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Having been a portrait photographer for many years, I have grown to love photographing what is natural and real. With the advent of digital photography and tools like Photoshop, the ability to retouch images and “fix” the way people look has become commonplace. Portrait photography clients frequently ask whether I can make them look younger or thinner. The answer to those types of questions is handled on an individual basis guided by what can or can’t be changed in a photograph and still remains natural and believable.

Once you choose your finished photographs, the images selected for printing can undergo a number of corrections. Some basic retouching to your photographs can include minimizing wrinkles, brightening eyes and teeth, evening out areas that are too dark or light, and eliminating some stray hair and facial blemishes.

At times, especially in posed group portraits, smiles can be fixed and blinking eyes can be opened, but only if there is a suitable image to pull the best features from. This technique generally doesn’t work for candid photographs. The extent and limitations of these retouching techniques can be discussed when selecting your favorite images.

Here are some examples of more extensive retouching:

  1. The girl in the white dress gets a new leg from another image, and the bandage is removed from her toe.Portrait Photography: What Can Be Retouched
  2. In the close-up photograph of the young girl, she had been bitten by a bug at the beginning of the session. Her eye swelled immediately. I made a conscious effort to photograph her in a pleasing way, and when I wasn’t able to avoid showing her eye, my team was able to retouch it and make it look “normal and real;” something I constantly strive for.Deborah Kalas - Portrait Photography Retouching
  3. In the third photograph, a woman’s thigh is slimmed. In some situations this is possible. Sometimes not.  Wrinkles from a shirt can be softened drawing less attention to it. A piece of dress can be made longer to cover a piece of underwear that may be showing.Retouched Hamptons Portraits

We will work together with each photograph you’ve chosen. These images will be carefully analyzed for what can and cannot be done to keep them looking real & natural while guaranteeing that you not only look like you, but you look your finest.

Click here for more information on how to choose your finished portraits.
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Here are some tips to make sure your family portrait session is enjoyable and produces wonderful photographs that you will treasure forever:

1. Clothing: Keep clothing simple. No stripes, patterns or logos. Lighter is better than darker. Everyone does not have to be identical; have the clothing similar in tonality. Make sure that girls can sit comfortably as well as stand (so stay away from the tight skirts and short dresses). Babies need bloomers and plain underwear for white dresses. Boys in collared shirts are a nice look. Make sure the clothing fits your child properly (i.e. sleeves not too long, pants not too long).

2. Hair: For those with long hair, please bring hair ties, clips, ribbons, gel or hair spray in case it’s windy. For adults or children in need of a haircut, have the appointment a week before the session.

3. Colors: If you have a favorite outfit that is bright and colorful, pack that as well. It’s better to have too many clothes to choose from than too few.

4. Snacks: Bring drinks and easy to eat non-staining snacks like Cheerios, Teddy Grahams, pretzels, crackers, cheese, or carrot and celery sticks. It’s not a good idea to bring candy to the session. We need the children to focus and stay relatively calm.

5. Don’t Say Cheese! Please think about songs and stories that will make your children relax and laugh. (It’s better to have your mouth moving than theirs!). Please do not practice “Cheese” or “Smile” – it’s best if they are encouraged to play, use their imaginations, and have a good time. With young children, it’s important that parents are ready with silly things that you know will make them laugh. Be prepared to act ridiculous if called upon (all for the sake of fine photography). We promise not to tell your friends that you danced on the beach or jumped up and down or made funny noises. We want you to have fun too. (Don’t worry, if you can’t be ridiculous, we can.)

6. Be Rested: If possible let the kids have a quiet afternoon before the session. I know this sounds like the doctor who says “keep your child in bed for 24 hours.” Just do your best. We need them rested. They will be very active during the session.

Good preparation helps to ensure a successful family portrait session.

 

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