FAMILY PORTRAITS FAQ

No two families are alike. That's why each family portrait created by Will Poindexter is a distinctive work of art that preserves the special qualities that make your family unique - qualities which continue to grow in emotional value over time.

You may choose a formal or casual look in the studio (based on availability of studio), or make a more personal statement with your home or garden for a background. Playing in a park or lounging at the beach. Capture the story of your family with a portrait reflecting your personalities, interests, and lifestyle.

SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU WARDROBE

Memorable portraits take careful planning, and the clothing you choose is very important to your portrait's success. These guidelines will help you make important decisions about the clothing for your portrait.

Slimming Colors and Ideas

Most people prefer to look a little slimmer than they are; yes it's true that a camera adds ten pounds (at least). BUT, most photographers can correct that plus subtract a few extra pounds by proper posing, turning your body to a better angle, and adjusting the camera angle or height. But it makes a big difference if you do the following:

To look slimmer try these:

• Darker Colors are slimming. Consider Black, Olive, Gray, Navy, Plum, Burgundy, Dark Brown, or Eggplant.
• Solid colors (monochromatic) are slimming.
• One color (darker) head to toe is slimming.
• Vertical lines are sliming, consider vertical pleats or a long chain.
• Instant flatter stomach: try pants with a flat front, No drawstrings, pockets, zippers, or decorations.
• No pockets! avoid a lot or bulky pockets that draw attention to the waist area.
• Dark, Dull Cool colors recede (slim), warm colors advance.
• Use eye catching, shiny jewelry or objects to avert attention away from problem areas.
• Simple lines are slimming, consider A Line Skirts, collared blazers and blouses.
• Shoulder pads (small rounded) have a slimming effect.
• Single breasted jackets or blazers are slimming.
• Heels add height and therefore are slimming on a full length portrait.
• An interesting or long neckline draws attention from other areas.
• Good posture always makes you look slimmer.
• Wear your proper size. You'll look slimmer in clothes that fit properly rather than too tight.

To look slimmer AVOID these:

• Lighter colors (white, most pastels etc) make you look heavier.
• Bold patterns, shiny fabrics, heavy fabrics make you look heavier.
• Short sleeves make upper arms look wider .
• Do not draw additional attention to the waist area so avoid any horizontal dividing lines, like belts or a different color.
• Horizontal lines make you look heavier avoid belts and wide collars or wide lapels .
• Double breasted jackets or blazers add weight .

More ideas:

• White or pastel colors work best against a light or pastel backdrop.
• Avoid glasses, especially tinted glasses, whenever possible. They compromise the lighting and distort the facial lines. Pop the lenses out, or borrow a pair of frames.
• Tinted glasses are virtually impossible to work with.
• Non-glare glasses are often okay, and the newer style small frames seem to pose no major obstacles.
• Avoid big sloppy running shoes, especially ones that used to be white.
• Watch tight shirts on larger mid-areas.
• Men-watch out for that “five-o’clock shadow”. Ladies- no more make-up than is the norm.
• Avoid new hairstyles. Avoid mini-skirts, unless it is a fashion statement.
• Clothing should not be too tight or too loose.
• Clothing below the waistline should be darker than above. Otherwise, even lighter colored jeans worn below a darker top could easily attract attention to the lower part of the body and away from the face.

Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed and cherished for years to come. 
Fad type clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have a portrait taken annually.
You will feel very rewarded when you view your portraits. All of your efforts will be worthwhile.

CLOTHING FOR COUPLES

With only two subjects in the portrait, it is especially important to dress in the same color(s) to capture their relationship. With business attire, a white shirt or blouse with a dark suit jacket emphasizes your neck rather than your face. Pastel, thin striped, or soft patterned shirt with subtle tie is preferable. You may want to bring extra clothing and accessories, and we will help you choose what looks best.

CLOTHING FOR FAMILIES

In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. When decorating a home, a major concern is to coordinate the colors and tones of the walls, carpets, draperies and furniture. This kind of coordination also is necessary when selecting clothing for a group portrait. Choose clothing in the same tonal ranges to create a unified look, so that no single member of the family stands out because their clothing is too light or bright as compared to the rest of the group.

CASUAL BEACH OR OUTDOOR PORTRAITS

When there is a light background setting such as a beach, field or water, it is sometimes a good idea to dress in lighter colors, so that the clothing blends in with the backdrop. In this situation all white or pastel clothing works fine. 
All white clothing is great. White shirts and jeans work well. White shirts and beige pants are even better.

Planning your portrait will help us to create an artwork of a very personal nature. As a decorative focal point in your home or office, it will serve as a reflection of your good taste, as well as a most appropriate expression of your personal style.

MATERNITY

Pregnancy is such a special time as a new life is nutured within your own body. Celebrate this miracle with an intimate portrait that honors you and your baby. This will be a comfortable session in the studio or in the comfort of your home. Whether this is your first child, second, or even fifth, this is a wonderful portrait to have. We will take a soft romantic portrait of you alone, with your special someone, and with any other additional children you may have. Portraits are usually taken when you are in your 8th month. However don't delay in calling,life is busy and it is easy to put it off until it is too late.