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When choosing a photographer it is vital that you choose someone who you are comfortable with. In this instance you should understand that not all personalities fit each other. One of the easiest ways to distinguish a photographer who will suit you is to interview photographers from various Minneapolis portrait photography studios. See how you feel and if they make you feel confident that they will make you look and feel your best, as well as if you feel comfortable with them. “Once you have that confidence your portrait session will be more successful” says Minneapolis photographer Bob Dale.
It is also important to make plans ahead of time and your choice of photographer should offer to have a pre-photographic meeting to plan your portrait. During the course of the meeting you and your photographer will come to know each other better and you can discuss your ideas with them. Some of the items you should discuss are options for make-up, hair and color scheme as well as the look you desire for your portrait. Planning and consultation can also aid in how you portrait will complement the furnishings in your home.
It is also helpful to use visualization as this will provide you with excellent results. This can also have a measurable effect in the end results of your portrait session. Obviously this will require some serious thought as you will have to consider who you are as a person, a couple or as a family. This should be condensed into only 1 or 2 sentences so that you can consider how to best portray this in a portrait. As such, you will need to consider such things as your pose, your clothes and your expression.
Remember, “the clothes make the person” and they also add to your photo’s personality and mood. You also need to remember that a person’s eyes and face tell you a lot about their personality. So, the goal of your wardrobe is to flatter the subject and influence the mood. This is why it is important for clothes to be relatively subdued. The colors should be muted rather than bright and loud and solid colors are better than prints.
Nevertheless, you should also remember that the clothes help to set the portrait’s mood or feeling, which is why you should also avoid wearing the ‘latest,’ ‘greatest,’ “in” styles if you do not want your portrait to become dated.
Light tones in clothing are not necessary for a portrait to have a bright and cheery look. They will diminish any shadows though.
Dark clothing will not necessarily present a somber mood. They will intensify shadows, make your skin tone appear deeper and they also have a slightly slimming effect.
White or very light clothes can make the skin tone appear to look washed out.
Posted July 8th, 2008by Dr. Noel SwansonNo Comments »
by Dr. Noel Swanson
It seems sometimes that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Not because we aren’t looking, but because of deforestation. While the debate on environmental issues and global warming continues, you can enjoy family fun time by going on a nature walk.
The first thing is to choose clothes that are appropriate. Comfortable shoes, sneakers or hiking boots would be fine, as would light clothing in layers (depending upon the weather), and a slicker to carry just in case of rain. Bring binoculars as well because you never can tell what wonderful sights may await you and your family.
Much has been advertised and written about the importance of preserving nature and all living things. In fact, Jane Goodall has sponsored a program for children that allows them to create backyard habitats for all sorts of birds and other animals that need a place to visit or call home.
Teaching our children about nature and animals who inhabit our planet is not only a necessary exercise, but one from which children can learn all about specific habitats, the creatures who live in them, and the need to preserve them for their generation as well as the generation to come.
While most kids can learn about nature from textbooks, it is walking among the different trees and flowers, discovering different species of birds and insects that makes it real for them and easier to relate to and understand.
Whether you are taking your family to the zoo, or to a reserve where extinct birds can be found, now is the time to do it. Our earth’s natural resources are dissipating as the population continues to grow. While there are still parks which preserve the beauty of our land and its wildlife, no one knows how much longer conservation will continue.
Begin with a family nature walk, a fun time yet a time of learning and appreciating nature and the magnificent treasures it holds.