Need input on these portrait preparation guidelines

[JohnT]

I pulled these guidelines from a web site and massaged them to make them more my own. Is there anything in your opinion that could be added or removed? I'm trying to put something together to give to clients so your suggestions are most welcome.

Portrait Preparation Guide

Clothing Color
For formal portraits, the color of the clothing should be toned down.

Clothing below the waistline should be somewhat darker than above if possible. Otherwise, even light jeans worn with a darker shirt or blouse could easily attract attention to the lower part of the body and away from the face.

White shirt or blouse under a dark jacket is perfect.

Colors should be dark so as not to attract attention away from the face. Dark colors tend to slenderize the subject while light colors seem to add weight to the body.

Very important: Prints and any kind of pattern, no matter how small, become a distraction.

Necktie, if worn, should definitely be toned down in color with minimal pattern.

Dress everyone in the portrait similarly. It is best to blend the bodies of everyone together so the faces stand out. This is important, especially in a group portrait.

Clothing Style
Long-sleeved shirt or blouse is best.

For casual portraits, it is equally important to wear long pants instead of shorts. Blue jeans always photograph nicely. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera, there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face. This is a major distraction.

Clothing should not be too tight or too loose.

Fad clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have new portraits made annually. Your efforts will pay off with beautiful portraits that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Necklines
A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck—like a turtleneck or v-neck top—will thin the neckline and frame the face beautifully. With a collarless blouse or sweater, a scarf loosely tied around the neck also helps to frame the face nicely.

Hair
Hairstyles should be simple and off the face. Hair falling down onto the sides of the face creates distracting shadows. Long bangs hanging in the face will block light from the subject's eyes, which is the most important part of the face.

Men: If you need a haircut, it is best to have it done about one week before the photo session so it doesn’t look new in the photograph. A fresh shave on the day of the photo session is highly recommended.

Makeup
Eye makeup should be blended—no sharp demarcation lines between colors.

Avoid white above or below the eyes. Too much color above and/or below the eyes will attract attention to the make-up and away from the eyes.

Blend foundation makeup at the jaw-line so that there is no demarcation between the face and the neck.

Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses can be worn with a few precautions. Non-reflective lenses help reduce reflections.

[photogenicimages]

Under the make up you might also want to note about shimmer and product with sunscreen. Shimmer just tends to look funny, whereas sunscreen reflects light and tends to make the wearer look washed out. HTH!

[JohnT]

Thanks, Dori.

Anyone else? Please feel free to comment.

[bondarnes]

Looks good John. The hard part is getting the client to read it and follow it.

[srwatters]

I swear I posted this comment earlier today...

I think you need to work on your language a little. This seems more like a list of 'orders' or 'rules' rather than guidelines. As photographers we're used to hearing as an element being 'distracting', but a regular person might read that the wrong way.

I'd try to be a little more layperson friendly in the wording. YMMV.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

Looks good John. The hard part is getting the client to read it and follow it.

You're right, Don! I'm finding this out.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I swear I posted this comment earlier today...

I think you need to work on your language a little. This seems more like a list of 'orders' or 'rules' rather than guidelines. As photographers we're used to hearing as an element being 'distracting', but a regular person might read that the wrong way.

I'd try to be a little more layperson friendly in the wording. YMMV.

Thanks, Scott. I'll "wordsmith" it some more before converting the final copy to PDF.

[boxofrocks]

I saw this a long time ago, and copied it for posterity. Lots of repitition, but you may find this helpful:

Photo Session Tips
The goal of a traditional portrait, in either a studio or outdoor setting, is to draw attention to the face or faces of the people in the photograph. Much of the training and experience that helps a photographer make great portraits is centered around keeping a portrait interesting, while still calling attention to the the people or person we are photographing rather than the things that surround them, including what they are wearing. Here are a few tips that will help us give you the best, most memorable portraits that will last you for years to come!


Clothing
Keep clothing simple, without prints or patterns.

Adults and Teens should wear long sleeved clothing as bare arms can be very distracting.

Avoid trendy fashions, this will make your portraits age less gracefully.

Avoid very wide/ low V-necks or bulky sweaters

If you are being photographed full length, avoid shorts or short skirts. Legs can easily distract a viewer in a portrait.

Bold colors can be fun, but can also distract from your face and tend to add weight. Try to stay away from bright colors for traditional portraits. Darker colors are slimming and draw the viewer to look at the subject of the photograph.

So, after reading all these rules, we don't want to take the fun out of your experience! If you are going for a specific look, let's discuss it! Sometimes breaking a rule in photography can bring some fun results!


Hair
Do not make any major hair style changes right before a portrait session. This could result in your bad hair week lasting a life time!

Men should not get a hair cut within a few days of the portrait session.


Eyeglasses

Eyeglass lenses can pick up light from almost any angle, and can cause some disturbing optical illusions when photographed. If you would like to have a portrait with your glasses, many optometrists will loan you a similar set of frames without lenses in them.


Jewelry
Simple jewelry can add a touch of elegance, but keep only the jewelry that you wear all the time, or that has special significance to you. The part accessories play is to complement, but in a photograph anything but the simplest jewelry can grab attention quickly.

Unless we are taking pictures of your new line of signature watches, remove them before the portrait session. Watches are very distracting, and can date a photograph as well!


Makeup
Men: We know you want to skip over this, but photographic lighting really makes your skin shine and can be distracting. A little dab of powder can go a long way to making a better picture. Just be thankful you aren't Arnold Schwarzenegger or Steven Segal, they have to wear much more than you!

Women: Apply your makeup as if you were going out for an evening ball. Probably just a touch more than a normal day, but do not over do it. Your mother may tell you to put on a lot, but with the digital cameras and lights we use today that is no longer a necessity.


Families and Groups
In families and other groups clothing coordination is critical. Choose clothing that is in the same tones so that no one stands out. If everyone in your group comes dressed in darker tones, and one member of the group is in red, it will draw attention away from the group and to that person.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

I saw this a long time ago, and copied it for posterity. Lots of repitition, but you may find this helpful:

Photo Session Tips
The goal of a traditional portrait, in either a studio or outdoor setting, is to draw attention to the face or faces of the people in the photograph..

Tom, You covered it right here. If it is a portrait the the subject should be the center of attention.

[JohnT]

Very helpful, Tom. Thank you!