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Portrait Ideas
 Planning in advance helps to insure that your finished portrait is a true reflection of the subject’s personality, character, and style! Along with the usual discussion of clothing and make-up, we'd like discuss the personality traits of those being photographed.


  • BLACK & WHITE STUDIES
    We love classic black & white and brown tones!      The timeless look of Black and White Portraits speaks of stability and lasting emotions.
    Our black & white studio session is planned with absolute simplicity in mind. Clothing is purposely kept dark to maximize the impact of the image. By using one background with no props, one is able to visually enjoy and celebrate the relationship itself.

    When viewed in your home, your attention will go immediately to the faces of those you love and cherish!


  • RELATIONSHIP
    One of the most emotional styles of portraiture, the Relationship style beautifully captures those moments we never want to lose, whether it is a mom snuggling with her daughter or new parents gently holding their newborn baby.

    This is truly an investment that will never lose its value.

          CLOTHING
    Studio black and white Fine Art Portraits
    Maternity & Newborn Classics
         Bring simple, long-sleeved, black, navy, or chocolate brown turtlenecks or button-down shirts (great for moms-to-be to show belly).  Black, navy, or chocolate brown tube tops are good too for moms-to-be.  We also have material that we can 'wrap' moms in.
    Parents of a newborn, who want their baby photographed without a diaper, will want to be prepared for accidents and bring extra clothes for yourself!

COLOR PORTRAITS Outdoor or Studio
Simple and classic clothes will help your portrait stand the test of time. Your child or family is the focal point of our work, therefore it is of utmost importance that clothing choices compliment and not distract from the overall balance and focus of your image. If you would like mostly color portraits, keep your choices subtle and solid with everyone in the portrait wearing the same shade and "color family".  Blue jeans and white tops give the 'summer' look, is a highly chosen style, and it works.   Please do think about other 'earth tone' colors such as tan, green, blue, & brown.  For seasonal fall portraits red tops with blue jeans work great too. 

Work for balance, harmony and color coordination. We recommend that adults wear long or three-quarter length sleeves.  Kids & teens can wear strapless or sun dresses for their individual photos, but these are best avoided in group portraits. Select clothing that will be flattering when seated, such as a long flared skirt instead of a mini-skirt.

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  • MAKE-UP & JEWELRY
    Please wear your usual make-up.  Bring matte translucent powder for a smooth matte finish- no shine!   Extra mascara is also recommended as well as gloss or color for lips - we don't want dry looking lips for closeups.  Bring all of your make-up with you for touch-ups if needed.

  • Remember to keep jewelry simple and avoid wearing a watch to the session.   Think less is more with jewelry.


  • Key Chains, Wallets, Phones and other 'Pocket Items' should be removed too!
     

  •    SMALL CHILDREN
    The "window of opportunity" with toddlers and small children is short.  All children have different and unique personalities. Some may be done within 20 minutes, others may be able to photograph the entire session.  If children are done, we will not force them to cooperate!

    We suggest dividing siblings into their own portrait in order to capture each child's personality. At certain stages, incorporating a parent into the sitting 'as a prop' may help to stabilize & relax the little one.
    Please resist the urge to tell your child to smile before coming to the studio or during the session  - or insist they be on their best behavior - as this often backfires. Simply say "we are having our portrait taken and it will be fun."   
    I have photographed many children, ( & have two of my own too) and I assure you this is the best way.


  • BRING YOUR OWN PROPS
    Feel free to bring your own family heirlooms as a prop for small children or a baby.  Perhaps a blanket, a simple chair, or teddy bear...

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     SENIORS
How about street scenes & alleys with attitude, old buildings, or pretty mother nature?  We try to match the background with your own personal style.   Unlike traditional portraiture (where we preach to everyone to stay away from large and bold patterns, as they will draw attention away from the face), a Senior's added choice of clothing can have colors and patterns.  We mix-n-match your style with our ideas, so each session is totally different!  Our Senior Combo Session allows for a lot of variety!

Seniors, how about trying:
A classic dressy outfit (something that will stand the test of time and you won't be embarrassed of 10 years from now), and a casual outfit  (something fun and colorful you wear everyday).  Kick off your shoes and go barefoot!

 
 

  © 2009 Hill Country Images ™

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 Kathy Weigand is a professional photographer based in Fredericksburg Texas - in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. 
Visit the studio website for portrait, wedding, and gallery art prints for sale.