What do you want?

First and perhaps most important is the decision about just what you want the portrait to convey. We are all complex subjects with complex roles in life for example a woman in her late twenties is almost certain to be one or more different people, a mother, a daughter, an employee a friend, a lover. All of which will be viewed in different ways by the different people she interacts with.

Next the style of the photograph needs to be given some thought. While all portraits are posed, they can reflect a number of styles ranging from the formal seated traditional family group of the 1930’s through the 'high key' fun look of today's modern 'lifestyle' images, to the reportage style of capturing a candid moment in a natural setting. All are totally valid, some will suit your needs better than others.

Finally consideration needs to be given to presentation. Is the portrait to be hung on a wall in your home, or produced as a series in an album, or presented in a portfolio perhaps as a modelling sample?

Good photographers will meet clients before a shoot to get to know them and ask questions about their background, desires, pains, and motivations. It will all help in the creation of a distinctive portrait. For a portrait to be distinctive, a touch of the client's personality and relationship with others needs to emerge from the photograph.

What should I wear?

You should feel free to wear whatever clothing, makeup and hairstyle that you want for your photographs, taking into account the following tips:

Whether you are going for a formal pose or a more natural relaxed look wear something you are comfortable and relaxed in. the photograph is about capturing you as an individual or group not a fashion shoot.

Groups should generally be photographed wearing clothes of similar style and colour.

Bright primary colours, bold stripes and logos tend to distract from the face and are generally best avoided, unless they are a key part of your character.

Black leather, PVC, satin and silk usually photographs well but plain matt black tends to lose detail.

Jewellery is generally a distraction and best avoided or kept to a minimum, unless once again it is a key characteristic of the subject, in which case a portrait without the jewellery would be false.

On the day of the shoot

As with any event there needs to be some thought given to the logistics. The shoot will normally last for about one and a half hours including setting up the equipment and testing the lighting levels before we commence.

If we are shooting in your home, which is often the case we will need to ensure that there are adequate power points and space available.

Safety is of course paramount. There will be cables and heavy equipment in use so please take extra care to avoid accidents.