Beautiful Moments Photography

Tips & Tricks

Image is everything

As you prepare for your Senior Portrait sitting, you will undoubtedly have several questions. We at Beautiful Moments Photography would like to pass along these helpful hints so your experience can be a fun one.

Arrive on Time

If you are scheduled from 10:00-12:00 pm and show up late or not ready, you will have less time in the camera room.

Props

BRING THEM!! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: sports equipment (soccer ball, football, hockey stick or hurdles), sports uniforms, music instruments (school tuba to rock guitar), activities (dance leotard, shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!), vehicles and motorcycles.

Clothes & Accessories

First of all AVOID STRIPES AND PLAID!! Solids photograph much better! Vary the style; having all one look (like tanks) gets boring. Vary the dress level, bring some dressy, some medium and some casual. Remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, and then we can do the stuff YOU like.

Group your outfits together ON HANGARS. It is amazing how many people come in with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed. Although we have an iron for touch ups, we don't want to waste your time on ironing.

Choose long sleeve shirts or sweaters rather than short sleeves because upper arms can be distracting.

Avoid clothing that has wording on it except for your own school logo. When people look at your portrait we want them to see you…not make you an advertisement.

Jewelry

Best tip here keep it simple. We want the attention on YOU!

Guys

For a traditional portrait, suits or a sport coat and tie look great. Medium to dark sweaters photograph well.

For casual and outdoor photos, comfort is the best plan. Wear jeans, shirts, shorts and sweatshirts in earth tones like browns and blues. A fresh shave is a must! Retouching can’t remove what the razor can. If you have a beard or a mustache, make sure it’s neatly trimmed.

We have included minor retouch into all our finished portraits; so don't worry about minor breakouts. Here is a quick trick that will gently enhance your portraits: just before your session, stand two feet in front of a mirror. Dab a small amount of cover-up make-up on any noticeable blemishes. If they are gone in the mirror, they are gone in the photograph.

If you plan to have your hair cut, try to schedule it at least one week in advance of your session. This way your hair cut will not look fresh, this is especially important in the summer months when a fresh haircut may reveal un-tanned skin.

Your hands may show in some photographs, so it is a good idea to check out the condition of your hands and trim your fingernails.

Get plenty of rest the night before your session; you will want to look your very best!

Girls

Bring the colors and outfits you feel best in. Dresses (even formals), sweaters and lace for a more traditional look. *White or pastel colors are perfect for lighter studio backgrounds. * Middle tones or deeper solid colors are ideal for studio formal portraits. *Earth tones in Casual clothes are great for outdoor photographs. If you like an outfit, it is probably because you look good in it, so make sure you bring it.

Keep your makeup natural and fresh.

We have included minor retouch into all our finished portraits; so don't worry about minor breakouts.

Lip-gloss adds extra sparkle to your photographs.

Facial shine is something we cannot retouch, so bring some powder to control it if necessary.

It is possible that your hands will be in some of the photographs; so make sure your nails are neatly done and polished.

Wear your hair as you normally do and avoid experimenting. If you plan to have your hair cut, try to schedule it at least one week in advance of your session. This way your hair cut will not look fresh. Please avoid a new hairstyle or cut, you will not look like you. Your hair is your responsibility; please have your hair ready when you arrive so only a quick touch-up is needed. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or you loose camera time.

Shoes

Often shoes will show, so be sure they compliment your outfit. Changes may be necessary with different clothing styles. Many prefer barefoot poses as well.

Glasses

Most glasses glare! Please remove the glass or check with your optometrist. Most will "loan" you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session. This is the most effective way to improve your portraits. We will not be responsible for glass glare in a portrait or the cost to remove it.

Summer Tans

AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! A tan, yes, A burn, no. If you have a winter or spring portrait session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don't overdue it. Beware of tan lines - they can be retouched but it is an extra fee for you.

Braces

Your natural smile is the best way to portray the true you! So don’t worry, you can have them removed for only $35.00 a pose in your final portraits.

Pets

Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone you trust to bring the pet, and then leave it with him or her afterwards. Or bring a pet carrier to contain the pet while you are being photographed. Treats can be helpful to hold a dog’s attention.

Friends and Parents

Friends or parents are welcome. They can be a big help especially outdoors. You can have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend or sibling at no extra charge.

Weather for Outdoor Portraits

Let's face it; we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. If it rains, not to worry will do anything about it, we simply have to reschedule.

Don't worry about clouds they actually help! But rain falling is a problem. If the weather is questionable, we will call you and/or feel free call the studio.

Tattoos and Scars

Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at your request. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge.

Beautiful Moments Photography~269-963-3113

Email us @ beautifulmomentsphotography@msn.com

Important notice about: Copyright Protection

The copyright act protects photographers by giving the author of the photograph the exclusive right to reproduce your photographs. This includes the right to control the making of copies.

It is illegal to Copy, Scan or reproduce our photographs without our permission. Besides that...it's just not nice! Violators of this Federal Law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties

We will try to accommodate all reasonable requests. Please feel free to discuss your needs with us so that we may have the opportunity to serve you better.

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