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Clothing Information
A professional looking portrait begins with careful preparation. The selection of proper clothing is a critical factor. If the clothing is dominant, it will draw attention away from your face. Clothing that does not attract attention is the ultimate goal. It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and just another picture. We can not stress enough how important it is for you to observe the following criteria:
When you are finished selecting your wardrobe, spread all your clothing out shoes, socks, everything should be included! Then, take a careful look at the selection. If your eyes are drawn to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. That item should be changed.
Here are some other helpful suggestions for a great portrait!:( but remember - its a guide - its not written in stone)
SIMPLICITY Clothing should be plain and simple (for something traditional) no patterns, stripes, bold designs or anything that will distract from your face.
FOCAL POINT The focal point is where your eye travels first and where your attention is held. The brightest or darkest point in your portrait is usually the focal point. Simplify by having one main focal point YOU!
COLOR Try to be consistent with other people in your group. Use the same color or the same tonal values. Clothing below your waistline should be darker than above. Light jeans worn below a darker top could easily attract attention to the lower part of your body and away from your face. White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect. Colors should be dark and not bright. This is so important! Bright colors will attract attention away from your face. Prints or any kind of pattern, no matter how small, may become a distraction. Neckties should be toned down in color with minimal pattern.
NECKLINES A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck, like a turtleneck or a V-neck top, will thin the neck and frame your face beautifully. With a collarless blouse or sweater, a scarf loosely tied around the neck will also help to frame your face.
HAIR STYLE and MAKEUP Eye makeup should be blended no sharp demarcation lines between colors. Avoid white above or below your eyes. Too much color above and/or below your eyes will attract attention to your make-up and away from your eyes. Blend foundation makeup at the jaw-line so that there is no demarcation between your face and your neck.Make your hair style you. DO not get anything drastic done - but be prepared to change your hair style for a different look.
JEWELRY For individual portraits (close up), wear a short, gold or silver necklace, or pearls (collar bone length); for earrings, simple loops or pearls are recommended. For family portraits, type of jewelry is not as important, but the same guidelines are still recommended.
CLASSICAL PORTRAITS Wear solid colors or subtle patterns they are submissive and noncompetitive. Deep rich tones such as navy, dark forest green, deep maroon, burgundy, black, or charcoal with subtle accents of jewelry, ties, etc. We recommend V-neck dresses or tops for women.
OUTDOOR PORTRAITS Wear earth tones, solid colors such as dark navy, green or maroon or very subtle patterns. For a more casual look, denim looks great, or dark cotton slacks and shirt with the same tonal value. Avoid black clothing, unless you are working with a pre-planned theme, such as white with a golden wheat field or black with a granite rock background. Avoid white socks and shoes. Long sleeves are recommended.
FORMAL FAMILY PORTRAITS For studio portraits, we usually recommend medium to deep tones. Match other people in the group. Long sleeves, dark slacks, dark skirts, dark shoes, and darker stockings are usually best.
HIGH KEY PORTRAITS All White/Light Portraits. Wear white, off-white, or pastel colors.
ESPECIALLY for SENIORS
SENIOR PORTRAITS Sophisticated? Radical? Classic? Be creative and have fun with your Senior Portrait Session. Bring several changes of clothes and express your unique personality. A sports jacket, uniform, hobbies, pets bring whatever is "you."
GIRLS Wear sweaters, blouses or dresses that have sleeves and a flattering neckline. Darker, autumn colors flatter your skin tones well and attract the viewer to your face. The exception to this is high-key (white background) portraits. Then, clothing and accessories can be all white or all black to place emphasis on your skin tone.
GUYS For your head and shoulders poses we recommend you wear a sweater or dress shirt and tie (we would be happy to tie it for you in a double-Windsor knot) with a suit or sports coat.
Be sure the neck of the shirt fits perfectly and is not frayed. Schedule a haircut three days prior to your appointment to allow your hair to return to a natural look.
INFORM Let the photographer know of any special concerns you have about your poses or expressions before you are photographed.
SUNBURN Don't get burned by this nasty habit. We know that you want to look tan, but please remember we are not able to remove the reddened complexion and pealing caused by sunburn.
HAIR Wear your hair in your usual style(s). Don't try a new hairstyle or haircut just before your sitting. Hair is not our bag, it's up to you. We can't wash, cut or style your hair either before or after your portrait. Guys, wait to see your previews before you cut your hair for the football season!
GLASSES If you wear glasses, when possible, obtain a set of matching frames from your optician that have the glass removed. This eliminates the glare, distortion and discoloration that could appear in your eyes.
COMPLEXION Don't worry about normal blemishes or flaws in your complexion. All finished portraits, except wallets, are retouched to eliminate these imperfections.
MAKEUP Girls should keep their makeup natural as if going on a date or interview. Avoid light colored eye shadow and "fad"styles.
SHAVING For the men, a close shave within a few hours of your appointment is a must.
ACCESSORIES Be sure to bring accessory items with you such as necklaces, earrings, and your class ring. Hats are great for character studies.
REST Get plenty of rest the night before your appointment. Wake up well before the appointment so you will look your best and not be rushed.
FRIENDS Bring a friend(s) to be photographed with.
PETS A well-behaved pet may join you for one of your changes of clothes. Please bring a handler/friend to care for your pet during the rest of your sitting. Be sure to let us know what you have in mind.
RELAX Our photographers are skilled professionals. They create a fun atmosphere for your Senior Portrait.
Sessions
1/2 Hour . 1-2 Clothing Options . Traditional . Casual . Close Ups ..... $49
One Hour . 2-3 Clothing Options . Traditional . Casual . Modern........ $79
90 Minute 2-5 Clothing Options . Inside . Outside . Casual . Model . Formal . $129
2-3 Hour 4-8 Clothing Options . Indoor . Outdoor . On Location . Model(and more)$179
Each session is individualized to the tastes of the future graduate, parents, family and friends. The "design" of each session is regarded as a once in a lifetime experience and
definite care is taken to achieve the "you" in every minute of your session.
At GDP we provide you with individual attention during your time with us. The moment you walk into our home studio facilities you are the number one priority to us. During your portrait session, you will have your own private and spacious dressing room. Your photographer will make suggestions and help you make final decisions on your outfit choices. After a brief meeting with your photographer, the fun begins. We create backgrounds and sets that match your individual outfits and showcase your personality. We ask that you arrive 10 minutes early and change your clothes quickly during your appointment. Your session is based on time, so the more time you spend changing clothes, the less time you have taking photographs. Once your senior portrait session is scheduled, take the time to read the confirmation paper you will receive. This paper is filled with valuable clothing tips and other information to make your session an experience you will always remember. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Gary Gerheart
Specials
The SPOKES MODEL 2011 SUMMER SPECIAL - FOR EVERYONE - 2 8x10(or your choice of 11x14 or custom design portfolio) (you can even exchange 8x10s for 5x7s)4-5x7 72 wallets(in 3 different poses) PLUS at NO EXTRA charge your 3-4 outfit session... $299.00 (plus tax S/H) Regular Cost $680.00 if purchased separately.3 Easy Payments ... Contact Me (or email/TEXT your request here before this special ends)614.808.4717
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