"Top 5 Photographers' Insider Secrets

For Portrait Photography Sittings"

Your checklist for the day of your shoot!

1)  Firstly, Choosing a Photographer

  Remember, don't shop on price alone.  Make sure you are comparing prices to a fine art studio.  That way you have an idea of the services available and the quality of the finished portraits.

  If you are searching on the internet, read some of the testimonials from previous clients to give you confidence in their professionalism and the scope of their work.  You will also get a very good idea of the different price ranges and what is included in the price.

  Take a good look at their work.  Is the creativity and visual impact level a good example of what your expectations? 

  Make your enquiries to determine whether you will feel comfortable with the photographer?   After you've evaluated the situation, don't just hire the cheapest studio.  

  After all, your photographs are literally going to be a time stamp of you, your family and your special event, so would you hire the cheapest and trust them to be as particular as you?  Ask yourself, would you feel confident using the cheapest hairdresser you could find?

  The cheapest of anything can end up being the most expensive and costly, not only in the end result, but in time, pleasure, especially when the results are poor.)

  As with weddings, there is no such thing as a re-shoot with maternity, baby or special occasion photography.

2)  What To Bring For Location Shoots

  Bring a throw rug in case the ground or sand is a little damp, in case the sprinklers have been on or the tide has been in.  Try to avoid patterns or plain white.

  Additional warm clothes, and a spare change of clothes for kids in case they get wet, is always important, as it can be cooler towards the end of a shoot, and if when shooting in shady areas or where there is little protection from the wind.

3)  Clothing Suggestions for Portraiture:

  Please avoid patterns / logos & stripes so your photos don't date over time, and so your clothes don't attract more attention than your faces.

 Preferred colours to wear for shoots in Black & White / Sepia Mediums:

  Pastel colours eg blue, pink, lemon, soft green, or strong colours like red, yellow, green, denim, fawn.

  If you would like white, it would be better if all participants wore white, so each person stands out equally and for their own individual qualities.

 Preferred colours to wear for shoots in colour:  Any blues, denim, soft greens, autumn tones.   White is fine if all participants are in white with a combination of denim. 

Jewelry:  Limit it to essential pieces only.  While it's nice to include special or important jewelry in your portraits, too much jewelry will be distracting.  After all, it's about the essence of you and your loved ones!

4)  Pregnancy Portraits

  You have photographs to remember your wedding, graduation and other events that mark a momentous change in your life, but for many women, one of the most important events in your lives all too often goes unrecorded.

   Only lately we are beginning to see more and more photographs of women that have been inspired to record the beauty of their changing body with pregnancy portraits.

   Today's mums are far more confident to celebrate the extraordinary changes that pregnancy brings to their bodies, instead of keeping them under wraps.

   If you too desire to keep those memories so they can be appreciated by the generation you are creating, don't settle for just any pregnancy photos: 

  Maternity is such an important period in your life, and you don't want to miss the opportunity to get it right first time.  Make sure you choose a photographer who is experienced in beautiful pregnancy portraiture.

   Aside from offering sessions at the studio, your pregnancy photos can also be taken in the comfort of your home, at a beach, park or at any other location meaningful to you.

   Pregnancy portraits should be taken around the 6th of 7th month.   The belly is the optimum size during this time for portrait purposes. Earlier than that the belly may be too small, however, you may wish to have a series of portraits taken during the course of your pregnancy to record the changes as time capsules. 

   Of course, portraits can be taken up until the end of your pregnancy.

   Tops should be very form fitting, at least around the bust line.  It is recommend that you wear a tank top and pants (or jeans), and a plain or neutral colored button down shirt so that you can expose your belly in all its glory!

  If you have any other outfits you like that expose your belly please bring those along too. You'll want something to cover your breasts, but still expose the belly.

5)  Baby portraits

  Baby portraits should be undertaken after they've had a sleep so that they are fresh and inquisitive.

   Please allow plenty of time for the shoot, as the little ones tend to do their own thing and having enough time is the most important thing for great natural expressions.

   Things you should bring are terry-toweling nappies and blankets, 2 or 3 outfits, maybe a christening outfit or any other special items, like favourite toys or distractions.

 Another important item to bring is your change matt

Final Word

Don't schedule any appointments or activities directly after your photo shoot. Quality portraiture requires a good amount of time, you won't want to rush your session and have sub-par results.