What do I wear?

You want to look great, right!? For this reason it’s important to wear solid colors for the most part, maybe bringing one or two clothing items with printwork or ‘busy’ stripes or plaids. Also, leave those large logo shirts and sweatshirts at home as well. We want to draw attention to YOU rather than logos or large stripes, so be sure to dress your best and bring clothes that you’re not only comfortable wearing, but enhance your physical features and make you look good! Also, for females, make certain to bring jewelry, shoes, and other accessories to coordinate with your selected outfits.

Potential Seniors outfits:
Classy/Formal outfits
Everyday jeans and polo shirt
Letter jackets/other jackets
Uniforms (music, military, etc.)
Sports themes
Accessories (hats, scarves, jewelry)

Can I bring props?

Please do! Remember that portrait sessions are about YOU, and are meant to reflect YOUR personality and interests. So bring that favorite hat, scarf, jacket, athletic equipment, artistic expression, musical instrument, car/truck, or even your pet! Whatever your interests, J. Michael will work with you to include them into your personal portrait session to whatever extent.

What about hair and make-up?

Make sure to apply your usual amount of make-up, making sure to cover visible blemishes, etc. If you would like a make-up artist (MUA) for your session, J. Michael has several experienced professionals to choose from based on your needs.

Most females leave their hair ‘down’ for portrait sessions, occasionally opting to put their hair up for more formal or modeling sessions. However, this is your personal choice. Again, if you require any personal hair styling, J. Michael has a variety of local styling professionals to choose from based on your needs and/or creative interests.

Please note: Personal MUA and hairstylists have their own professional fees.

Can I bring a friend or relative to a session?

Absolutely! If you feel more comfortable bringing a friend, brother, sister, parent or relative, than please do so as long as you let J. Michael know beforehand. Some people feel more comfortable with a friend or relative present, some feel more relaxed in a one-on-one portrait session with their photographer, it’s your choice.

Session tips

Make sure your clothes are wrinkle free (unless that’s the style of the shirt, etc.), even if you’re going to wear a t-shirt, make sure you iron! Ladies: Watch those tan lines (don’t go tanning right before a session), make sure to have your nails in good condition and have make-up already applied at time of session. Always bring your make-up bag with you for touching up during your session (i.e. lip gloss, mascara, powder, lipstick).

RETOUCHING

All portrait previews will receive basic retouching. However, complete and more enhanced retouching services are available. Possible benefits to enhanced retouching: blemish removal, reduce glare or wrinkles, even skin tone, remove stray hairs and fill hair gaps, whiten teeth, white and enhance eyes, soften shadows. More detailed retouching art such as removal of braces, tan lines, etc. are also available, however are more time consuming.

CREATIVE OPTIONS

Digital Montages/Collages

Add a personalized montage to your portrait order for the ultimate experience! Choose from three (3) to eight (8) images in your session and J. Michael will custom design a montage in the style and color palette of your choice. Contact J. Michael for exact details.

All digital works are custom designed so your name will appear wherever you choose. You can also choose from a vertical or horizontal orientation and from a variety of textured backgrounds, or a classic color (recommended) background. Contact J. Michael for an example of recent collages and he will email you a sample!

Session Viewing/Image selection

Following your portrait session, you will have a difficult decision in selecting which images you would like printed for your package. We aim to make this selection process much simpler for you by giving you access to view your portrait session online. After viewing and selecting your favorite images online, J. Michael will begin having your portrait order processed.