Useful Info
Sunset Calendar
www.sunrisesunset.com
Map of Balboa Park
www.balboapark.org
How to prepare for your session
Corporate – A shot list is helpful in planning your session. If the session is for product photography, it is important to have perfect product. Labeling and packaging should be pristine. You may want to have several samples available to choose from. For corporate portraits, advise your team to avoid busy patterns like herringbone (use of the images in a digital manner could cause an undesirable moire on computer monitors).
Portrait – Although I usually don’t like matching outfits, family portraits are one place it sometimes works. I do caution that white shirts and jeans both adds visual weight to you and may be a bit cliche. The best option is to choose colors that are in a similar color family, i.e. you are all dressed in blues or earth tones. Avoid busy patterns or big logos. Bring touch-up make-up and hair product, and if in doubt bring several outfits to choose from. If there are little ones in the group, a few toys and snacks can go along way in keeping them busy when they are not in front of the camera. Having an idea of any sub groupings you want in addition to the large group is helpful.
Senior Portrait – The key to a great session is expressing yourself. In choosing outfits for a session it is important to tell a story about yourself. What are your interests, what is your sense of style? Are you on the cheer squad or the drummer in a punk band. A good session may incorporate several looks or dimensions of your personality. Yes, the other elements still hold true (like white clothing adds weight, so please ready the section for engagements as well) but the wardrobe selection for a senior session can be much more stylistic, if your into motor cross or equestrian sports, this is a great time to show those passions. Props as also a great element to consider for a session, from a skateboard to an electric guitar, those elements help tell the story.
Engagement – Dress in clothes that are comfortable and allow movement… we will be walking. Choose outfits appropriate for the location. If we have scheduled a beach session, bring a change of clothes, towel and water as you will likely get sandy and possibly wet. Avoid dressing in matching outfits (unless you do so on a regular basis or we are going for a “look”). Choose colors that are in a similar color family, i.e. you are both dressed in blues or earth tones. Avoid busy patterns or big logos. Bring touch-up make-up and hair product, and if in doubt bring several outfits to choose from. For those that are not quite at their ideal fighting weight (and I am one) here is some additional info. Although I will be posing, lighting and sometimes editing you to look your best, there are some things you should know to give you the best results. Ladies, I hate to be the one to say it, but very few girls can pull off the empire waist. In most cases it will look like you are expecting so unless you know that you rock that look, you may want to go a different direction. While on the topic, white adds 10-20lbs, black is slimming and unless your arm is no more than 1/2 the width of your face… sleeveless may not be your friend. Gentlemen, trim hair… wherever it grows (ears and nose are often overlooked and you will see it in photos). Pay attention to your fingernails. Unless you have tickets to “the gun show” or interesting tattoos, avoid sleeveless shirts. If you’re a skinny guy and want to look bigger, wear light colors.
Wedding – In the planning stage of the wedding, it is important to decide what images are important to you and your fiancee and then budget time for creation of those images. Most couples underestimate how quickly the day will go by and in how many different directions they will be pulled. Surprisingly, you will have little or no time alone on your wedding day. So unless you allow time for those romantic photos you may regret missing the opportunity. Another item that can have an impact on your images is the getting ready room. You may not be able to control what that room looks like, but do your best not to trash it. Think of it like you will be having company. Make the bed, put trash in the trash can and use the closet and drawers for your clothes… unless you like that “lived in” look then feel free. For the bride, you will want to have your make-up and hair last that day so the tendency is for the bride to be the final person in line for hair and make-up, this can create an issue if any of the ladies before you have problems. My recommendation is for the bride to be the second to last to insure there is ample time for the beautification. For the boys, check those rental items before the wedding day. It is not uncommon to be missing parts or have two left shoes.
