What Your Children Should Wear for their Legacy Portrait with Mark
We thank you for investing the time to prepare for what will become your family’s most enduring and treasured heirlooms
Essentials for Girls
• Dresses photograph exceptionally well and flatter most women.
• Natural makeup can be an asset when it is age appropriate.
• Manicures and pedicures matter.
• Little girls look adorable in party dresses.
Essentials for Boys
• Coats and jackets look great at any age.
• You’re generally safe if you bring a solid black t-shirt with dark jeans as a base, along with a second layer to add depth and dimension.
• Cable knit and zippered sweaters generally photograph well.
We Have You Covered
We have a some tops for boys (including jackets for younger boys; adult sizes jackets should be tailored to fit). We also have a few dresses for the young ladies. While we believe that is ideal to bring your own clothing that is both within our clothing guidelines, and reflective of their personalities, we do have some backup wardrobe in our Los Angeles Studio.
Clients visiting our Santa Ynez Retreat should plan on bringing all of the clothing they may need.
If your child is of uncommon proportions. we suggest bringing clothing that fits and flatters their dimensions, as we are unable to stock all possible sizes. We want your kids to feel comfortable and look their best.
All Clothing Should be Black or Very Dark
Our background and lighting are tailored to render your portrait as a timeless work of art and require very dark clothing to ensure that your chilren’s faces and features are the center of attention.
For that reason, absolutely every piece of clothing must be either be entirely black, navy, or otherwise very dark in tone. As we photograph in black and white, colors never clash, so navy and black photograph well together.
Your Wardrobe Should Fit and Flatter
Nothing flatters more than clothing that fits properly. Most children look best a size or two smaller than one would normally expect, so please try everything on in advance. If you aren’t sure, it isn’t the right size.
Be Stylish and Dress Up
Choose timeless clothing with character, personality, and style. For most clients, their natural makeup and hair styles work best. Be sure everything is clean and camera ready.
Bring Multiple Options
If possible, please bring several different wardrobe options for each of your children. Because not everything that feels right photographs well, choice is essential to your successful session.
Let Your Family Shine
Your children should arrive well rested and well fed; you can’t hide a bad mood, or fake a good one. Details count. If you see it, so will the camera.
To maintain the integrity of the artwork, only those who are properly attired can be photographed.
Essentials for Everybody
• Arrive with well styled hair.
• Eyeglasses should have a non-reflective coating.
• Texture adds dimension and interest.
• Barefoot is often best for kids under ten, but shoes count for everyone else. Dress shoes are preferred, and all choices should be classic, not trendy.
• We would love for you to bring that favorite stuffed animal, musical instrument, or other prop.
What Not to Do
• Clothing with white, light and mid-tone elements won’t make your children look good, and is a distraction.
• Sweats are never a good idea.
• Avoid patterns and large logos.
• Polo/golf style shirts, casual cotton pants and sweatpants should be left at home.
• Don’t forget to apply common sense to their outfits.
• Everybody should not wear the same thing.
• You can’t fix clothing that doesn’t fit by rolling up the sleeves or pinning it in the back, and dirty clothing will photograph poorly.
