Clothing and props are very important considerations for your shoot. Shown below is a list of general guidelines to help. For a consultation by phone or at the studio please call us. A wardrobe stylist is also available to go through your closets or shop for the perfect outfit. Her rate is $50 an hour.
clothing: 

  • Please bring the clothing you wish to be photographed in pressed and on hangers. More than one outfit is highly recommended!
  • For black and white portraits John prefers wonderful textures, solids and interesting patterns (as long as they do not conflict with other clothing in the shoot). Dark colors are great. Whites will work nicely if they are textured. Contrasting shades  and colors are recommended for groups to create a distinction between the subjects.
  • In color portraits striking colors which look good on the subject are encouraged. Often, picking up the eye color or skin tone works well. In group shots all of the clothing needs to coordinate so that it looks good together. That does not mean that everyone needs to be matchy-matchy. Each person has a personality and should show that in some way.
  • Little girl’s floral dresses are an example of patterns which work. Stripes are less likely to work well.
  • Whites are fine, but please do not bring only white clothing.
  • When in doubt bring blacks, dark colors and denim.
  • Make sure that shoes are clean, newish and go with the clothing. Kids rarely need shoes in studio shoots.
 props: 

  • We have a few props in the studio, but props personal to you make more meaningful photographs.
  • chairs
  • favorite books
  • uniforms
  • sports equipment.
  • favorite toys

 
women: 

  • Accessories (belts, scarves, jewelry, earrings, etc.).
  • Makeup for photo shoots is different than what one would normally wear so we highly recommend a makeup artist. Makeup takes around one hour and costs about $125 for one person. Please let us know in advance if you would like us to book one for you.
 men: 

  • Please be freshly shaven.
  • Please bring clothing you are to be photographed in and change into them here. Many shoots have been compromised by wrinkled clothing, even if under a jacket
kids: 

  • Always bring more than one outfit, if for no other reason than accidents.
  • Props are great!
  • Hats for babies are usually cute.
  • Halloween costumes highly encouraged.
  • Kids rarely need shoes in studio shoots.

 

 pets: 

  • washed
  • brushed
  • walked
  • treats
  • no more than one cat in a portrait. Trust us on this one.