A while back you learned one way to create better photos is to use the Rule of Thirds. This rule suggests placing a subject to one side of the image instead of right smack dab in the middle. So, where do you place the person?
The rule is to give the person “room to breathe.” If they are facing toward the right, place them on the left side of the photo. If they are facing toward the left, then place them on the right side.
Take a look at these two placements of RJ. In the first photo, there is a sense of relaxed space within the frame for him to breathe and an area in which to look. In the second photo he seems pressed up against the frame and there is sense of tension.
Of course rules can be broken. Try out various placements with your photos. See which you like better!
Not every color looks good on every person. Have you ever looked in the mirror when you’re trying on new clothes and your skin appeared green? The reason for your skin color transformation was due to wearing an unflattering color, according to your skin’s undertone.
So the next question is: Do you know your color palette? You may be a cool, a neutral or a warm. The first step to determining which of the three you are, is to discover your undertone.
While skin overtone can change based upon factors such as sun exposure, illness, or blood pressure, your undertone is defined by genetics and will never change. A simple test to determine if you’re a COOL or WARM is to put a dab of pink-based foundation on one cheek, and a dab of yellow-based foundation on the other. Spread the foundation evenly on each cheek, creating a thin layer. Check the mirror for which foundation blends in versus which one appears painted on. The one that blends is your match.
Pink means COOL and yellow means WARM. Easy peasy. If your husband or son won’t sit for this foundation test, read on to discover other ways to find undertones.
Hair Color
We are talking natural hair color, here.
If your hair is colored, let’s hope your stylist has helped to find a color that goes with your skin undertone.
You cools might rock very dark brown or black hair to sunny blonde. You have skin with a bluish undertone ranging from the fairest of the fair to very dark.
If your hair is dirty blonde, blonde with ashy streaks or warm-toned browns with highlights, these are all considered neutral. Skin tone for those of you who are true neutrals can be difficult to determine and is variable from warm to cool.
You’re probably a warm if your hair color is in the dark brown to dark blonde shades. Skin tones for warms range from greenish to yellow undertones and some have an olive complexion.
For those sporting red hair, the shade of red lets you move between color palettes, but you’ll typically roam within the Neutral Undertones.
What to Wear?
Cool Undertone
Cool colors will include bright to royal and sapphire blues, emerald greens, and moderate to deep purples, like amethyst or shades of lavender.
Warm colors might include ruddy hues, such as rose and reddish pinks to tomato.
For neutrals, your best bet is pure white, navy and grays.
Don’t you dare do oranges or yellows.
Neutral Undertone
You look fabulous in peachy hues, and jade green to muted turquoise.
Pinks, such as soft rose and blush-toned pinks are your BFFs.
Icy blues should also be included in your fashion choices.
Burgundy and fire engine red (don’t be shy) will look amazing on you.
Taupe, grey, and off white, like eggshell and ivory, are super when you want to go neutral.
Bright (red is the exception) and vibrant colors can overwhelm neutrals.
Warm Undertone
Your best warm colors are oranges, reds, golden yellow, amber, and honey gold.
Cool colors that work equally well on warm skin tones are greens and blues.
Olives, deeper turquoise, green moss, fern, pesto, red purples like magenta and orchid are also good choices.
If your chosen portrait scheme is more neutral, stick with taupe, light chocolates, off whites and wheat.
Colors to avoid are light blues and jeweled tones.
Color is fun to consider in your wardrobe. However, it is important to keep comfort first. If you are dressed comfortably, you will act more naturally during the photo session. By focusing on colors and styles that look best, you will confidently enjoy the process and the portraits will shine…like a diamond.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
Never wear anything that panics the cat. -PJ O’Rourke
So you’ve made the decision to pull together the whole family for one big photo session. You’ve wrangled the hubby and your teens, tweens and toddlers, and now Grandma and Grandpa have asked to join in. You thought setting the date was challenging with syncing everybody’s schedules, but now you’ve got to figure out what to wear.
You’d like to create a beautiful and timeless family portrait and you know that finding the right colors and clothing that will flatter all ages and shapes is important. In order to help ease you into what should be a fun and engaging family time, I’ve listed a few hints on what to wear (and what not to wear) that will tell your loving story.
Roses are Red, Denim is Blue
For years, white tops and blue jeans were all the rage, but not any longer. Now, pairing blue jeans and simple solid-colored tops are popular for that casual, “We dress like this all the time” look. Denim comes in a variety of shades and styles, so make sure to mix it up with pants, dresses, and jackets that play to each person’s body shape.
Color photos featuring jeans and tees work well, but if you choose the blues, pay attention to the hues. In black and white, everything will be a shade of black and grey, and these types of photos display denim particularly well.
Though your teen may like neon colors, tell Junior to leave the fluorescent yellow tee in his drawer. Neutrals and coordinating colors are best when working with more than one person in a portrait.
White is Outta Sight
While all-white outfits may seem like a good idea and are very popular (thank you Claire from Modern Family) the color white is not always the best to capture in a photograph. Very pale pastels and whites can make you appear washed out, unless you’re rocking a Southern California spray tan. When wearing a white top, because our eyes notice white first, you’ll see your blouse and then think, ”Oh that blouse has a face.” We want you to see your face first. If you want to wear that extra special white outfit, I can compensate by using different backgrounds and lighting techniques.
Polka Dots, Paisleys and Prints. Oh My!
Colorful prints are so much fun to wear. The selection is mind-blowingly endless, and the blaze of colors help you stand out in a crowd. My suggestion, though, is to keep busy patterns to a minimum. Wild prints tend to draw the eye. One print may create visual interest, but two is a crazy party. The focus should be on your faces and not on summer combo prints.
A Family of Triplets
Matchy-matchy is now a no-no in the photography world. A very good rule of thumb to follow is: No mini-me’s. Matching outfits are not only totally ’70s but are sure to land you on the awkwardly family photo website.
Allow your kids to be kids and let them rock what they’re comfortable wearing (of course, within reason). When they wear clothes they like, rather than a suit and tie with a starched white shirt, their enthusiasm will shine right through the lens and you’ll capture happy-happy kiddos. A proper suit may be appropriate for office wear, but not for a family-fun photo.
To reiterate, color coordination is your aim. Solids are the best. Basic black, grays, deep purple, and navy all work well with jeans and slacks alike.
The Long Sleeves Rule
When dressing for your studio session, avoid no-sleeve and short-sleeved clothing, and short pants. My mantra is, with long, you can’t go wrong. Three-quarter length sleeves work well, too. Even in casual portraits long pants trump shorts. Every. Single. Time.
Exposed arms and legs are a major fleshy distraction to the visual storytelling we do with portraits. Do you want friends and family commenting on your large biceps (girls, please) skinny white legs (got you, mister) or your beautiful face? I thought so. Leave certain things to the imagination, and remember, pictures are a forever thang.
Accessories: Dress for Success, Not Excess
Jewelry, hats, scarfs and the like should be strategically used to compliment and not overwhelm. Less is more, if you get my drift.
Keep comfort first. If your family is dressed comfortably, they will act more naturally during the photo session. By focusing on styles that look best on each family member, everyone will confidently enjoy the process and the portraits will shine.
See you in the studio!
“I capture personalities in Portraits.” ~ Donna Edman
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
When I was asked to describe my “Why,” I did some soul searching.
Encouraging people, and blessing others, is my whole life passion. In my role as a professional photographer, encouraging an individual during their portrait session and blessing the work of worthy organizations, is the answer to my “Why.”
During a portrait session, when a client is nervous, self conscious about how they look, or thinks everything has to be perfect, genuine compliments with eye contact can help them relax and begin to see themselves as others do. It’s wonderful to see their body posture and expressions change as they begin to enjoy our time together.
During a family portrait session, when the kids run a muck, the parents can feel embarrassed. With a love and life-long experience with kiddos, I encourage the parents to let me take care of the session. They can sit back and relax. Their kids “enthusiasm” is common and can be incorporated into the final images. I see the parents’ “Awww, thanks” moment.
It can be when be when a charitable organization asks me to capture images for their event, or make a donation to their silent auction.
Creating photo images is what I do for a living. It is also what I do to bless those around me.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You are the face of your business. That’s why having a professional business portrait is essential. To a prospective client, a high quality image means a high quality experience.
Most professionals schedule a business portrait session once a year. They want to ensure their image is consistent with their current brand.
Consider hiring a clothing & hair stylist and and makeup artist. They can help you create the right look to match your brand. The clothing stylist can put together your professional look from items in your closet or accompany you on a shopping trip. The hair stylist and makeup artist will tidy up an existing style or suggest one that more closely matches your industry and brand.
Make it Easy for the Media.
In addition to getting that perfect headshot, also consider full body shots and family pictures that can be use for media interviews. Often times when magazines do feature articles, they request at least 4 photos other than a headshot. This may include a spouse, children or pet; in the studio or on location.
You may also want 3/4 or full body images for banners and signs. All of these images should capture who you are and what you do.
Tell Your Story.
Think outside the box. What clients do you want to reach? What story do you want to tell? How will you use images to accomplish your goals?
Digital Marketing: Profile image, website Home & About pages, email signature
Promotions: Speaking engagements, conferences & art shows
Bio descriptions and art catalogs
Blogs and Magazine Articles
Book Covers: Print and Digital
5 Steps to a Superior Image.
Whether you are ready for a full image session or a simple head-shot, consider these steps:
Hire a professional photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist.
If you need to tweak your style, hire a professional clothing stylist to go shopping with you to pick out a few outfits that would be flattering and represents your brand.
Select at least two looks to be photographed. Color can be good if it doesn’t distract from your face. Click here for tips on What to Wear.
Plan on spending at least $200 for a head-shot session and $500 for a full session.
Be sure to receive high and low resolution files so you can use them in print and online.
It’s important to have a visual brand that presents you at your best with expert lighting, artful editing and re-touching, with an up-to-date look. It will do wonders for your business!
Ready to invest in your professional business image? Let’s talk!
Some of these ideas were found in a Huffington Post article by Melinda Emerson.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Fine Art and Commercial Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Fine Art and Commercial Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
When I was asked to describe my “Why,” I did some soul searching.
Donna Edman Photography 