frequently asked questions

 

What should I wear during a photo-shoot?

 

What to Wear…

Bring a variety of color, don’t bring all blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Avoid  clothing that has wording on it (except for your own school logo). Change up the style, all one look (like tanks) gets boring. Vary the dress level. Bring some dressy, some medium, and some casual. Plan all your outfits completely because we will take photos that are close-up, full length, and in between. Also remember, it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the stuff you like.

Traditional Portraits…

Proper clothing allows your face to dominate the portrait, with everything else being secondary. When photographed against a medium or dark background, colors that photograph best for your close-up poses are medium to dark tones of green, brown, rust, wine, or blue. Also, darker shades are more slimming. Avoid colors that approximate your flesh tones. (These might be whites, beige, tan, or very pale peach, pink, and gray). Against dark backgrounds these colors will become the focus of your portrait and against light backgrounds they drain the color from your face (making you appear pale and washed-out).

Girls…

Wear solid colors, no large distracting patterns. Avoid short sleeve tops. If you feel you have heavy arms, avoid “spaghetti” straps as they tend to make arms look heavier and draw the attention away from the face.

Wear a neckline that is flattering. Round faces and square jaw lines look best in a v-neck as opposed a round, crew neck. Thin faces and pointy chins look best in a round neckline. Only those with a relatively long neck look good in a turtleneck.

Guys…

A dress suit with a tie has been the standard for years and we still recommend it. If you decide not to, an alternative would be a dress shirt and a sweater that is a solid color or has a slight pattern. If you want to wear only a dress shirt and tie, wear a colored shirt. White shirts look best under a jacket.

Casual and Stylish Portraits…

Casual portraits give you much more variety in clothing, color and style. We can also be much more creative with our digital imaging. Girls: you can choose your favorite sports outfit, dress, prom dress, shorts or jeans outfit. Pick the colors you really like. Guys: you can choose your jeans, casual or sports wear, letterman jacket. You may want to bring your sports uniform and equipment.

Outdoor Portraits…

Bring a outfit that blends with the outdoors be it the park or the beach. If you are the outdoors sports kind of person, let’s create something special with your gear. Wear blue jeans or khaki pants unless you want a dressier look (girls, wear longer, flowing dresses.)You may want to avoid very short skirts as they will restrict your movement and poses. Certain colors look best for different seasons outdoors. Spring and summer – sky blue, khaki, pale green, pink, watermelon, dark peach. Fall – Red, gold, deep orange, emerald green, and dark green.

how far in advance should I book a wedding?

We recommend reserving your date 8-12 months in advance. During wedding season (May-September) Alldrin Photography books weddings and events quickly. To book a wedding a 50% retainer secures your date, ensuring nothing else is booked on your day.

What are the advantages of hiring a professional photographer?

A professional photographer will be timely – arriving at your wedding promptly, and getting the results to you on time. A professional has just the right equipment and film for photographing your wedding. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding. A professional uses a color laboratory that is in the business of meeting high professional standards of print quality. And, a professional is used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer’s fee is only part of your investment: You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be investing time with the photographer during your wedding. Don’t waste time on your wedding day with a photographer who won’t produce results you love!

What is the first question I should ask the photographer?

Once you have established that the photographer is available for your date and location, you will want to ask, “If we select your studio, will you be the photographer covering our wedding?” Some studios have several photographers and you may be speaking to a many of them. At Alldrin Photography each wedding is photographed by Hanna Alldrin and accompanied by another assistant photographer.