Studio and Location Portraits

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Ahh! Services

Gallery: Frisco

Gallery: Elsewhere

Free consultation prior to your session to save you time!

There are generally two takes on a portrait. K.I.S.S. portraits are about you and your expression; the subject is communicating one-on-one and surroundings do not distract. Storytelling helps convey the personality, including style, tastes, romance, or sense of humor. Backgrounds, outfits, uniforms, and props tell more than just an expression can. But keep in mind where you will display the portrait.

Wardrobe tips for good portraiture:

· Adults and families: Avoid bright or busy patterns that may compete for attention in the portrait. Active solo kid shots bend this rule well. Bold colors can work in high key settings.

· Darker colors can have a slimming effect.

· Dress groups in similar hues and styles causing the eye to be drawn to the faces.

· Showing too much skin can be distracting, as well. Avoid shorts in groups and sleeveless tops in close-ups. The leg or arm closest to the camera may appear larger than it truly is.

· Choose outfits that match the surroundings. Bright sets beg for light or white outfits. Outdoor afternoons look for denim, subdued colors, or earth tones. Trash the dress or senior sessions, anything goes!

· Weatherman Rule: When using a virtual background, pick colors that are not close to the chroma key color. Blue and Green are typical chroma key backgrounds.

Phone: 972.567.8614

Fax: 972.377.2370

E-mail: info@ahh-photography.com

To contact us:

Portraiture Ideas

Storytelling suggestions:

· Children are in various stages throughout childhood. A favorite object, uniform, sporting goods, game console, helps tell who they are right now. Use tools of the trade for adults.

· Romance can include objects of affection, symbols of the heart, or classic wardrobe selections, to name a few. Imagination should be structured to convey a mood or a message without distracting from the subject.

· Family treasures, like grandpa’s teddy bear, heirloom books, or furniture accessories can convey your multi-generational values.

· Bright sets and colorful clothes infer active and vibrant personalities. Low key surroundings and props project a sense of calm. Break this rule (carefully) to suggest independence.

· Bridals? Its about the dress.

· Seniors? Anything goes! Its attitude!

Bring a prop! If you play chess, bring your chess set. We have boxes and columns for staging your letter jacket, gear, trophies, and plaques, too. The high key set is wide open to the possibilities, including colored gels for the background lights.

Be part of the scenery close to home, but don't forget to pick clothing to match the seasonal colors.

We have classic, modern, and wild backdrops. We can compliment your clothing styles and colors with the right background or create a whole new look after imaging. Here we are using a classic charcoal canvas background with swooping applied in the post imaging process.

Bring a new member of the family so you can remember their special years, too. While we have tricks these four legged friends have taught us, they don't always cooperate. But we will do our very best!

Yep, sometimes lying down onthe job looks great. Always consider anything else but standing straight to the camera. If it bends, bend it.

Nothing like nature in your home town (like Frisco) to set the stage. The tree trunks here in Frisco do as much or more to frame the image as any mat or frame.

Hair, eyes, makeup, blemishes:

· Guys, avoid a haircut just before your session. Give your hair time to settle in. Make sure all facial hair is trimmed well. Weed the monobrow!

· Gals, hair should be at a length and cut you like. Bring hair spray for indoors and out. Having it done in your normal style before the shoot may help get it just the way you want.

· Blemishes Happen. We will remove them.

· There is such as thing as too much makeup! A clean, uniform look presents best to the camera. Try to avoid mascaras that flake or smudge under the eyes.

Exceptions and special considerations:

· Fashion or other Portfolio work: Make-up Artists or MUAs, can work miracles or be very creative, but review their portfolios carefully or consider a dry-run first and take a snapshot of what works so you can easily repeat it.

· Bridal portraits (our favorites) are a great opportunity to do a dry run of your prep for the wedding. You will be having a mom or best gal then so include them in the prep for your portraits. Practice not stressing each other out before your session, too! And remember to eat something and drink water moderately. Ask for detail shots of your hair style, makeup, flowers, etc., just in case of an emergency change in vendors on the big day! See our wedding portrait page for more details...

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Call us TODAY to schedule your own portrait session!