may best capture the individuality of families in their own setting. Clothing
should be chosen that complements your home decor.
The location where your photo will be displayed may also dictate the type of portrait
and the colors chosen for clothing.
All of these factors should be discussed with your photographer during the planning
stage of creating a portrait.
Clothing Suggestions
In portrait photography, we want attention drawn to subjects' faces. Clothing choices
should be made carefully with the objective of flattering the subject while maintaining
a focus on faces. Avoid clothing which draws the eye to bright, busy, or graphic patterns.
For adults and older children, large areas of skin also compete with subjects' faces.
Poses that are, otherwise, flattering may also cause bare arms and shoulders to appear
larger than they are. Avoid sleeveless clothing, bare shoulders, etc.
To accentuate subjects' faces, limit the number of colors worn by subjects. Choosing
only one color for all clothing accents the faces most dramatically. Two or, at most,
three colors for larger
groups is also effective. For black and white photography,
limit the number of contrasting tones.
Another way to focus attention towards the faces is to wear a contrasting color or tone
on the upper body of subjects. By blending the color/tone of the lower body and background,
the eye is drawn away from legs and hips.
Group Portraits
For larger group photos, any color used should be repeated at least one time. Avoid having
one subject wear a color that is not worn by another person. The viewer's eye would be drawn
to that person at the expense of the others. Individual's personal clothing choices must be
secondary to the goal of creating a color scheme that blends pleasingly.
Children
For children's portraits, different guidelines apply. Children's bodies, especially babies
and toddlers, can draw more attention. Brighter colors, playful patterns, and bare skin are
more appropriate.
Women
Choose a simple, flattering neckline and a hairstyle that is natural for you. Hair that
borders the face (vs. hair pulled back tightly) provides a "softer" framing effect for the
face. Eye make-up should be applied heavier than what is natural for you as the camera has
the effect of "removing" eye make-up.
Men
A close shave is imperative. (5 o'clock shadow is costly to correct.)
With over 25 years experience creating portraits, we can help you plan a photographic session
that will capture your individuality.
