PORTRAIT SESSION PLANNING GUIDE
Having a studio portrait taken isn't something we do every week.....
.....so we've created this online guide to help you get the most from your photography session with us.
It also contains some examples of the type of products most customers like to treat themselves to.
DRESSING FOR SUCCESS
The selection of proper clothing for your portrait is a critical factor in the preparation for a successful portrait. If the clothing is noticeable or overbearing in a portrait, it could easily become a distraction. Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the ultimate goal. It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and just another picture.
Dark clothing tends to slenderize. Darker clothing helps to blend the bodies with the background, so that the faces are the most important part of the photograph. Dark colors definitely tend to slenderise the subject.
Tone down bright colours. Bright colors attract attention away from the face and may be reflective. Avoid wearing red, bright pink, bright green etc. When choosing lighter colors, stick to pastels, but avoid pink tones. Pale yellow and pale blue work well, especially with jeans or kaki pants.
Light clothing can look beautifully fresh. If you are worried about not appearing slender then it is safer to avoid white. White can look beautifully simple and fresh. White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect.
Above all, think what you are going to wear. Co-ordinating doesn't necessarily mean matching (although it could!) . We recommend bringing at least one change of clothing. Babies and toddlers - maybe 2 or 3.
Props: If you have younger children or have booked in for one of our White Box session props are encouraged. We work on the principal that it's better to bring something and not use it than to leave it behind at home.
What NOT to wear!
Prints and patterns are a definite NO. This includes logos. Avoid prints of any kind and patterns. No matter how small the print or the pattern, it will become a distraction. In the case of digital portraits, in particular, small patterns in clothing (even a small herring-bone or checkered pattern) can cause terrible distortions to appear in the portrait that are not originally there.
Avoid short sleeve clothing and short trousers. Long sleeved clothing is a MUST! For casual portraits it is equally important to wear long trousers instead of shorts. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face, itself. This is a major distraction.
Don’t over accessorise! Overbearing or heavily noticeable accessories can be a major distraction. Simple and minimal works best.
Final thoughts. Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed for generations to come. Fad-type clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have new portraits made annually. You will feel very rewarded when you view your photographs. All of your efforts will be worthwhile.
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Tip. Lay out all the clothing onto a bed. Shoes, socks, stockings – everything should be included. Then, take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. That item should be changed. Clothing should not be too tight or too loose.
Inspiration Gallery
The most personal Work of Art you will ever hang on your wall.
Our Favourite Printing Options
Here are a few of our customers' favourite ways to show off their portraits for years to come.
DESK & SHELF PORTRAITS
Smaller portrait for the shelf. Available individually in standard frames
Unframed from -75
Framed from -125
PRINT COLLECTIONS
For customers who would just like a small collection of images to display on a shelf or desk.
Set of 3 - 8"x6" prints (205) -175
Set of 6 - 8"x6" prints (285) -235
FOLIO BOXES
Our folio boxes are the perfect way to preserve your images and enjoy them for generations. Available with or without a USB drive of digital files
Starting at -325
WALL PORTRAITS
Decorate your home with beautiful fine art prints. Mounted on matte board and professionally framed, these prints are meant to be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Starting at -295
STORYBOARD FRAMES
Up to 10 different images in the same frame. Ideal for our location shoots but great for studio sessions too. Usually presented in a natural wood frame with a large border
Starting at -365
DIGITAL FILE COLLECTIONS
There is no way to preserve your memories like a printed photo but we know that sometimes there might be a project you'd like to create on your own. Digital files can be downloaded anytime from our website where they will be hosted for 12 months. (A backup pen drive can also be provided.)
Starting at -345
Collections
Save up to 40% on a la carté pricing by purchasing one of our collections.
FULL COLLECTION
995
Save over 30%
30" Wall portrait
20" Wall portrait
Set of 6 unframed 8"x6" prints
Collection of 20 digital images
Phone app
FAMILY COLLECTION
650
** Most popular**
Save over 40%
20" Wall portrait
Set of 6 prints in a box
Collection of 20 digital images
Phone app
Memory Box Collection
From 325
Save over 40%
5 prints in 10"x8" Memory Box (385) 325
5 prints in a 14"x11" Memory Box (445) 425
ADD 10 DIGITAL FILES FOR JUST 125!
John Woods Photography
Our studio was established in 1987 in Byram Arcade in Huddersfield. We have undertaken hundreds of weddings and thousands of portrait commissions.