Pre Engagement Preparation
“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail”
Items to Avoid:
Glitter makeup
Chewing gum
Bulky items in pockets (wallet, cell phone, keys etc.)
Tanning/Sun 3-7 days before your portrait session.
Refrain from getting spray tans as they don't photograph well and can result in undesirable orange hues.
Tan lines that will be evident. (Shoulders, sunglass lines, legs, wrist from wearing a watch etc.)
Dry skin and chapped lips
Avoid wearing shorts as well as avoid wearing tank/tube tops (The more covered the skin, the better the focus will be on the couples faces in the portrait. Exposed skin deters away from the face. The main focal point of portraits are the peoples faces). Avoid bare legs! Bare legs can distract from the main subject of the photograph. Instead of drawing attention to the person or scene being captured, bare legs might stand out unnecessarily. This applies to both men and women. Often times bare legs have bruises, scratches, veins, mosquito bites, sock tan lines etc. If dresses or skirts are being worn I suggest wearing stockings/leggings with the dress.
Steer clear of linen apparel, as it tends to crease and wrinkle easily
Steer clear of vivid red lipstick as cameras struggle to capture the intensity of red tones. If wearing lipstick keep it subtle.
Avoid wearing pastel colors (especially pink/orange) as well as neon colors. They do not photograph well.
General Suggestions:
Pick simple, classic styles that won’t look dated in a few years. This applies to clothing, hair-styles and jewelry. Avoid large branding on clothing. Small brands such as the Ralph Lauren Pony, Lacoste Alligator etc. are acceptable.
Manicured nails, shaped brows for women.
Trimmed ear and nose hair for men. Men, also pay attention to your eyebrows and if they need to be trimmed.
Women, spray down all fly away hairs prior to your portrait session.
Clean shoes, new socks and/or stockings free of runs.
Bring water to your portrait session (April - October).
Bring eye drops and moisturizer. Apply before the session.
Men, cut your hair 2-5 days before the portrait session. Cut to the length you want it to be in the photos. Neckline should be neatly shaped and clean.
Teeth clean and flossed. If you want to you can whiten/bleach your teeth a couple weeks prior.
Bring an extra pair of shoes that you don’t mind walking through fields of dirt in just in case it is muddy.
If it is going to be chilly outside bring a coat and or blanket that you can easily slip off and on.
Bring hairspray.
If one of you is sick before the session I suggest re-scheduling.
Factor traffic and rush hour into your travel. Check your gas tank in advance before your commute.
Layered clothing looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Be mindful that thicker and longer eyelash extensions might affect the visibility of your eyes which are the most vital element in a portrait. This can make it challenging to showcase the catch lights in your eyes, which are crucial for creating a captivating portrait. If you tend to squint when you smile, it’s recommended to opt for shorter and lighter eyelash extensions to ensure your eyes, the centerpiece of a portrait, remain unobscured.
Girls, remember to wear your engagement wedding ring.
Utilizing Google image search can be a valuable tool for coordinating the colors of your outfit. Avoid being too matchy, matchy.
Please arrive in your first outfit ready to go. Arrive early and change at the location to prevent your seatbelt from wrinkling your shirt.
For portrait sessions during cold winter months please bring the following: Coat, large blanket, gloves, snow-boots.
Clothing Suggestions:
The most important part of a portrait are the people. Clothing is secondary and should accentuate the person, not overpower.
Opt for darker, solid colors as they are most flattering. Darker clothing has a slimming effect. Consider wearing long sleeves to enhance your image, and avoid showing too much bare skin, as it can distract from the face. Ensure your outfit is well put-together from head to toe for a polished and refined look.
A scarf loosely tied around the neck helps frame a face beautifully when a collarless blouse or sweater is worn. The most flattering neckline for anyone is something that comes up close to the neck. A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph.
Eye glasses may be worn. Non-reflective lenses are a big help and highly recommended.
Avoid a drastic hair change as you may not be happy with the results. If hiring a hair and or makeup stylist I highly suggest doing a trial run beforehand. If hiring a stylist make sure your hair is done well in advance to ensure you are on time. If you color your hair be sure that the roots of your hair and touched up prior to photos.
Professional Hair and Makeup: For an extra touch of elegance, consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist. Looking your best will boost your confidence and help you feel comfortable during the photoshoot.
Coordinate Outfits: Consider coordinating your outfits to complement each other. While you don't need to match exactly, choosing colors and styles that harmonize can enhance the overall look of your photos. Avoid busy patterns and logos that can distract from your connection.
Spread out all your clothing items on a flat surface to examine them collectively. This will enable you to spot any discrepancies or issues with your outfit choices. Please don't hesitate to share your outfit selection with me so I can provide feedback.
© Brandon Burk Photography
