Bring Out The Best In You...

In Front Of The Camera

TIP #9:

Forget the Cheese!

We talked about color schemes, the impact of light and dark colors, how to look taller or shorter, clothing statements, location selection but it all comes down to one important element…Your Smile!
 
Your smile emanates from your heart and comes through your eyes.
 
Fake smiles involve only the mouth…no heart and no eyes.
Saying cheese induces a fake smile involving only the mouth.
 
So…forget the cheese.

The World in Black & White

Ice on the Rocks

Water Composition in B-W

Color…it’s everywhere in our lives and affects how we see everything.
 
Did you know…
…Red is the first color a baby sees?
…The world’s most popular color is blue?
…The safest car color is white?
…Color affects our taste?
…Yellow can make us dizzy?
 
What happens when color is removed leaving only Black & White tones?
Our world changes, we take pause and look more closely.
 
With no color distraction what pops out?
- Texture
- Tonal contrast
- Shape
- Form
- Light & Shade
- Patterns
- Emotional state
 
Look for these characteristics in Ice on the Rocks and Water Composition in B&W.

www.BabesPhotos.com/scenics
Contact Arlene for details.

Bring Out The Best In You...

In Front Of The Camera

TIP #8:

Studio:
In the studio choose a backdrop based on style and mood.

White backdrops are usually fully lit while color backdrops may be more dramatically lit with even lighting, a spot or a gradation.

On Location:
On location choose a portrait style where you are the focal point or an environmental style where you are surrounded by the environment.

On location scheduling is based on sunset or sunrise for the best natural light.

Bring Out The Best In You...

In Front Of The Camera

TIP #7:

For Men:
A fresh shave or a trimmed, groomed beard or mustache is best.

Five o’clock shadow cannot be easily removed from finished portraits without degrading skin texture.

Hair styles are based on preference but avoid new cuts or styles within two weeks of the portrait session.

If a tie is preferred, a classy tie with a touch of accent color adds interest to the image without detracting from you.

The Story Behind...
Saguaro Bouquet

Saguaro Bouquet

The Saguaro
The giant Saguaro cactus is indigenous to Arizona, grows to a height of forty to fifty feet and lives to an age of 150 to 200 years.
 
The Flower
In 1931, the pure white blossom of the Saguaro was designated the state flower of Arizona.  Saguaro flowers bloom for less than 24 hours, opening at night and remaining open through the next day.
 
The Location
This giant Saguaro and its bouquet of flowers was found in the McDowell Mountain Range, located northeast of Phoenix, Arizona.
 
Add Saguaro Bouquet to your home decor. 
Available framed, unframed, museum back or canvas gallery wrap.
Other images can be seen at 

www.BabesPhotos.com/scenics
Contact Arlene for details.

The Story Behind...
Rainbow Sluice

Rainbow Sluice  It happens in Montana’s Glacier National Park and Columbia’s Cano Cristales…rocks of many colors…just as found along Houston Mesa Road in Arizona.   Take small waterfall deposits of oxidized iron for reds, mica for green, copper for bright blue or green and manganese for purple and voila…you have Rainbow Sluice.   Houston Mesa Road takes you there, leading deep into prime Rim country as it crosses the East Verde River four times.  For 10 miles Houston Mesa Road stretches through the forested northern section of the Tonto National Forest, the fifth largest forest in the United States, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona.   It is in the Water Wheel area where a series of small waterfalls slice through a narrow granite gorge as it leaves mineral deposits behind.  Historically, the water wheel was installed by James Greer to power a mining claim during the Great Depression.  Milk cans attached to the wheel dipped into the creek, lifted to the top of the wheel and emptied into a funnel pipe to a sluice box, all to create power to crush ore.  The claim was sold in the 1940s and the wheel abandoned.   Rainbow Sluice was photographed using an Arca Swiss 4’x5’ view camera with a Schneider 90mm lens at f45 with a long exposure of two seconds on Kodak Ektachrome film giving the water a smooth, silky appearance.   Add Rainbow Sluice to your home or office decor.  Available framed, unframed, museum back or canvas gallery wrap. Other images can be seen at www.BabesPhotos.com/scenics Contact Arlene for details.

Bring Out The Best In You...

In Front Of The Camera

TIP #6:

For Ladies:
Make-up for ladies must be matte-based with emphasis on facial features.

Metallic and shimmery make-up produce specular highlights not conducive to an attractive portrait and must be retouched.

Hair styles are based on preference but avoid new cuts or styles within two weeks of the portrait session.

Jewelry adds a nice touch but is best kept minimal as an accent.

Bring Out The Best In You...

In Front Of The Camera

TIP #5:

Solids photograph better than prints, plaids or checks.

Long sleeves are the better choice over short sleeves or sleeveless.