These are general suggestions for most shoots. Most of the advise is geared toward High School Senior Portraits. Please read through this page. You may pick up on some ideas that you have not thought of.

Getting Started: When making portraits we would like to understand a bit about you. We review clothing, location, and the portrait styles. We'll review what you want and what your parents want . Tell us about activities, sports, clubs, friends, music and the things that matter in your life. You can have the opportunity to have these themes incorporated in your portrait.

Portrait Ideas: Do you see something that you like? Perhaps in a magazine or an album cover? Do you like your friend's pictures? Take a moment and page through Cosmo, Vanity Fair, GQ, Sports Illustrated or any other stylish/interesting magazine. See how your favorite personalities are portrayed in photographs. Pay attention to the expressions, body poses, clothing and general attitude. Bring the clips with you and we will give it a try.

What should you wear?: Keep a few pointers in mind. Solids always photograph better than prints. Avoid stripes, prints and bold patterns. Bring a variety of clothing to your session: three or four outfits for for each type of setting (studio, outdoor). Changing outdoors can be a little tricky. You may want to consider a basic outfit and then add accessories.

When you first arrive, we'll lay out your clothing and decide how we'll use certain items for each location and the studio.

Guys: bring several outfits. A suit or sport coat for formal poses. Make sure your shirts are pressed to avoid wrinkles. Casual outfits are best kept to solid colors. Denim, white (black and solid earth tones always look good). Reds are great colors for outdoors. Make sure that you are clean shaven. Beard stubble cannot be retouched well.

EYE GLASSES: if you wear glasses, borrow an empty pair of frames if possible or work with your optometrist to remove the lenses to avoid glare. Or, you can personally use a screwdriver and remove the lenses.

Consider your nutrition and energy level: bring a smart snack for if you need an energy boost and be well hydrated, your skin looks better.

Hair:Hair styling should be appropriate to the clothing selection. If you would like to change your hairstyle during your session, make sure that it is a simple change which can be done quickly.

MAKEUP: Don't apply makeup or concealer heavily, translucent powder works best to hide blemishes and reduce shine. Bring a compact mirror for on-location quick touch-ups on skin, eyes and lips. Since most portraits concentrate on the eyes, great care should be taken to make them perfect. Avoid using excessively bright colors; mascara should be neat and without clumps. Avoid "fad" colors, they won't be in style next year.

• If you're coming from school or practice, make sure your skin is free from markings like ink or anything else.
  
  
• Be careful with tanning. Tan lines can not be retouched easily.
  
  
• Notice: Braces are really hard to remove.

Consider bringing props and clothing that have meaning to you: sports equipment or uniforms, dance outfits, musical instruments, your class ring. If you'd like to involve your pet - be sure to notify us in advance. What's your favorite flower? Bring one with you, we'll incorporate it in the photo session.

Finally: please don't be late. Consider arriving 5 to 10 minutes early. Our session begins at a precise time that allows us to hit our locations perfectly with light and schedule considerations. Help us give you the complete service by arriving on-time.