Your portrait session
For those wondering how to look your best for a portrait session, we've come up with some tips for you to help make your photos a stunning work of art.
What to wear
Choice of clothing is really important. The right clothing will work to draw attention to your face, not compete with it.
Avoid checks, stripes, busy patterns, loud t-shirts, bright whites, reds and oranges and sports shoes.
Jewellery can add a subtle touch of class to your images.
Clothing in family shots should be colour-coordinated, i.e. everyone should wear similar shades. Long sleeves are more flattering on most men and women.
Simple solid colours are best, and neutrals are fine (either warm or cool). For example, medium shades of blue, green, or burgundy look great. Pastel pinks, blues and yellows also work well, especially on children.
Most importantly, be comfortable! Your choice of clothing can really affect how good you feel. If you think you look fabulous this will show in your photos.
Have at least one change of clothes handy. This allows you to get a greater range of photograph styles from one session.
Make-up colours should be neutral and reduce shine - except on the lips, where a neutral gloss gives a subtle sparkle.
Hair should be loose rather than tied back, to better frame the face.
Children
Accessories such as teddy bears and colourful hats make for appealing photographs.
It is advisable to have several changes of clothes for children, particularly if they are teething!
Trying to get kids to smile and sit still for a photo - especially the 1-4 year old bracket! - usually won't work. Parents may worry that their child is not cooperating when he or she runs around, turning and jumping and dissolving in giggles...but these are moments that can make great photos
Posing tips
Most photo shoots will include a mix of candid, spontaneous shots and more traditional portraits. For great portraits, just remember a few basics and leave the rest up to your photographer.
Your expression is paramount to great portraits. Relax in the best way you know how and your smile will be natural and genuine. Forced smiles in photos just do not work!
Tilt your body to the camera. Your shoulders should be turned at an angle to the camera, one shoulder slightly higher than the other. Having the shoulders facing the camera straight on adds width and stockiness, except with children and very slender women.
For seated poses, shift your weight forward. Sitting on the edge of the seat will always be more graceful than sitting squarely on it.
Your hands can be as expressive as your eyes and mouth in photographs. Try to bend your wrist to create a gentle curving line, and turn the hand slightly so the edge of the hand is more prominent than the top of the hand. Propping your chin on your palm is a great way of achieving this – plus it will disguise any hint of a double chin.
Lower your chin slightly. This will accentuate your eyes by bringing them closer to the lens.
Try not to tilt your head backwards. This makes your chin and nostrils more conspicuous and your eyes look smaller.
Relax your shoulders - hunched shoulders makes your neck look shorter.
For women, move your elbows slightly away from your sides to accentuate the curve of your waistline.
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