In my experience as a photographer, excuse me,
portrait photographer, I have found that when things are really thought out, the image is one that is more than a snapshot, more than a "pic". Not to say that you can't evoke emotion from a snapshot - I am talking about not only sell-able portraits, but portraits that are consumable and will forever have a place on the "wall of fame" (every home has one). This is a yin to a yang. It is something that benefits both artist and client. Not only in photography, ask any artist about whatever type of art they produce - they will tell you that it is the compilation of little things that help their art come to life.
In regards to portraiture, specifically for me, the thought behind the outfit is important. Shoes, oh my gosh, shoes can be a portrait killer. They can ruin a perfectly wonderful portrait by being present if they are not a thought out part of the outfit. Honestly, some may not agree with me, but the styled outfit is ONE of the things that take an image out of the snapshot category, into the professional portrait category. I say one of the things because obviously there are more things than that, such as the technical ability and vision of the photographer. The outfit though, while not the emphasis of the portrait, puts the professional polish on the image. Styling a session means to have put thought into all aspects of it, on both the photographer's side, and the client's side. There has been communication between both parties and a common idea and goal has been set. Do you want a dreamy image? Well you won't get what you are looking for if you are wearing jeans and a t-shirt, no matter how nice. It doesn't mesh with what you are wanting to portray (artist) or consume (client). A great choice for a dreamy image? A flowy bohemian type of dress in a pale tone - think nudes, pinks, lavenders with natural makeup, pink or nude lips and hair that moves, maybe with a wave. Doesn't that fit the idea of "dreamy" more so than the jeans and t-shirt? Same with wanting an image that is urban - wear that bohemian dress to an alley or downtown and it doesn't fit like an outfit with bright poppy colors, scarves and hats with killer heels or boots. When scheduling a session with any custom photographer, you need to really think about what kind of image you want. What you are going to love looking at for years to come on that wall of fame. While the outfit isn't the portrait, neither is the hair or makeup, it definitely IS a collective effort to get your vision across.
Here are some examples of how a planned and thought about effort makes images go from snapshot to worthy portrait. (Sorry K ;)
*Before - just a snapshot while I was showing my mom how to use her camera - notice all the clutter of the background, the camera in the foreground, etc... while a beautiful shot of her, it is just a snapshot - literally.
*After - we did a mini session for her senior images during a short break in the awful weather we were having up there at the time - notice the uncluttered background, the posing, the way nothing is distracting from her. Definitely portrait worthy.
*Before - cute snapshot of her at the strawberry patch. But is just that, snapshot. She was able to wear something she could get stained (ahem, she is two, of COURSE she is going to get dirty lol - smart mamma!) Very cute model, and cute snapshot! See the feet in the back?
*After - uncluttered background, good light (open shade) adorable accessory, great framing of her sweet little face, the focus is on HER, complimented very nicely by the great pops of color. Attention is on her eyes - which is exactly what a wall worthy portrait should be about (although I will admit that I adore images where they are not looking at the camera, I feel like they are just as emotional as eye contact images - to each their own!) This is not only a great image from a photographer point of view, but mom will love it too because as a consumer it hits all the requirements. Clients don't usually realize WHY they like an image so much, but there is a general checklist that clients like about images they choose to buy big and put on their walls. As a photographer, this is different for your particular target clientele.
And another just because she is so darned CUTE! Not to mention the fact the one is vertical, and one is horizontal - great choices for mom whichever way she chooses to go.
You can see the difference a little planning makes. I love accessories for images. As long as they add too and not take away from the image itself. You are investing in these images, so it just stands to reason that they have care taken in the making of them, from start to finish. You will be glad you did!
