family group photo,tips re styling etc

[darkandstormy]

Me dh, dd7 ds4 are getting family portrait done tommorrow,I think they are going to be in black and white [arty type pics,so I am told],anybody any useful tips re what to wear for all of us regarding patterns, shapes etc.For me any tips on make-up,any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Don't wear small checks or tweed as you might get 'moire' where the pattern looks funny when printed, especially if you're thinking of having the images printed onto mugs etc.

I'd say wear quite simple clothes that won't obviously date, so no big logos, high fashion items etc. Not sure about make up, I know in old black and white films they used to wear blue lipstick for the contrast but that probably wouldn't look too good!!

And don't let the photographer anywhere near the soft focus lens - I've seen some true horrors on the walls at peoples houses!

do you have a b/w bit on your phone camera? mine does and would practise with that re make up

We had some done last year and we found that when we were all wearing the same colour (I put us all in different tones of green!! Sounds awful, but in the colour photos it made a really nice impact!) they looked much better than the ones when we were wearing black or white. Just gave the photos a greater depth and we didn't 'disappear' into the background.

If they are using a white background, most places like you without shoes, so remember to buff and polish!

Other than that, get the kids to wear things that really show who they are to bring across their personalities! (I let DD wear her favourite dressing up clothes etc for some of the shots) Lovely to look back on and say 'oh, remember when you were really into...', rather than them saying 'Oh, Mum! Why did you make me wear that!!'

For you, concealer and blush are a must as the flash will just wipe out most of your make-up. A slick of lip gloss, too. And take a hair brush!!

(Just read that back and I sound so bossy!!)

Have fun!!

thanks for all your help.I will take all these tips on board.Have not had time to get eyebrows waxed so am about to embark on a plucking session.I hope the pics come out good the kids always look gorgeous, dh is naturally good looking it is mainly me who lets the side down,a case of nice legs, shame about the face.

as they say on america's top model, find the light

i would go for plain coloured ( no pattered or logos) clothes in simple shapes

easier said than done for 4yo and 7yo

you don't need to be dressed up unless you want to - jeans and shirts / t shirts fine

personally i woudl wear LOTS of make up ( well more than usual). but i need a lot of help..........[old bag emoticon]

Just a word of caution, we had a session at the weekend and I went really heavy on the lippy ( for me ). I look like a drag queen in some of the shots...I'd advise perhaps keeping lips a bit more natural, unless you're sure that the black and white will keep it in proportion.