The day before...

The day before you are going to be photographed make sure that you drink at least 1 litre of water.This will ensure that your skin is not dehydrated and your eyes will look nice and bright. Try to avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and fatty foods 24 hrs before your portrait sitting.

The night before...

Ensure that you have a good night's sleep. You'll need less make up around the eyes and you will be more likely to be in a good mood during the event.

Have a look in the mirror and try out different angles and see if there is one that you prefer over the others. Pull some silly faces too just for a laugh.

Clothing...

Brides and bridal parties of course can wear whatever they like!

For portraiture, whether you are being photographed on your own or with other people it is best to wear plain and not patterned garments as these can create a distracting element in the picture. When being photographed in a group, ensure that all the group members wear a similar colour. It need not be exactly the same.

For pregnancy photographs don't wear any tight clothing or undergarments for 3 hrs before the shoot as tight clothing can produce marks on the skin. Have a loose robe handy to put on in between shots.

On the day...

Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the portrait sitting so that you are not stressed when you arrive.

Children...

Young children should not be tired when they are going to be photographed as they will be irritable and not open to suggestions. Plan your child's portrait sitting at a time of day when they are usually fresh.

Beforehand, promote the concept that it will be a fun experience and talk positively about being photographed when they are within earshot. Planning a special treat, like going to the park afterwards can give them a happy feeling and something to look forward to. If they are feeling positive about the whole experience we are half way to creating the image you want. Remember that threatening won't produce a natural smile.

We always allow enough time for a relaxed session.

Make up...

If you are applying your own make up, do so just before your sitting if possible. This will ensure that it is fresh and even.

It is a good idea for women to wear a little eye make up. This enhances the eyes provided it is applied carefully! Natural shades are the best. Avoid brightly coloured eye shadow and lipstick, unless a specific effect is desired for example in modelling portfolios.

If you normally wear glasses, leave them on, that's how everyone recognises you. They're part of your look

Children don't usually need any make up, their skin naturally glows.

Click!

If you feel nervous in front of a camera, take a few deep breaths and think of your favourite place! We only need 1/125th of a second for the look you want!