Having your portrait made? Here are our top 5 tips!
Posted by Gittings Photography on Fri, Nov 04, 2011 @ 05:14 PM
Veteran Gittings photographer Kenn Stolte says that women often don't want to have their portrait made because they're afraid they won't look beautiful. "Women can be hard on themselves," he says. "They know that a photograph will last for decades and they want to look great. They may also be reluctant to schedule a portrait sitting because they don't think it's that important. They may wait for a loved one to urge them to have their portrait made."
Photographs do last for generations and are treasured by those close to you. Here are our top five tips to feel beautiful when having your portrait made:
1. Wear your hair and makeup in a style you're used to. Theatrical makeup and false eyelashes may look great on models but you won't recognize yourself if you make a lot of changes for your portrait sitting.
2. Choose a few outfits from your wardrobe that make you feel great when you put them on. Be sure they're clean and pressed, and if you're being photographed with one or more additional family members, coordinate colors. But don't feel that you need to buy something new. This is a portrait of you—not what you're wearing! A carefully selected piece of jewelry can be a stunning addition to a simple, tailored jacket or dress.
3. You have a blemish? Relax! Any minor imperfection on your face will be erased. Before digital photography, negatives would be retouched in a very painstaking process. Today's digital photographs are much easier to manipulate and your photographer will be sure that any dark shadows or skin discoloration is corrected.
4. Don't like your freckles? Nervous about your 'large nose'? Most of us have one or more features that make us self-conscious. Believe it or not, these features are what make you YOU! Careful lighting and posing will make the most of your assets and minimize what you may think of as 'flaws.'
5. Trust your photographer. If he asks you to 'relax your jaw' or 'tilt your head,' give it a try even though it may feel a bit awkward. Professional photographers have many years of experience and know what works. You'll be able to choose your favorite pose and expression after the session, and you may be surprised at the many moods the photographer was able to capture.
You'll never look fresher, younger or more beautiful than you do today! So what are you waiting for? Schedule a portrait soon. Your loved ones will thank you.
