Location Portrait Information

Often there are benefits to natural lighting conditions and familiar surroundings. There is an additional degree of freedom that comes from location photography and this is often reflected in the mood of the portrait images. If your surroundings make you feel relaxed and comfortable, then your portraits will reflect this feeling of warmth, contentment, joy and excitement. Common locations for portraits include homes, back yards, public parks, beaches, places of business or a host of other places where people feel they can capture a mood or be photographed in familiar or exotic surroundings.

What is the best time of day

The light is best when the sun is low on the horizon, generally the first or last three hours of the day. However, large shade trees or shaded areas may extend these hours.

Should we be photographed at our home?

We absolutely love to come to your home for your portrait. It personalizes a portrait, and always makes it even more meaningful. It doesn't take a spectacular house, we can always find a corner, (usually not where you expected to be photograph) The lighting and what you are posed on is the most important aspect and very little of the house ends up showing in focus...so don't worry about cleaning up the whole house.

Where should we go for outdoor portraits?

We create most of our outdoor portraits in our studio patio. However, if you have a specific desire, for instance a background, we have some favorite spots in your area, or we'll go to yours.

Long distance travel

However, if you have a favorite season or location that has special meaning, we can accommodate your most far reaching desires...long distance travel included.

What should we wear?

Timeless portraits have understated clothing and backdrops, so that attention is drawn only to the subject's face and expression.

General Suggestions for Everyone

• Don't mix dark and light outfits. (Use all dark or all light) This keeps the group from looking "busy" and allows the faces to stand out first.
• Solid (no-pattern or subtle-pattern) fabrics
• Darker clothing tends to slenderize.
• Long sleeves help reduce distractions
• Colors can be mixed, as long as colors are very subdued, and harmonize with one another.
• Try this: Lay out everyone's clothing together, and see which outfits stand out. Replace "standouts" until there is a good blend.

Special for Outdoors

• Choose "earthy" colors that blend well with outdoor surroundings. Think of "fall colors" (dark reds, purples, greens, grays, browns, taupe, etc)
• All white, or white mixed with light khakis, also works great.