DRESS CODE
Your Family Portrait Story
Your family portrait is a piece of your history.
The clothing you choose matters.
We recommend black or jewel tone clothing for a timeless, classic look.
We ask that you please dress formal.
For many, this becomes the most elegant portrait they will possess in a lifetime.
This is not just a quick snapshot of your family while you're all in jeans and t-shirts.
This is your Family Portrait.
We honor important events such as this by dressing for the occasion.
You generally wouldn't go to a wedding in flip-flops. It's a special event that requires a bit more finesse.
It's important. It's worth dressing up for.
Of course other colors work well, too! The point is to really dress up and mark this occasion with the respect it deserves.
It is your Family Portrait heirloom, after all.
This is important.
Ladies / Girls
Ladies - Choose a gown that is dark or jewel toned. It's best if your dress has sleeves as it will draw attention to your face. Little or no pattern is preferred.
Classic jewelry such as diamonds, pearls etc, are encouraged.
Gentlemen / Boys
Gentlemen - A dark suit or tuxedo is best. We recommend a white shirt that will look great with or without a tie.
This is a special occasion, as we are creating your family heirloom. Your children will notice that you've dressed up for this important event.
All Clothing Should be Black or Very Dark
Our background and lighting are tailored to render your portrait as a timeless work of art and require dark clothing to ensure that your family’s faces and features are the center of attention. For that reason, absolutely every piece of clothing must be either be entirely black, navy, or otherwise very dark in tone. Colors never clash, so navy and black work well together.
Your Wardrobe Should Fit and Flatter
Nothing flatters more than clothing that fits properly. Most children look best a size or two smaller than one would normally expect, so please try everything on in advance. If you aren’t sure, it isn’t the right size.
Be Stylish and Dress Up
This is your family’s “night on the town” where everybody looks and feels their best. Choose timeless wardrobe with character, personality, and style. For most clients, their natural makeup and hair styles work best.
Let Your Family Shine
Arrive well rested and well fed; you can’t hide a bad mood, or fake a good one. Details count.
If you see it, so will the camera.
Other clothing that can be appropriate for your portrait session are cultural clothing or clothing related to an activity (orchestra, dance, horseback riding).
Note: If you absolutely must be casual, the following guidelines need to be followed:
You should still be in something dark and solid, not busy. (Black or dark jeans and a black or jewel toned shirt with no patterns.) Also, choose a style that will look timeless in 20 years. Remember it is your face and eyes that should draw the attention in the portrait not your clothing.
Essentials for everyone
• Arrive with well styled hair and makeup completed.
Men should be clean shaven and well groomed.
• Haircuts should be done at least 2 weeks prior to your session.
Last minute haircuts are not recommended.
• Clothing should be ironed or pressed.
Wrinkled clothing cannot be fixed post-editing.
• No chipped or grown-out nail polish.
• Shoes and feet are visible in the portraits.
Please plan for everyone in the session to wear dress shoes that are in good condition.
What not to do...
• Clothing that is white, light and mid-tone elements won’t make you look good, and is a distraction.
• Avoid patterns and large logos.
• Polo/golf style shirts, casual cotton pants and sweatpants should be left at home.
• Everybody should not wear the same thing.
• You can’t fix clothing that doesn’t fit, even if you roll up the sleeves or pin it in the back.
Avoid baggy jeans, wrinkled clothing.