So you need ideas for the photo shoot.

Look no further. Here are a couple awesome items to add to your collection. These would be great for a more casual Business Portrait or perhaps some Senior Portraits.

Big belts are so cool right now.

Looking for a Senior Portrait Sitting?

Looking for an updated Business Portrait?

Not only will your feet thank you, but so will your photog.

Most people probably do not think about their shoes when considering a new portrait. Whether it is your Senior Portrait or Business Portrait, shoes make a statement and why not have that statement be a good one?

You never know what kind of camera angle will be used, or if a full body shot is going to be needed to convey the best message. Don’t let your shoes be an afterthought. Personally, I would have no problem competing with my wife in the shoe department. Yes, I do love my Vans and they are off the wall, but there are some others out there that rock it just as well. Coach has forever won my cash when it comes to the dressshoe. Kenneth Cole has a couple spaces in the closet covered for the more casual fare. Nike gets the job done plenty. But, new to the collection will be a pair, or two, from UGG Australia, pictured above.

I am digging the Brook-Lin two tone myself, but who knows. I will let ya’ see ‘em and post a pic or two when I decide.

Next | Shoes she should wear this Spring.

Little Side Note. When preparing for your Business Portrait, trending now is the Editorial Session. More on this topic is being compiled in an easy to read post. Check Back in a couple of days for all the details. It will specifically explain why you need those new shoes.

Flashbacks? Sort of…

Everything comes around again, and probably again. Some we hope never return; I am very fearful that the mullet is going to somehow manage to resurface. While others are welcome.

Rolled cuffs, baggy to skinny, tie-dyed. Jeans always have tons of cool options at any given time or season. Today’s tie-dyed jeans are rich in color and would make an awesome wardrobe option for Senior Portraits to Family Portraits to Business Portraits.

The Jeans Pictured above, AG Adriano Goldschmied and True Religion, can be found at Bloomingdale’s and other retailers. These will set you back a couple hundred, but cool fashion is priceless. Right?

Nothing wrong with a little eye candy right? Right!

How about in a portrait? Absolutely. Nothing wrong at all with showing off your style. Just make sure your style is Today’s style or close to it. Ever hear the expression “that’s dated?” Or maybe, “HA! Look at how lame she looks!!” Followed by laughs. This is not cool and really not cool if it happens when you are passing out your Senior Portraits to friends.

Clothing styles change fast but do have a little staying power for the most part. Shades and other accessories are similar. Here are a couple of things to do and not to do.

• If your shades are a really good knock off of a current brand. Perfect, you are safe.
• If you pick up your shades at the gas station cause the sun was in your eyes, probably not so cool.
• If they are more than 5 years old… I am impressed as I break a pair annually… they may be pushing the edge of their natural life.

In any case, wear ‘em if you got ‘em. They can be in the shot and out in the next. No worries. Wanna know where to pick up the pair above? Right Here!

Hmm, coulda, woulda, shoulda tied this to the last Pasta post.

Another cool offering from Dolce & Gabbana. Be fun and imaginative. Even though a little edgy, the warm tones of the reds blend perfectly with the gold keeping it well grounded. This could go casual to formal with ease. Awesome!

mmm… absolutely delicious.

These will catch attention for certain. Want to tone it down a bit? There are options sans pasta which are equally amazing. Dolce & Gabanna’s first jewelry collection made in Italy can be viewed here.

I would suggest wearing them with hair up for a long, slender looking neck. Compliment with a thin necklace that does not compete for attention. This will draw onlookers’ eyes upward and to your face and eyes!

I love the return of an icon.

Nike has returned to us the Cortez. I loved my Cortez. These were a wardrobe staple in the day, and that day has returned. Check out the classics in Men’s or Women’s and if you are really up to it, NIKEiD a pair and send me a pic of the finished product. If they are cool enough, I may throw a portrait session at you, FOC, just because.

Want tips on how to sport your newly acquired Cortez? Anything goes. Guys, don’t be afraid to put them at the bottom of your favorite suit either.

Senior Portrait Trends for Class of 2013: Are you part of the right trend?

First post in a series that is going to make sure you look amazing.  Follow these tips from those in the know.  You’ll be glad you did.

Set the scene…

For the past few years, everyone has been looking for the most amazing outdoor locations for their Senior Portraits. Old cars, junkyard settings, the flowers, the waterways, the great shot of the Minneapolis skyline just over your shoulder are great examples. Top of the list for recent favs are the railroad tracks, old barns and graffiti walls. These environment shots have really opened the door to creating truly unique and personal portraits. Cool, cool, cool.

But there is a new look on the horizon…

Studio shots are coming back, in a huge way. Clean and simple backgrounds. Props are simple and unobtrusive. Heavily painted backdrops are gone. Even classic patterns like black and white damask are becoming less popular… sort of. Shiny, semitransparent backgrounds are really hot, so are really clean solids like black, white or grey. Maybe a couple of bold colors too… orange and red are really slick. Think of high fashion. Perfect studio lighting and clothes.  Attention to small details and the focus directly where it needs to be… on you!

Back on the subject of outdoor locations, these are trending in the direction of looking more and more like a freeze frame. Think of it like this; instead of finding an awesome place to plop down and take the shot, perhaps you are walking down a crowded street. People are around. Life is going on around you and you are part of it. Click, that is the shot.

Or environmental shoots with mood and setting. Sort of candid, but with a bit of a plan. They should end up looking like a still frame taken out of movie – freeze frame. (Both pics above are perfect examples with the left using passersby as props and the right image taken while the student was walking towards the camera.)

Your Senior Portrait Session should really include some studio shots. Do not get trapped into location shoots because your photographer does not have a studio, or even worse, tries to sell you on, “I prefer natural lighting.” I love natural lighting too, but even the sun needs the help of a strobe light from time to time. Maybe even most of the time.

Quick recap.

Outdoor pics need a better sense of direction. Don’t just stand by something, interact with it. Studio shots, got… to… have… ‘em.

Next Post? Clothes | What works and what doesn’t.

Getting ready to be shot (er… photographed) often reveals to us just how much of our wardrobe is not fitting a good portrait (I could not resist.) This page is intended to remove some of the mysticism around our clothing choices… well, sort of.