Portrait Sittings: How to Dress

One of the most common questions we get before a portrait session is a slightly panicked "what do I wear??". Fear not, it is our job to make you look your absolute best. We thought we would offer our Do's & Don'ts for portrait sittings. These are good for family photos, but you can use them anytime you think you may be photographed.

Do

-Co-ordinate outfits. This doesn't mean you all have to be dressed in matching denim. But check to see that Mom's outfit isn't clashing with Dads, and that everyone compliments each other.

-Wear something comfy. We are not recommending you roll up in last year's sweat pants, but you should be able to move a bit and have the freedom to pose with ease.

-Bring a pair of flip-flops or comfy shoes to throw on, especially if you're going to be in a potentially muddy area.

-Make sure it's YOU! If you are uncomfortable, or wearing something you would never otherwise be seen in, it's going to be harder to feel genuine and relaxed in front of the camera. So rock your style, my friend, this is your chance to shine!

Don't

-Don't wear solid black or white, unless it's the photographer asks you to do so. While black looks flattering in person, it tends to turn figures into one solid form. Bright white can take the focus off the face. There will be some exceptions to this rule but it's a good starting point.

-Also avoid patterns and prints: solid colors and simple clothing will put the attention on your best feature; your smile!

-Don't get matching mullets the night before the shoot. Unless of course, you're these dudes.

Flash Bus Tour 2011

If you are a photographer, (or know and love one of us), then you probably know we can be the worlds biggest dorks. We get excited about all things camera related, and the opportunity to learn from two of the best in the business? Amazing!! So when we found out Dave Hobby and Joe McNally were rolling through the (sort of near-by) neighborhood, we bought tickets faster than you can say photo geek. Allison wasn't able to get away from her teaching duties, so I (Jenny) took fellow photographer Sam Allen along for the ride. Stocked with two camera bags and lots of laughs on the ride down to Raleigh, we arrived to find 375 photographers. and one awesome tour bus.

Both Dave & Joe were incredible speakers; they inspired us with fresh ideas and

hundreds of new things to try. Be prepared, Capture fans, for some exciting new work! Dave spoke for the morning, explaining that "Lighting is like cooking! You have to experiment and add to taste". He encouraged us not to be intimidated. Joe spent the afternoon teaching us how to be flash wizards, using multiple light set-ups. We knew it was going to be a great day when Joe gave his flash a big kiss and announced loudly "Take care of your flash and it will take care of you!" Aw, even the big shots love their gear.

Joe gave a live demonstration using his photo assistant Calli as a test model. Calli had an uncanny resemblance to Justin Bieber, so after a little coaxing, we got a Bieber-esque pose out of him. He could have a second career as a teeny-bopper, don't you think?

That's Dave Hobby on the left, and Joe McNally on the right, imparting their infinite knowledge on us. Or cracking a good photo joke. There was plenty of both. When someone asked Joe if he still shot on film, he deadpanned and replied "Film is what's on your teeth when you wake up in the morning". We laughed a little too hard.

Here are a couple more shots from the day; enjoy!

Jenny with Dave "The Strobist" Hobby. Check out his T-Shirt.

Jenny & Sam: this sweet tour bus proves that photographers can be rockstars too!