How to prepare for your Tulsa portrait photography session
All Portrait Sessions
Avoid florescent colors.
Sessions are most productive when we have an idea of how and where the photos will be displayed. Although it isn’t a requirement, you may want to think about spaces in your home or office that would be good locations to show off your wonderful portraits. Knowing what spaces a photo might hang will help us construct a session to give you the best options for display.
Outdoor Sessions
Weather is unpredictable, it is a good idea to have a coat or sweater available for cool weather sessions. Ladies, bring hair spray or some other holding product in case of wind. If you are wearing sexy but hard-to-walk-in shoes, bring a pair that is comfortable for when we are moving. Consider a snack before your session so you aren’t low on energy. Most of all bring your fun playful side. Sessions with Resolusean are really quite enjoyable. We will do whatever sparks our collective creative minds so there is an element of adventure in each session.
Family Portraits
Although I usually don’t like matching outfits, family portraits are one place it can work. 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. the group is 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 a long 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 read the section for engagements as well) but the wardrobe selection for a senior session can be much more stylistic, if you’re into motor cross or equestrian sports, this is a great time to show those passions. Props are also a great element to consider for a session, from a skateboard to an electric guitar, those elements help tell the story.
Singles, Couples & Engagement Sessions
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 or lake 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, be cautious of specific cuts of clothing, few girls can pull off the look of 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 and black is slimming. A sleeveless top may not be your friend if your arms are not toned. 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 been spending some time in the gym or have interesting tattoos, avoid sleeveless shirts. If you’re a skinny guy and want to look bigger, wear light colors.
Newborn Sessions
Newborns sessions are best done in studio or your home. Ideally the baby is 7-14 days old. Have several changes of clothes for each person (including mom and dad) you will likely need a change before the end of the session. Read the above section for color advise. Newborns will sometimes be photographed with props, toys or blankets. Bring props that have special meaning or that were passed down from the family. It is good to include items that may show the parents interests, hobbies or occupation. Things like a favorite football jersey, ballet shoes or parts of a uniform can make for a compelling story. Newborn sessions can be unpredictable, plan on feeding and changing the baby one or more times during the session. If you are bringing headbands for the baby, make sure those are not too tight or too loose (too tight will make the baby cry, to loose wont stay on).
