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Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait.

Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended.

Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits. Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits.

Avoid large and bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away
from your face.

Medium to dark clothes look the best on dark backgrounds.

Medium to light colors look the best on lighter colored backgrounds.

Keep the tonal range of clothing in the same group; don't mix lights and darks in the same outfit.

Earth tones are best for outdoor portraits.

Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come.

Coordinate your outfit from head to toe.

Keep hair color in mind. If you have long dark hair, do not wear a black shirt as your hair will blend into the clothing.

You should wear your hair in your regular style. Men should not have a fresh haircut. If you need a trim, have it done about a week before.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. Your face should be the focal point of your portraits.

Lip gloss is essential – even on men. At minimum have Vaseline to add shine. There is nothing more unsightly than dried, chapped lips.

Men should be photographed in the morning with a clean shave to avoid the 5 o’clock shadow (unless that’s the look you want).

Some poses will show your shoes, so bring shoes and socks for each outfit that you plan to wear.

Capturing a great photo is a process. Whether you’re shooting for a campus publication, an alumni newsletter or a Web site, there are important steps to follow in order to get the best shot possible. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Lighting

Perhaps the most commonly made mistake, proper lighting is essential to creating the perfect photograph. If people are the subject of your photo, avoid direct sunlight, which can create undesirable shadows. Instead, try to shoot on overcast days. For scenic photos, morning and evening provide the best lighting.

Nature of the picture

How is the photo going to be used? Try to envision the finished product on the Web site or in the newsletter in which you plan to publish it. If it is to accompany a fun story about an alumnus, make sure your photo is not too serious. The tone should match that of the publication. 

Quality  

It’s vital to shoot your photos at the highest quality setting your camera allows, especially if you plan to publish or share the images. Most digital cameras have automatic settings that can be changed manually, often to the benefit of your pictures. Check the settings and make sure you’re shooting at the highest quality possible. 

Background

When you’re taking a photo, it’s easy to focus on the subject and not the other objects in the screen. Take a look behind your subject: if you’re shooting a group of students and there is a pole or tree appearing to stick out of one of their heads, move the group so there is no distraction. A cluttered background can take away from a picture. 

Photo Release Form

All photographers taking photographs on University property or during University events must obtain a signed release form from any person (student, faculty member, staff member, community member, or program participant who is visibly recognizable in the photograph. Photos of minors (under the age of 18) require a release signed by a parent or legal guardian.

If no single person is the dominant feature (e.g., crowd scenes) a photo release is not required.

This release applies to all photographs intended for use in any University publication, informational or promotional in nature: newsletters, Websites, fact sheets, news stories, press releases, brochures, viewbooks, promotional items or other such material.

A release is not needed when photographs are taken of news events. News event photographs intended for re-use in promotional materials require a release.