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| Portrait Tips
A parent’s guide to better portraits
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| The First Year
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The first year of a child’s life is unparalleled in growth and change. That’s why so many parents have portraits taken throughout their child’s first year. Here are some tips on what to expect as you record this quickly changing year with portraits:
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| Newborn -Three Months
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Most likely, this is your baby’s first professional studio portrait. Portraits of infants can be taken as early as two weeks old, but newborns are not very active and they probably won’t smile on cue; however, they will be able to focus their eyes on the photographer. By three months, your baby’s first smiles will be easier to capture.
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| Three -Six Months
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Since your baby may not sit up easily, the photographer will probably ask you to help support your baby. A "tummy pose" also works well during these months. By now, your baby will respond to the photographer’s actions and will follow a moving object by turning his or her head from side to side.
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| Six -Nine Months
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Since babies are starting to sit up alone, the photographer can get a greater variety of poses and may even capture your baby’s first teeth. If your baby is cutting teeth, watch for drool and bring along a soft washcloth.
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| Nine -Twelve Months
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By now your baby is pulling him/herself up and possibly starting to walk. At this age babies move fast. The studio photographer will want you to stand close by to help keep your baby in position. Always stay close to your baby, regardless of age, for additional safety.
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| The Toddler
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Your baby is becoming more and more independent, but may often exhibit shyness at the portrait studio. A good photographer will take time to talk to your toddler. You can help, too. Some tips:
-Bring a favorite toy.
-Be patient.
-Relax - if you’re relaxed your baby will be, too.
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| The "Timid Twos"
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By now your baby has been to the doctor’s office many times and will naturally be a little afraid of new places and people. In order to alleviate fear and prepare your baby for the portrait session, practice a picture taking session at home with your own "pretend" sitting. Tell your two -year -old how much fun it is to have a portrait taken. When you get to the studio be sure to rely on the experienced studio photographer to work with your two -year -old to get a favorable expression.
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| The Young Child
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Your baby is now a young child and probably won’t have any difficulty at the portrait studio. It is still a good idea to prepare your child by talking about the portrait sitting the night before. Ask your child to think about what to tell the photographer...about a pet, school, or a favorite doll. The next day your child will be ready to go.
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| Remember, if you bring other small children to the studio you will need another adult to supervise them during the portrait sitting.
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| Getting Ready
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| Choosing the right backgrounds, props, and outfits can make the difference between a truly beautiful portrait of your child and one that just doesn’t look quite right. Here are some guidelines to follow when preparing your child for the sitting:
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| colours: Reds, bright blues (sky blues) photograph well. You can create dramatic effects with certain backgrounds. A child dressed in white photographed against a white background draws attention to the child’s face. If you dress your child in bright, strong colours either a light or dark background can be stunning.
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| Style: Make sure clothing fits well. Clothing with a little interest around the shoulders works well (smocking or collars). Avoid abundant lace or frills; in portraits they tend to overpower the child. The fancier the child’s clothes, the simpler the background should be.
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| Shoes: Use well -shined black or coordinating coloured shoes with the outfit the child is wearing. Match socks to pants and anklets or tights to skirts or dresses so they won’t stand out in the portrait. Make it a cute, casual portrait by not wearing shoes.
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| Hair: Hair should be trimmed neatly. Simple hairstyles are best. Keep barrettes or ribbons small.
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| Patterns: Avoid busy fabrics that will detract from your child’s face. Solid fabrics or small prints (calicos or small stripes) are good.
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| Is there an event or special occasion? (Suzie’s second birthday, Rick’s graduation, etc.) If so, feel free to bring in any special items pertaining to this event such as birthday decorations. A favorite blanket, toy, musical instrument or anything else to personalize your portrait is also welcome. If you’d like to use our props, we have a great selection suitable for any occasion. Although the portrait session may be for a child, we suggest that mom, dad, or guardian also dress in coordinating colours so that they may slip into one of their child ’s portraits.
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| We encourage all members of the family to dress in similar colours for group portraits. Coordinating clothing colours will enhance the quality of your portraits. You may choose to all dress in lighter colours or to dress in darker colour clothing. Casual or formal? Decide whether this is a casual or formal portrait when making your clothing choices.
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Because velvet material absorbs the light the colour of the outfit may be different in the finished portrait.
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| Long Sleeves are more flattering for both female and male adult subjects.
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| Keep jewelry simple. Big or flashy jewelry may be distracting.
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| Watch the fingernails! Be sure fingernails are clean and that polish is fresh. Manicured nails are flattering in the finished portrait on both male and female subjects.
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