Tips To Get You Started
Have A Successful Pet Portrait Session
For Your Pet
- Brush and groom (bring a brush with for touch-ups)
- Exercise and potty your pet just prior to the session
- If you pet gets anxious arrive early and allow time to adjust to the environment
- Bring a favorite toy
- Let Pat know what key words grab your pet's attention
- Bring your pet's favorite treats
- Turn collars so tags don't show or remove them if possible
- Let Pat talk and handle your pet- too many voices become confusing for the animal. You'll be asked to help move or adjust your pet during the shoot
- Don't worry if you think your pet is naughty or high strung- Pat has seen all sorts of dogs and behaviors- he'll make it work.
For You
- Wear a dark neutral color. If your dog is a dark color, wear a something lighter than your theirs.
- Avoid prints. If you do, choose a very subtle pattern.
- Regular neck lines or v-necks are most flattering. High collars or turtle necks tend to give a "floating head" appearance.
- Avoid bulky clothes/sweaters, one layer is most flattering.
- Hair and make-up should be simple and natural. A subtle natural color lipstick with a bluish undertone makes teeth appear whiter.
- Coordinate family members to wear similar colors both top and bottom.
- Dark jeans or khaki pants, or dark color pants work well.
- Think of what you would like to order ahead of time. Will this be just for you? Is this a fathers/mothers day gift? A family portrait? An heirloom portrait?
- Relax; Patrick has photographed thousands of people. You're in the hands of an experienced professional.
Quality Graduation Portraits
Wear the right clothes
Your favorite outfit may not be the best for a portrait. Call Patrick to discuss your portrait settings and the best type of clothing to wear to highlight your features, create the most flattering lines and make you look your best. You want to be the highlight of the portrait not your outfit. Keep it classy, something that Grandma would be proud to show off and you won't be embarrassed of in twenty years. Most portraits work best with dark neutral colors, no patterns or stripes. Single layers are most flattering, don't wear bulky sweaters. V-necks (not too plunging), or shirts with a collar are most flattering. Steer clear of turtle necks or high collars they make you look like a floating head.
Hair
Hair styles can be very difficult to decide upon but photographing hair with the right lighting can be just as difficult; that's why you're coming to Patrick! Choose a simple style that is natural and makes you feel good. Bring a curling iron, hair spray, and a brush to your session. Patrick has a large space for primping.
If you get a haircut, do it at least a week before your appointment.
For all you guys – a clean shave is best. Stubble is difficult and expensive to touch-up. Just be careful not to nick yourself!
Make-up. Stay light and natural.
The lights are soft so there is no need to put on "TV make-up". Try not to over cover blemishes, these days you can ask for blemish removal at a minimal cost. It looks much better than caked on foundation. Use a highlight eye shadow just under your brow and on the inside of your eye (near your tear duct). Mascara helps define the eye, keep it, and your eye liner light. Most women have natural results using a powder liner instead of a liquid. Blush should be delicate and applied only to the apples of the cheeks and blended/brushed on the cheek bone. Use glitter sparingly- or not at all. The light can bounce off the glitter in a not so flattering way.
Always Fun Children's Portraits
What to wear.
Let your child's personality shine through; focus on them not the outfit. Clothing should be soft muted colors, try to avoid stripes, patterns and plaids. Most children's portraits are shot on a white background so lighter colors work better than dark. Denim and khaki work well on bottom. Dresses for girls are always sweet.
Don't worry about the shoes! Patrick finds that most children's portraits are best when barefoot. It really adds to the portrait.
How to prepare.
Schedule a time when your children are at their best (after naptime). Make sure they've eaten and bring a snack or two (choose one that won't mess up their face or clothing).
Keep hair simple. Barrettes and ribbons should be small and similar color to hair (no dark ribbon on light hair and vise-versa). Schedule any hair cuts a week before the appointment.
Patrick likes to take pictures of siblings together but also each child individually. Feel free to bring a special prop or favorite toy. Don't forget the dog! Many families enjoy pictures of the children with the family pet. Patrick has great experience with pets; consider it for your session.
Be relaxed, toddlers tend to pick up on stress. They may become nervous if everyone around them gets too anxious. Keep it fun and light and don't worry if your child seems out of sorts. Patrick has photographed hundreds of children and knows a lot of tricks. Arrive a little early for your appointment so your child has time to adjust to the new surroundings and you can avoid being rushed.
After the session.
Bring a favorite DVD. You have the option to see and order your portraits immediately following a session. Patrick has a small DVD player to help keep children occupied and wind down from their session.
Professional Family Portraits
Go for neutral or dark clothing, dark pants or dark denim are ideal. Eyes are drawn to the lightest part of a portrait so avoid bright/light colors (yellow, hot pink, all reds and neon). Avoid white all together. Coordinating solid colors (dark neutrals work well) for tops work really well. Long sleeves are best for family pictures.
Don't worry about the shoes! Patrick finds that most children's portraits are best when barefoot. It really adds to the portrait.
Avoid
Plaids, stripes, and prints. Red is also a no, no, it doesn't photograph well (even a deep red or brick red should be avoided, maroon is fine).
Complement
Each other as much as possible, and keep things simple. There is no need to match from head to toe, style and color that are similar look best. Dark shoes are best for family portraits. Flip-flops, sandals, gym shoes and hiking boots on one person can really detract from a portrait. Everyone wearing gym shoes in a coordinated manner or choosing a summer outdoor picture in bare feet or in flip-flops works too.
Coordinate
A complete look with all the subjects (even pets). Think about the details from head to toe. Again, avoid mixing light and dark colors.
Comfortable
Flattering clothes (avoid layering) emphasize wonderful faces! V-necks, scoop necks and collared shirts work best. Make sure the necklines aren't too revealing (especially when bending or leaning). No midriff. Avoid turtle necks and high collars they create the illusion of floating heads. ALTHOUGH- some small family groupings like to create a floating head or faces only effect with dark colors. Just make sure that all people are wearing that type of neck line.