    |
Digital vs. FilmDigital photography holds countless advantages over traditional film. Most important is the quality & versatility of the image, as well as the ability to shoot and view unlimited shots for instant feedback. This provides us with the opportunity to make sure we're both on the same page with what is desired and what is delivered.Outdoor vs. Studio LightingOutdoor lighting provides a highly complimentary, vibrant image with unlimited backgrounds that cannot be recreated in the studio. A common misunderstanding in this industry is that you need a big studio to create fantastic images. You don't.With a mix of urban, rural and natural scapes withing 5 miles, the veritable world is our studio. Indoor studio shots are, of course, available upon request for an additional $75, always with emphasis on keeping it simple, fun and stress free. What to wear, what to bringAfter scheduling your photo shoot, David will send you all the necessary information, including suggestions for wardrobe, additional preparation, items to bring, makeup and directions.ARRIVE EARLY If you are scheduled from 3:00 - 4:30 and show up late or not ready, you will have less time for your session. If you need to get ready here (hair, makeup, etc.) please arrive early enough to be ready by your start time. CLOTHING NO STRIPES, PLAID, OR TYEDIE!! Solids photograph much better! Also bring a variety of color; don't bring 5 blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing. Already, a few big names from just a few years ago, you would not be caught dead wearing now. No need to make your portraits advertising billboards for a clothing brand.. Vary the style; all one look (like tanks) gets boring. Vary the dress level, bring some dressy, some medium and some casual. Remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, and then we can do the stuff YOU like. Bring a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts. A white t-shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb, so bring a black or gray t-shirt. Our new sessions let you do unlimited looks within your time period. This means if you change fast, you get more variety. Spend all day in the dressing room; you get less time in front of the camera. Most people can get 2-3 looks per hour. More if you are quick and work easy. We suggest you bring double what you think we will do so we have more to pick from. Some shots are close up; others are full length. Plan outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length formal in your suit if all you brought was big old tennis shoes. Also remember, as a general rule, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds and darker clothes look better on darker backgrounds. So if you prefer dark, bring dark, if you prefer some of both, bring some of both. Group your outfits together ON HANGARS. It is amazing how many people come in with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed. Although we have an iron for touch ups, we don't want to waste your time on ironing. PROPS BRING THEM!! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: Sports equipment (soccer ball, football, hockey stick, hurdle, whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments (from school tuba to rock guitar), activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!), vehicles (motorcycles can come in the studio, cars must go to the park, we suggest more than an hour session for car shots). GLASSES Most glasses glare! Some prescriptions more than others. Your best bet is to check with your optometrist. Most will "loan" you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session. COMPLEXION If you want to look your best on shoot day...drink WATER, WATER, WATER and more WATER the 48 hours before to flush the system and hydrate the skin. Avoid the party the night before and stay away from alcohol, smoking or anything else that will dry you out and keep you from looking your absolute best. We retouch blemishes; so don't worry about minor breakouts. We even now offer an inexpensive option to retouch your entire folio or album! PETS Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone bring a pet, then leave with it after. Or bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to hold a dog’s attention. FRIENDS & PARENTS Friends or parents are welcome. They can be help. HOWEVER, if they distract you, it is best to have them wait in the gallery. You can have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend or sibling at no extra charge. WEATHER FOR OUTDOOR PORTRAITS Let's face it, we are at the mercy of mother nature. If it rains, no fretting will do anything about it, we simply have to reschedule. Don't worry about clouds, they actually HELP! But rain falling IS a problem. If it is a morning session, we will take your phone number home with us and call you if we need to cancel due to weather, otherwise, we are on! If it is a daytime shoot and the weather is questionable, simply call the studio. TATTOOS, SCARS AND BRACES Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at your request. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge. Braces? Don't worry. You could have the tops taken off for your photo session, or we can retouch them out by computer. But don't fight smiling; a braces smile is better than a dorky holding back a smile look. FOR GIRLS There are certain things girls should be aware of and watch for in their preparation: CLOTHING STYLES Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller. Wild-to-mild. We don't really tell you what you can and cannot wear. A little sexy is OK, but don't make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Our philosophy is as long as it is rated PG, we don't care. CLOTHES FOR BLACK & WHITE The black and white "glamour" look that is so popular is best with black clothing. The contrast between the skin and black is what makes them so dramatic. So bring some black, wild to mild. Or we have a few things here you can wear for fun. Dark bottoms are also in order. MAKEUP Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. So if your mascara is old and clumpy, replace it first. Avoid makeup with "sparkles" in it. When you move, it makes a nice shimmer, but in a photo, where you are still, it creates a little white spot that almost looks like a zit. Also avoid makeup with an SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine. Using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color can control summer shine. JEWELRY Best tip here, keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hangar with that outfit. SUNBURN/TANNING Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top or use a tanning bed to minimize any tan marks. Remember to not overdo your tanning, skin that looks like dark leather is not the most attractive. AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! Tan, yes, burn, no. If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don't overdue it so you look too fake-and-bake. UNDERGARMENTS It is amazing how many times someone will come in wearing flowered underwear and not realize it is a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a black sleeveless shirt. Please bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is the best you can hope for. Also, if you need a strapless, bring one. Tucking the straps down usually shows and looks bad. With today’s thin fabrics, you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines. FINGER & TOE NAILS NAILS SHOW! If they have the paint all chipped off, it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot; so don't forget about those toes! Avoid real bright colors. Natural or basic work best. We don't want to draw attention to your neon orange toe nails. And they may look really bad with your next outfit! FOR GUYS SHAVING Please make sure you are clean-shaven. Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave. Got a goatee that others hates, but you love? Do your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and go to the restroom and shave it off for formals. Everyone is happy that way! HAIR Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or you loose camera time. Artificially bleached hair is often not best, in 10 years you might say, "What was I thinking??" Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. It IS ok to show up early in curlers if you need to. Although our photographer tries to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair "is supposed to look like". So make sure you like the look or let the photographer know your preferences. Hairstyle is ultimately YOUR responsibility. (Makeup artist is available upon request) Please Contact David 'Art' Wooten for bookings or any further questions. |
This gallery has no photos to display yet.
Let's hope it gets good ones soon!