Tips for getting the best out of your photography session.


Clothing

Choose timeless clothing which is simple and classic - and never goes out of style! Groups should strive to keep in similar tones and fashion so everyone looks like they "belong together". Avoid bright tones, striped or busy clothing, as it detracts from the center of interest in the portrait - the faces of people being photographed should always command the viewer's attention.



Make-up and hair style

Make-up and hair styles should be SIMPLE. Hairs falling down onto the sides of the face create distracting shadows. Bangs that come down too low onto the face will keep light from getting into the subject's eyes - the very most important part of the face. Eye makeup should be blended - no sharp demarcation lines between colors. Avoid white above or below the eyes. It does not photograph well at all. Too much color above and below the eyes attracts attention to itself. It actually takes attention away from the eyes, rather than attracting the viewer to the eyes. Foundation make-up should be blended at the jaw line so that there is no demarcation between the face and the neck.



Props

We want to create portraits of people and their personality. Apparel and props should not detract from the subject. However, clothing and props can establish a mood and should be well thought out. If you have a special theme such as sports, art, music, etc., feel free to bring your own personal props with you. This is one way to make your portraits show your unique individuality. We can discuss pros, settings, backgrounds and find the right combination during our consultation.


Formal

Dress as if you're going out to a fine restaurant, or a formal event. Solid dark clothing works best, and will add the classic timeless look to a portrait. As faces and expressions are the main focus in a portrait, clothing, accessories (jewelry, make-up, and hair styles) should complement the portrait but remain secondary and not draw attention away from the face. Men's ties should complete the suit and not overpower it. Women should choose jewelry that is not too reflective or glittery as this can cause flare in the camera.


Business

Dress for success works just as well in a business portrait as in the business world.
For men a dark suit with a white shirt and conservative tie will create a professional image.
For women, again a dark suit with a light neutral shirt or blouse. It is best to avoid loud colors, clothing or accessories that pull the viewer's eye away from your face. Make-up and hair style should be subdued and not overdone. We can provide both studio or onsite session. Call to discuss your needs.


Seniors

Senior Portrait Images are expressions of you: your music, your clothes, and your friends. You can make a statement about who you are and what you like when you choose Wayne Miller Photography for your senior portrait experience. Our session begins with your phone call, as we know that you have some questions, and we will be happy to talk to you about your senior session and all the possibilities. We offer either studio session or environment sessions (your choice or ours) for locations. When you’re ready for the appointment, you'll find that our studio is friendly, fun, and filled with music. Bring your favorite music CDs - the ones that make you feel good. You can even bring along a friend or two. If you like, we'll schedule a double session so that you and a friend can come for your appointment at the same time. We call it the buddy system.


Family

All members of the family should be dressed to the same degree of formality or casualness (except the dog). We recommend solid color clothing of the same tones. This should be classic, timeless clothing that doesn't date the portrait. If you want to use white or pastel tones, everyone should be similarly dressed. Avoid the look of one person standing out because of a bold, distracting pattern or a contrasting light top when everyone else is dressed darker. For more formal portraiture avoid T-shirts, sweats, tight short skirts, designs and bold patterns (including wide stripes). Some types of patterns create morie (overlapping pattern effect) in digital cameras. This is not the time to experiment with a new hair style or extra make-up. Use makeup to cover blemishes if possible. For babies please bring them a second outfit. "Photo-gray" glasses (aka transitiona lens) photograph black outdoors and very dark in the studio. We will do everything we can to reduce glare in glasses. (If you always wear glasses, you should wear them in the photo.) We suggest non-glare coated lenses to avoid reflections. Glass glare can be retouched if necessary. Shoes may show in some poses. Pets are welcome!



Children

Children are at their best usually mid-morning so schedule a time when they will be happy and well rested. It’s a great idea to bring along a few favorite small toys so that they feel secure. It is best not to offer food or drink to children during the portrait session as it will distract their attention. Don’t worry about tiny tears or tired tantrums Professional child photographers are prepared for any eventuality. Children are best handled with love, care and lots of patience, so give them a little time to get comfortable.

When choosing your child’s wardrobes simplicity is the key. As the saying goes ‘less is more’ and this is true when it comes to planning an appropriate outfit. Solid colors are best. Bright or light pastel clothing looks best in portraits taken against a white or light background. Blues, white, ivory, khaki and salmon are lovely outdoors against green foliage. Burgundy, brown, tan and grey are nice in late autumn. Kids photographed outdoors during autumn look fabulous dressed in a single color like for example green against the bright orange fallen leaves or red against the green foliage. We can discuss props, settings, backgrounds and find the right combination during our consultation.


Models, Actors, etc.

A high quality headshot is one of the most important marketing tools for actors, models, performers and musicians as well as corporate professionals. Get the look that's right for you. We have a detailed list of dos and don'ts for your session. We can discuss props, settings, backgrounds and find the right combination during our consultation.

Servicing Concord, Clayton, Walnut Creek and surrounding San Francisco Bay Areas in California.

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