ATTIRE / BEACH PORTRAITS

I am a minimalist, and like the concept of "the simpler, the better".

Considering the beautiful outdoor location of the beaches of Cape Cod, I like to first recommend that laid back and casual is the way to go. Many people like to wear similar clothing as a family group and common choices, which always look great, are the colors of white, khaki, and denim. I have had several clients who really play with the tones of the beach in their clothing choices, wearing tan, light blue, and other pastel hues, which compliment the sand, surf, and typically gorgeous sunset.

Most clients have a color in mind to harmonize the group. Communication is very important with family groups, as one person's teal is another person's blue, and colors can easily clash. Use terms like "light blue" rather than simply "blue". Be as specific as possible with family members regarding the color choices when planning your session.

I recommend choosing a main color for the top, which can be interspersed with white, and then to choose either khaki or denim for the bottom. White is always a safe neutral to accent with color, or use as the primary color scheme.

With that said, different styles of clothing in a similar shade make for a more diverse looking portrait, and I encourage that strongly as well. For example, one man in the group might wear a light blue polo shirt, and another a light blue or white oxford shirt. The styles should remain somewhat personal unless your intention is to have everyone in the same type of shirt.

I feel personally that the portraits are much more natural if a guideline in color and overall look is followed, but the participants are still able to wear what is comfortable to them.

Women in particular should be aware that sleeveless choices and also short skirts may create an unflattering look in the photographs that you may not have anticipated when looking in the mirror. Unless you are perfectly comfortable with your upper arms showing, I suggest a short sleeve T-shirt or polo shirt, or perhaps a white linen long sleeved shirt with a light blue tank top beneath it. I do love skirts at the beach, but ideally, the type that are a light flowy cotton that moves. A stiff cotton khaki style will show a lot of leg in the sitting poses, and will not be the most comfortable to move around in.

For children, cotton beach dresses always look beautiful on the girls. Boys can wear a neat t-shirt, or polo, or oxford shirt with khakis or jeans.

If when you gather for your vacation, you find that you still need to plan for clothing choices, I always suggest the simple solution of making a trip to J.Crew, the Gap, Old Navy, or the Cape's own Puritan Clothing. These shops provide a classic, casual style, and are centrally located right in Hyannis.

A basic rule is NO PATTERNS! Patterned clothing tends to date the photograph and distracts from the faces of the subjects. As well, any clothing with obvious branding, such as a t-shirt that says GAP across it, will tend to date the photographs.

I also encourage the informality of bare feet. We are at the beach after all!

ATTIRE / STUDIO PORTRAITS

Again, my idea of simpler equals better applies.

Wear complimentary colors, or have a neutral color such as grey, black, or white contrast with a brighter color.

For B&W portraits, I recommend a simple neckline in neutral color as well. For a "couple" picture, think to have one person wear a darker grey, and the other a lighter shade. Keep in mind that with b&w pictures, any darker shade may reflect as near to black. If you have darker hair, try a lighter shade, and vice-versa.

My strongest recommendation is to be yourself in how you look and dress for the photos.

The point of the portrait is to reflect the true nature of yourself and your family.

Be comfortable and relaxed!

I look forward to working with you!