Marcia Ciriello Photography
Tips for Your Headshot, Portrait or Family Photo Session
- Wear solid-color mid-tones: This means white and other bright or bold colors (i.e. lime green or bright orange) that cause contrast problems with finished photos. Wearing colors closer to skin tone is always more flattering and accentuates natural features.
- Neckline: For kids, anything goes, but it's best to avoid turtlenecks!! They give the impression of a "floating head" in close-ups. For adults, V-necks allow for an elongated face and are often slimming. A simple, navy, black, brown or dark blue fitted sweater always looks great!
- Clothes & Accessories: Bring a duffle bag full of options! This will also allow you tons of pictures that won't look like they were all taken on the same day. Think about layering and texture - jeans, cable sweaters, suede, etc. All of these things look great in pictures. Bring a scarf to add some flair, a favorite hat, and for kids - even a princess crown or a fireman's hat - let's have some fun and mix it up! It is also very important to wear form-fitting (but not too-tight!) clothing - baggy pants & oversized sweaters will add pounds and not show off the true you! Try and think about the message you are trying to convey - corporate? Bring a suit or blazer!
- Subdued/No Patterns: Patterns cause a distraction - keep it simple! You want them to notice your faces, not your clothes.
- Eyeglasses: If you wear glasses, please be aware that some glare may result. I'll do my best to avoid this from happening.
- Makeup - Yes!! Do yourself a favor and hire a professional - they know how to make it look natural. Even if you do not normally wear make-up, you will look washed-out (and shiny!) without a little powder and color. Please bring make-up with you for touch-ups. You'll thank me later!
- No logos on your kids: Yes, Dora is a cutie, but you want everyone to focus on YOUR cutie!
- Hair - If you or your child has long hair, bring some hair accessories so we can achieve different looks and keep it out of the faces. For adults, especially for headshots, be thinking about the kinds of looks you want to achieve and bring the hair accessories to achieve those looks!
- Special items: If your child has a special toy or item that you would like to capture, bring it! This is especially fun with babies that might have a silver rattle or special stuffed animal that they simply love!
Download this document in preparation for your session: Microsoft Word or PDF