If you’ve been to my studio (or if I’ve taken your headshot at your location), you know that I provide guidance in advance on how to prepare for your session. One of the suggestions is to wear mid-toned jewel colors, and to avoid black clothing. From time to time the advice to avoid black seems to create anxiety in my client. This is usually because (a) most of their wardrobe is black, or (b) they think an all-black outfit makes them look thinner.
It’s true that darker colors CAN create the illusion of a slimmer body. You know how to look thinner on camera, though? Clothes that fit properly.
Proper fit means:
–Shoulders of the garment are the same size as your shoulders. The back of the garment should fit comfortably, not too tight when cross your arms.
–Collars should fit snugly against your neck, with no gap. For men, there should be no creasing of your shirt when you wear a tie.
–Jackets for men and women should conform to your body contours. Even if you don’t think you have a defined waist, a fitted or tailored style (as opposed to a “relaxed” fit) will be less boxy and make you appear trimmer.
–You should be able to button your jacket comfortably! If it’s too big, have it altered. If it’s too tight, find a new home for it.
Most dry cleaners have an alterations service. I have nearly all my clothes altered when I purchase them, since the waist is nearly always too big and pants too long. I’ve shortened tunics and knit tops, taken in blazers at the waistline, hemmed slacks, and even had items “eased” when they were just a bit too tight in the shoulders. With many of us buying clothing online and unable to try them on first, a good tailor is our best friend.
Finally, the right pose can always make you look thinner on camera, regardless of your body type or size.
Next time you appear in front of the camera, consider alternatives to black. As I tell my clients, “just try it.”
Congratulations on deciding to enhance your image with professional photos!
As you can imagine, a photoshoot for online dating photos is different from other photoshoots.
Studio sessions don’t cut it for dating profile images. You want an informal style, in a pleasing setting, where you can relax and be yourself.
Here’s what you can expect from your dating profile session, along with a few guidelines on how to prepare:
Location: Aesthetically pleasing landscapes or urban areas, like outdoor cafes and food courts, murals or city parks. I like Fells Point, for a harbor background, or R. House in Remington for an urban cafe setting. The building where my studio is located, a renovated historic textile mill, also offers fun and varied backgrounds for casual photography.
Lighting: Natural light only! No flash or strobes. We’re not aiming for perfection here, but authenticity and believability.
Posing: I’ll direct you through a series of easy poses. If you’re not comfortable in a certain position we’ll move on! It’s most important for you to feel comfortable and un-self-conscious.
Clothing: We’ll consult in advance on your wardrobe. Typically you’ll want to bring well-fitting clothing in styles that you wear every day. No suits or dressy outfits. You’ll have 3-4 wardrobe changes during your session.
Props: If you have a hobby and would like to bring a prop, great! Maybe a musical instrument or sporting equipment. The prop should make sense in the setting – in other words, bringing a snowboard to a photoshoot in July wouldn’t cut it. We discuss this in advance as well.
The best part? Your photos are transferred wirelessly to my iPad throughout the session. As we proceed through your poses, we’ll stop frequently to review the photos. This gives you a chance to make any adjustments in your clothing, pose or expression, and to make sure we’ve captured what you like before moving on.
Afterward, you’ll receive an online gallery with 18-24 proofs. You’ll make your selections and receive the final photos typically within 4 business days.
Jewish delis are a great American tradition. Beginning as places for Jews from Central and Eastern Europe to eat and meet, they expanded across the American landscape and eventually attracted as many non-Jews as Jews. Baltimore is home to a number of famous (and delicious) delis, featured in this engaging and informative show on Maryland Public Television.
Co-host is Marcellus “Bassman” Shepard, a newcomer to that station but well-known for his work as an actor, DJ, and voiceover talent. Marcellus came to the studio recently to update his actor headshots. He was a dream to work with, and that voice! Unforgettable.
You can view Something to Kvell About at this link: https://www.pbs.org/video/jewish-delis-something-to-kvell-about-wawyi You’ll need an MPT Passport membership (which simply means you need to make a donation of at least $10. You’ll have access to hundreds of MPT/PBS programming afterward).
Was one of your new year’s resolutions to update your headshot? Are you tired of looking at the same old selfie you uploaded three years ago to your LinkedIn profile? Here’s your chance to get a new headshot at a great price. My monthly Saturday Sessions offer a chance to come in for a half-hour session for $250, which includes one free retouched image. Visit my booking page at the link to schedule: https://calendly.com/vickiejgray/saturday_session
