PhotographyGambrell
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It is very important to arrive early or on time.
We have multiple sessions scheduled in one day and you only have an allotted time. If you are scheduled from 3:00 - 4:30 and show up late or not ready, you will have less time in the camera room.
If you need to get ready here (hair, makeup, etc.) please arrive early enough to be ready by your start time.
COLORS AND PATTERNS
Solids photograph much better! So avoid patterns that are too busy. Also, bring a variety of colors, don't bring 5 blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Choose colors that work with your skin, eye, and hair color. Avoid clothing that has wording on it except for your own school logo. Also remember, as a general rule, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds and darker clothes look better on darker backgrounds. So if you prefer dark, bring dark, if you prefer some of both, bring some of both.
MIX IT UP
Choose a variety of outfits that represent different styles. Vary the dress level, bring some casual everyday outfits, some dressy, and even more formal attire. Remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the stuff you like. Layer your clothing to add more variety to one outfit. Bring jackets, hats, scarves, etc. We also have some hats and jackets available at our studio for you to use.
STYLE
Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller. Wild to mild. We don't really tell you what you can and can not wear. A little sexy is OK, but don't make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Our philosophy is as long as it is rated PG, we don't care.
Formal Tux/Drape
We provide your tux or drape. However, guys need to bring a solid white undershirt to wear under your tux. Girls please bring spaghetti strap/strapless tank top to where under your drape.
ACCESSORIZE
Don't forget accessories like class rings, earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry. Keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. Maybe do a fun earring with one look but a classic earring with another. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hangar with that outfit. Girls remember those pearls or special necklace for your formal drape.
BRING YOUR SPIRIT
If you have a session that includes deluxe looks and plan to use your sports items remember to bring everything. Bring everything. Letter jacket, jerseys, pants, and shoes.
BLACK AND WHITE GLAMOUR LOOK
The black and white "glamour" look that is so popular is best with black or white solid clothing. The contrast between the skin and black is what makes them so dramatic. So bring some black or white, wild to mild.
IN THE DRESSING ROOM
The more time you spend in the dressing room, the less time you get in front of the camera. Our sessions let you do unlimited looks within your time period. This means if you change fast, you get more variety. We suggest you bring double what you think we will do so we have more to pick from.
COMPLETE THE LOOK
Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length formal in your suit if all you brought were flip-flops. Bring shoes that match each outfit.
ORGANIZE
Group your outfits together ON HANGARS. It is amazing how many people come in with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed. Although we have an iron for touch ups, we don't want to
waste your time on ironing.
UNDERGARMENTS
It is amazing how many times someone will come in wearing flowered underwear and not realize it is a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a black sleeveless shirt. Please bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh-colored is the best you can hope for. Also, if you need a strapless, bring one. Tucking the straps down usually shows and looks bad. With today's thin fabrics, you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.
If you are doing an outdoor session, most locations do not have places to change. But if you wear a layered outfit, you can add or drop a piece for a different look.
BRING THEM!!
Our deluxe looks give you the opportunity to include all the props! Bring props that help define who you are.
Some popular choices are Sports equipment (soccer ball, football, hockey stick, hurdle, whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments (from school tuba to rock guitar), activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!), Vehicles: Motorcycles can come in the studio. Cars/Trucks must go in an outdoor session. We can do them at our outdoor studio or at a location of your choice.
Pets can also be included in your deluxe look just let us know in advance.
Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or you lose camera time. Artificially bleached or brightly colored hair is often not the best, in 10 years you might say "What was I thinking??" Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. It IS ok to show up early in curlers if you need to. Although our photographer tries to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair "is supposed to look like". So make sure you like the look or let the photographer know your preferences. Hairstyle is ultimately YOUR responsibility.
Pay attention to any facial hair you don't want in your pictures. Shave before your session. Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave. Be sure to take care of all unwanted facial hair a few days before your session. Don't forget about your eyebrows.
Boys that rest may not apply to you, however, it is important that you wash your face well in the week prior to your session.
Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About what you might wear in the evening. Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done prior to the session. (We will be glad to suggest a local salon).
Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. So if your mascara is old and clumpy, replace it first.
Avoid makeup with "sparkles" in it. When you move, it makes a nice shimmer, but in a photo, where you are still, it creates a little white spot that almost looks like a zit.
Also, avoid makeup with an SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin in the sun, the SPF tends to create a shine.
Shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.
We retouch blemishes, so don't worry about minor breakouts.
Come to your session with your hair and makeup already done, but bring some concealer, powder, lip-gloss and bobby pins for touch-ups!
NAILS SHOW!
If they have the paint all chipped off, it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don't forget about those toes! Avoid real bright colors. Natural or basic work best.
Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy.
Scars are not automatically retouched but can be removed or softened at your request. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge.
Braces? Don't worry. You could have the tops taken off for your photo session, or we can retouch them out by computer. But don't fight smiling, a braces smile is better than a dorky holding back a smile look.
Stay out of the sun to avoid tan lines and uneven tanning the week before your session. Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. If you want a tan, you might consider a spray tan. However, do not overdo it so you look to fake-and-bake. Use a professional.
AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! Tan, yes, burn, no.
Friends or parents are welcome. They can be a help and make your session more fun. HOWEVER, if they distract you, it is best to have them wait in our front gallery.
The day before your session drink plenty of water. Also be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before so you are well-rested.
Let's face it, we are at the mercy of mother nature. If it rains, no fretting will do anything about it, we simply have to reschedule. Don't worry about clouds, they actually HELP! But rain falling IS a problem. If it is a morning session, we will take your phone number home with us and call you if we need to cancel due to weather, otherwise, we are on! If it is daytime session and the weather is questionable, simply call the studio.
Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 - 5:30 or by Appointment
478-237-8853
