The following guidelines and suggestions will help give a clearer vision as to the direction of the portrait session, whether you choose to do a Relationship, or Color portrait:

• Timeless clothing which is simple and classic 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 are doing a Color portrait, keep your choices subtle and solid with everyone in the portrait wearing the same shade and "color family". Work for balance, harmony and color coordination. We recommend that adults wear long or three-quarter length sleeves. Youthful subjects can wear strapless or sun dresses, 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.
   
• If you're concerned about glare and distortion, glasses can be removed during your session. Or, if you prefer to wear them, you may want to tilt the ear pieces up.  If you always wear glasses, please wear them for your portraits regardless. 
• For a black and white Relationship Portrait, if you want to wear nail polish, French manicures are best.  Men's fingernails need to be trimmed.  Bring simple, long-sleeved, black or navy turtlenecks or shirts as well as black or navy pants or a skirt.  Try to avoid low necklines or white buttons. 
   
• For Women only:  Please wear your usual make-up plus a slight extra touch of blush, very well blended, to show your features.  Extra mascara is also recommended.  A well-blended foundation is important, even if you normally don't wear it.  Do not try for a "dewy" look as your skin will appear oily; it's best to avoid all shine with the use of loose powder or blotting papers.  Bring all of your make-up with you for touch-ups as needed. Remember to keep jewelry simple and avoid wearing a watch during the session. Styling your hair at home is the most convenient, but feel free to bring what’s needed for touch-ups.
   
• Parents of a newborn, who want their baby photographed without a diaper, will want to be prepared for accidents and bring extra clothes.
   
• We know that great images take time and concentration. Our advice is to pick a style or a mood and focus on it. Too many clothing & background changes leave little time to focus on what truly matters.
   
• For any portraits including a pet, please make arrangements for the pet to be taken care of when not being photographed.  An additional person that will not be in the pictures without the pet can help out with this or a crate can be used to keep your pet safe. 
   
• The "window of opportunity" with children is short. All children have different and unique personalities. We suggest dividing the children into their own portrait in order to capture each child's personality. At certain stages, incorporating a parent into the sitting helps stabilize the child and allows each child to be most relaxed and looking his or her best. When doing individual portraits during a group session, we suggest an adult come along and watch the children outside of the studio in order to help capture great images of those being photographed at that time. Group portraits of young children without parents in it for stabilization are not recommended.
   
• Please resist the urge to tell your child to smile 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." We have photographed many children and assure you this is the best way. Remember, pre-planning is the best way to put your mind at ease that all will go well on the day of your sitting.