Designing A Successful Portrait

Preparing for your Portraits.

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Turtle necks, or v-necks, are flattering provided that neither is exaggerated in style.

Avoid very wide or particularly deep V-neck garments or bulky cowl neck sweaters,

that completely hide the neck.

Women being photographed full length, should wear long skirts,or dark stockings, in order to keep

the eye from being directed away from the face.

If feet and shoes are to show in the portrait, assure that shoes, and stocking, are in keeping with

the visual intent of the portrait.

Men should be clean shaven, or facial hair should be carefully groomed, with their hair being

cut about a week before the session.

About family portraits, color, and style.

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In a family portrait, proper clothing selection is critical.

Chose clothing in the same tonal ranges, so that no single member stand out because the clothing is to light,or to

bright, as compared to the rest of the group.

Couples or small groups should choose simple garments within the same tonal ranges.

When subjects appear in a mixture of light tones, and dark tones together, there is a visual confusion as the light

color comes forward,and the dark color recedes.

Skin tone consideration

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Whether working with light or dark complexions, the object is to always have the face dominate the portrait.

Accordingly, the face must be the lightest, brightest, aspect of the portrait, so people photograph best in medium to

dark backgrounds.

Maxwell Photography Studio