Tips for Children’s Photography
Before you arrive
Good planning and communications cinch good results. With a plan in place, I go with the flow and stay alert to potentials and details. Yet two minds are better than one. As you see details, your preferences and indicators from our subject I might miss, please participate and tell me.
Please never tell a child to smile. When we hold a loose reign, we’re more likely to get bonuses.
Clothing
One outfit is normally the best choice. I’m willing to try more, but second and later outfits often produce diminishing results. Depending upon age and attitude, extra outfits make the session into work for the child, and that’s not fun.
The best outfit is normally your favorite. Keep in mind you’ll be looking at it for 50 plus years. That’s why simple outfits are preferred, mostly solid colors. Designs in clothing compete with expressions. We want the pictures to feature the child in their fullness. To find solid colors in children’s clothing may take effort.
Barefoot is recommended for nearly all ages, depending on direction and taste. There’s nothing pretty about the sole of a baby’s shoe pointed straight into the camera.
Toys and personal items are good to bring. The child’s attachment to their favorites can light up their faces and restore their comfort zone.
Tips for Family and Couples Photography
Location
The best pictures are those that make you feel good and feature your values. Memories associated with the images contribute strongly. So location and related activities may be the top consideration. I prefer locations outside (weather and time considered).
Clothing
Your choice of style should reflect you. What do you love; how are you comfortable? Favorite colors may be a good choice. Just beware that the colors you choose should work with colors where the images will be displayed.
Families don’t have to dress identically. But tone harmony in clothing is important. Someone in pastel will look like a lighthouse if everyone else is dressed in darker colors. Think about families of color: jewel tones, pastels, or primary colors. Or think about colors in naturescapes: the forest, the seashore or desert.
General
Depending on ages and numbers, I’ll capture close-ups, half-lengths and full length images. I’ll work with different groupings and poses to give you a full range of choice. Every session is different and based on planning and intuition. Please always feel free to speak up and express yourself throughout the process.
Tips for Teens / Adults Photography
For Everyone
Great photos are the result of good planning and efforts to prepare yourself. They both begin before you arrive for your session. With these tips, they’re easy. And you’ve set the stage for stronger creativity, unique looks and fun.
Clothing Variety
We suggest you bring one really casual, dress-down outfit, one dressy outfit and lots of choices in the middle. Bring twice as many outfits as you plan to wear.
Colors
Solid colors work best. (No you won’t be bored with great looking pictures). Simple clothing is more timeless and more appreciated over the years. Keep some of your clothes the same tone above and below the waist. Patterns, stripes and clothing with words on it date your pictures and compete with your face for attention. I want you to appreciate these portraits years down the road. Be bold and shop the closets of friends with good taste.
Dark tones work best for black and white photos. Long sleeves are best year-’round. Be careful of sleeveless tops. They don’t work for some poses. And plan shoes like you do clothing. Saying that, barefoot works best when doing casual portraits. So, ladies, make sure that you get that pedicure, paint your toenails etc. Anklets and maybe one or two toe-rings are fine but don’t go overboard.
Try on clothing before you come. Check the fit, especially around the neck and shoulders. If more than one person is in your photos, coordinate your clothing.
Bringing extra outfits opens options for locations you might not have considered.
Be On Time
Being on time is a big factor. Most days we’re chasing the sun for the right light. If you’re late it also can affect your attitude and composure in your pictures. If you’re running late, don’t stress, just let me know – 0417 400 913
Friends
They make a big difference in your pictures and how you enjoy the session. With them you’re relaxed. They can be your extra eyes, support self confidence and loads of fun. Please bring ONE.
Hair
Don’t try a new do before your session. For variety in your pictures, consider an easy change for some outfits.
Hands
Be sure nails look good.
Tanning
Don’t tan for three days before your session. Red skin is not something I can correct in your pictures.
Locations
If you want a special location where you will need permission or access, plan ahead so all is arranged.
Extra Photo Tips for Ladies
Clothing
We suggest variety. Bring twice as many outfits as you plan to wear. It can give us greater possibilities. Cover the range of comfy, casual, and dressy. Think accessories. Little things can be good to hold in your hands and give us more ways to picture body language.
Simple is best. Avoid busy prints, bright floral, neon colors and clothes with words. Clothing should compliment, not overpower. Beware of problems with bra straps and mismatched bra colors if they can show through. Bring extra everything. And plan outfits so tan lines don’t show. Remember that your mum will probably want a photograph or two so make sure that at least one of your outfits reflects what you are happy for mum and dad to see on their mantelpiece.
Hats can look great. A cowboy style hat always looks great on country girls as long as it is in good condition and matches your outfit.
Hair
If you’re changing hairstyles during the session, keep changes simple and quick. Remember spray, clips, etc., and add them to your photo inventory now.
Makeup
For portraits it should be normal or only slightly heavier than normal. Don’t create a painted look. Avoid anything with gloss, shine or glitter. Take special care with eyes. That’s where we’ll focus. Avoid excessively bright colors and make sure mascara isn’t clumpy. A touch up stick can cover blemishes. And bring supplies for touchups.
Extra Photo Tips for Gents
Grooming
Come well shaved. Plan a haircut no closer than a week before your appointment. Don’t experiment. And check fingernails before you arrive.
Clothing
Bring several outfits, well more than you’ll need. Be sure they’re wrinkle free and ironed. Check the fit before you arrive. Simple clothes work the best. Solid colors and matching tones work well. Avoid busy patterns and clothes with words. Check that shoes look good and work with the clothes. Remember belts and consider a hat, maybe just to hold.
Before you arrive
Good planning and communications cinch good results. With a plan in place, I go with the flow and stay alert to potentials and details. Yet two minds are better than one. As you see details, your preferences and indicators from our subject I might miss, please participate and tell me.
Please never tell a child to smile. When we hold a loose reign, we’re more likely to get bonuses.
Clothing
One outfit is normally the best choice. I’m willing to try more, but second and later outfits often produce diminishing results. Depending upon age and attitude, extra outfits make the session into work for the child, and that’s not fun.
The best outfit is normally your favorite. Keep in mind you’ll be looking at it for 50 plus years. That’s why simple outfits are preferred, mostly solid colors. Designs in clothing compete with expressions. We want the pictures to feature the child in their fullness. To find solid colors in children’s clothing may take effort.
Barefoot is recommended for nearly all ages, depending on direction and taste. There’s nothing pretty about the sole of a baby’s shoe pointed straight into the camera.
Toys and personal items are good to bring. The child’s attachment to their favorites can light up their faces and restore their comfort zone.
Tips for Family and Couples Photography
Location
The best pictures are those that make you feel good and feature your values. Memories associated with the images contribute strongly. So location and related activities may be the top consideration. I prefer locations outside (weather and time considered).
Clothing
Your choice of style should reflect you. What do you love; how are you comfortable? Favorite colors may be a good choice. Just beware that the colors you choose should work with colors where the images will be displayed.
Families don’t have to dress identically. But tone harmony in clothing is important. Someone in pastel will look like a lighthouse if everyone else is dressed in darker colors. Think about families of color: jewel tones, pastels, or primary colors. Or think about colors in naturescapes: the forest, the seashore or desert.
General
Depending on ages and numbers, I’ll capture close-ups, half-lengths and full length images. I’ll work with different groupings and poses to give you a full range of choice. Every session is different and based on planning and intuition. Please always feel free to speak up and express yourself throughout the process.
Tips for Teens / Adults Photography
For Everyone
Great photos are the result of good planning and efforts to prepare yourself. They both begin before you arrive for your session. With these tips, they’re easy. And you’ve set the stage for stronger creativity, unique looks and fun.
Clothing Variety
We suggest you bring one really casual, dress-down outfit, one dressy outfit and lots of choices in the middle. Bring twice as many outfits as you plan to wear.
Colors
Solid colors work best. (No you won’t be bored with great looking pictures). Simple clothing is more timeless and more appreciated over the years. Keep some of your clothes the same tone above and below the waist. Patterns, stripes and clothing with words on it date your pictures and compete with your face for attention. I want you to appreciate these portraits years down the road. Be bold and shop the closets of friends with good taste.
Dark tones work best for black and white photos. Long sleeves are best year-’round. Be careful of sleeveless tops. They don’t work for some poses. And plan shoes like you do clothing. Saying that, barefoot works best when doing casual portraits. So, ladies, make sure that you get that pedicure, paint your toenails etc. Anklets and maybe one or two toe-rings are fine but don’t go overboard.
Try on clothing before you come. Check the fit, especially around the neck and shoulders. If more than one person is in your photos, coordinate your clothing.
Bringing extra outfits opens options for locations you might not have considered.
Be On Time
Being on time is a big factor. Most days we’re chasing the sun for the right light. If you’re late it also can affect your attitude and composure in your pictures. If you’re running late, don’t stress, just let me know – 0417 400 913
Friends
They make a big difference in your pictures and how you enjoy the session. With them you’re relaxed. They can be your extra eyes, support self confidence and loads of fun. Please bring ONE.
Hair
Don’t try a new do before your session. For variety in your pictures, consider an easy change for some outfits.
Hands
Be sure nails look good.
Tanning
Don’t tan for three days before your session. Red skin is not something I can correct in your pictures.
Locations
If you want a special location where you will need permission or access, plan ahead so all is arranged.
Extra Photo Tips for Ladies
Clothing
We suggest variety. Bring twice as many outfits as you plan to wear. It can give us greater possibilities. Cover the range of comfy, casual, and dressy. Think accessories. Little things can be good to hold in your hands and give us more ways to picture body language.
Simple is best. Avoid busy prints, bright floral, neon colors and clothes with words. Clothing should compliment, not overpower. Beware of problems with bra straps and mismatched bra colors if they can show through. Bring extra everything. And plan outfits so tan lines don’t show. Remember that your mum will probably want a photograph or two so make sure that at least one of your outfits reflects what you are happy for mum and dad to see on their mantelpiece.
Hats can look great. A cowboy style hat always looks great on country girls as long as it is in good condition and matches your outfit.
Hair
If you’re changing hairstyles during the session, keep changes simple and quick. Remember spray, clips, etc., and add them to your photo inventory now.
Makeup
For portraits it should be normal or only slightly heavier than normal. Don’t create a painted look. Avoid anything with gloss, shine or glitter. Take special care with eyes. That’s where we’ll focus. Avoid excessively bright colors and make sure mascara isn’t clumpy. A touch up stick can cover blemishes. And bring supplies for touchups.
Extra Photo Tips for Gents
Grooming
Come well shaved. Plan a haircut no closer than a week before your appointment. Don’t experiment. And check fingernails before you arrive.
Clothing
Bring several outfits, well more than you’ll need. Be sure they’re wrinkle free and ironed. Check the fit before you arrive. Simple clothes work the best. Solid colors and matching tones work well. Avoid busy patterns and clothes with words. Check that shoes look good and work with the clothes. Remember belts and consider a hat, maybe just to hold.
All images are copyright © Mick Davson Photography. All Rights Reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistribution of any of these images without permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.
