What to wear: female

Girls should feel comfortable: wear almost anything. However, keep a few pointers in mind. First, solids always photograph better than prints. Avoid stripes, prints and patterns. Obviously avoid clothing with any wording or large brand names on them. Definitely bring extra outfits and we will help you decide when you get here.  Avoid white clothing for outdoor portraits.

We suggest you bring a variety of clothing to your session: AT LEAST four to five outfits for for each type of setting (studio, outdoor).  In fact, it's best to bring lots of clothes, then we'll help you narrow your selection to match your favorites with each look & session.  

When you first arrive, we'll lay out your clothing and step through each piece with you: deciding how we'll use certain items for each location and the studio. 

Our style is shoe-less.  So, don't bring a bunch of shoes.  I'd like to see a long-sleeve dark top (black) for some of the studio shots.  We recommend a traditional dress outfit for the traditional session and then a selection of casual outfits that best show your personality. Darker solids usually work best for formal portraits and studio black/whites.  Off-the-shoulder dresses are nice, but you'll want to avoid tan lines. White or pastels usually are best for light backgrounds. Basic primary colors as well as black and white (white indoor only) are great for casuals. Red is a great color for outdoors. Denim always photographs nicely. Remember the clothing should be flattering but not overpowering.  Bring some long-sleeved outfits mostly.  Bring a variety -- please do not bring only short sleeves and/or thin strapped tops.  Although they're in style, the look of the "camisole layered under a top" does not photograph well. 

Bring a jacket or two!  A jacket over a shirt allows for a quick change of clothing.  We really like to use a jean jacket or something similar.  It serves as another "look," makes a good prop, and seems to be very popular in the final shots our seniors are selecting. 

What to wear: male: Guys, bring several outfits. A suit or sport coat for formal poses.  Make sure your shirts are pressed to avoid wrinkles. Casual outfits are best kept to solid colors. Denim, white (white - indoor only), black and solid earth tones always look good. Reds are great colors for outdoors.  Bring 2-3 outfits for each type of setting. 

Hair

Hair styling should be appropriate to the clothing selection. Avoid new hairstyles or having your hair cut or permed the week before your portrait session. Don't do anything radical or "new" the morning of your portrait session.  Don't use more or less hair products, etc.  Be sure to schedule that highlight or coloring appointment so that you're "ready" to be photographed.  If you would like to change your hairstyle during your session, make sure that it is a simple change which can be done quickly.

Guys: make sure that you are clean shaven. Beard stubble cannot be retouched well.  Don't try a new hairstyle just before your portrait session

Makeup

Makeup for portraits should be only slightly heavier than normal. Too much makeup tends to give you that "painted" look, too little might not show off your best features. Even if you don't wear much makeup, be sure to bring a loose translucent powder to eliminate shine especially for oily skin.  Bring a compact mirror for on-location quick touch-ups on skin, eyes and lips.  Inquire at your local department store or other cosmetic counter about "photography friendly" make-up.  They can steer you in the right direction.

Since most portraits concentrate on the eyes, great care should be taken to make them perfect. Avoid using excessively bright colors and mascara should be neat and without clumps.  Avoid "fad" colors, they won't be in style next year.

How do your nails look?  Don't arrive with chips in your paint.  Many girls will have a fresh set of nails and/or French manicure because their hands are often in play for the portraits.  

If you're coming from school or practice, make sure your skin is free from markings like ink or anything else. 

Be careful with tanning.  Tan lines can not be removed.

Notice: We no longer "digitally remove" braces.

What else?

If you wear glasses, borrow an empty pair of frames if possible or work with your optometrist to remove the lenses to avoid glare. Or, you can personally use a screwdriver and remove the lenses.

Speaking of your eyes: what color are they?  Bring a shirt that really brings out the great color of your eyes!  Blues, greens - you got it!

Bring props and clothing that have meaning to you: sports equipment or uniforms, dance outfits, musical instruments, your class ring, cowboy hat, and your car/truck if you wish.  If you'd like to involve your pet - be sure to clear that with us first.  What's your favorite flower?  Bring one with you: we'll incorporate it in the photo session.

Something else: Do you see something that you like?  Perhaps in a magazine or an album cover?  Do you sort of like your friend's pictures?  Take a moment and page through Cosmo, Vanity Fair, GQ, Sports Illustrated or any other stylish/interesting magazine.  See how your favorite personalities are portrayed in photographs.  Pay attention to the expressions, body poses, clothing and general attitude.  Send the clip to me before our session and we'll discuss how we can emulate that certain look. 

Consider your nutrition and energy level: bring a smart snack that you can pull out if you need a boost.

Finally: please don't be late.  Consider arriving 5 to 10 minutes early.  The modeling industry says, "If you're on time, you're late."  Our session begins at a precise time that allows us to hit our locations perfectly with light and schedule considerations.   Help us give you the complete service by arriving on-time.
 

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

Your experience begins by contacting us for an initial personal pre-portrait design consultation (via phone and email).  It's our gift to you.  We seek to understand YOU!  We review clothing, location, styles, and the portrait styles that you are seeking.  We'll explore what you want, and what your parents want.  Be prepared to tell us about activities, sports, clubs, friends, church, music and everything else that is part of your life.  We seek to understand you, because our resulting portraits should reflect the REAL you.  We look forward to hearing from you today! 

 

Antisdel :: COMPARE US TO Antisdel's Photography IN LOUISBURG, KANSAS http://www.antisdelsphotography.com/

 

"Gregg spent time with me before the session--discussing what I wanted.  He hand-picked locations that provided the look that I was seeking. He helped me select clothing and accessories before and during the session." 

"During the shoot, we spent one hour in the studio, and then over two hours at several outdoor locations.  We shot well over 200 pictures." 

"Afterwards, we selected my favorite shots--and then worked together on the finished product by enhancing and coloring the shots." 

"This "senior experience" far exceeded my expectations.  My family was very pleased with the results.  I love my photos!"

"We love the pictures!"

"Thank you for a wonderful

experience we will never forget. 

It was great fun!"

"We love your talent for light play,

and angle perfections!"

"I am a visual person who appreciates each and every element of every shot. Color, sepia – and your black and white shots are perfect too."

"We have so many good shots to chose from.  it's hard. We're way down to 51! You're too good!"

"I guess you could say

we’re pretty darn happy

(that’s an understatement)!

My neighbors are very impressed also. I can’t wait for you to capture my whole family."