Wave-Studio - Portraiture portraits artistic photography in studio or in outdoor settings in the Vancouver area

Portraits can be done in many different styles and moods. A given portrait can be formal, casual, relaxed, spontaneous, moody or artistic. For most of us, it's not the easiest thing to relax and look natural and gorgeous when you are being photographed.

Consider the style of portraiture you wish to capture and I'll work with you to have a great experience in your photography session. It is best if you have some specific idea of the style you wish to have in your portraits. You can find some examples from books, magazines and the Internet. Knowing this beforehand helps in clothing, accessory, location, lighting, and background selections.

I offer free portrait consultations in advance of your portrait session. With today’s technology we can use e-mails and exchange ideas. If you like something take a picture of it don’t worry about the quality just for reference and send it to me or bring it along.

I believe a portrait turns out the best when a relaxed and spontaneous relationship is established between the portrait photographer and the portrait subject.

Studio Portraits

Studio photography offers great flexibility in lighting. Studio portrait sessions can be relatively fast, or can require extended periods of time, depending upon the nature and complexity of the images that are required. Studio photography has the great benefit of always having good lighting.

Location Portraits

Images taken on location often benefit from natural lighting conditions and familiar surroundings. If your surroundings make you feel relaxed and comfortable, then your portraits will reflect this feeling. Common locations for portraits include homes, back yards, and public parks, beaches where people feel more relaxed. If you have an ideal location for a portrait in mind, please let me know.

What to wear?

Clothing tops should be either quite dark or quite light in color. This allows the top to readily stand out against a contrasting background. Avoid tops that have busy colors, stripes, logos and noisy patterns as these often do can distract from - you. If you will have more than one change of clothing for your session then consider bringing a variety of necklines, textures, colors, and undergarments to achieve a wide variety of looks. Darker colors have a somewhat slimming effect in a photograph. Lighter colors can have the opposite effect.

Colours that look great on almost everybody: White, black, grey, earth-tones (reds and browns) and (greens and blues). Warm colors or monochromatic tones are almost always best. Generally required for the bottom is a pair of blue jeans or dark slacks and please bring shoes that are appropriate for the clothing you will be wearing.

If you wear jewelry try to keep it simple and elegant. Glasses represent a particular challenge in portraits. Consider bringing a pair of frames without lenses. You might also consider a portrait without glasses.

You will look the best in your portraits if you wear something comfortable and in keeping with your sense of style.

Tips for posing:

Don't hesitate to speak up if you're uncomfortable. These pictures are of and for you.
Tilt your chin down a bit. For some reason, whenever people know their photo is being taken, they tend to lift their chin.
Straighten up! Although you don't want to look stiff, you do want to have good posture. The first step, even for photos where you're sitting, is to put your shoulders back a bit.
Angles are your friend. Turn your body or head.
Interact with people. When you're posing for photos with family or friends, let affection show. An affectionate gesture can transform a photograph from ordinary to extraordinary.
Find something to do with your hands. Keep it nice and relaxed. For those wearing something with pockets, a nice, comfortable pose is simply to put one hand in a pocket and let the other hand hang by your side.
Only smile if you feel like it! The look on your face and your true feelings will be so much more beautiful than a fake smile. Relax and just know that no matter what you do in your pictures, your natural happiness and the real, wonderful essence of your personality is going to shine through.
Think and feel positive. Yes, you are good looking and beautiful and be confident.

What to bring?

A comb or a brush
A light face powder and a powder applicator - a brush is best - to reduce any shine on your face that may build up during your shoot.
A lip balm. Dry lips show up very badly in photos.
A non-shiny, non-waxy, no-color lip balm is essential! Avoid chopstick, as it tends to leave a white residue
If you normally wear makeup, bring it with you.
Avoid high gloss lipsticks. These often look too unnatural and reflect too much light in photos.
Change of clothing.
Good attitude! :-)

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