Peter Casamento₊

SEE ALL WORK

Here are some helpful tips to prepare for a portrait session. A few thoughts before we begin:

This is not about performance or perfection. We’ll help you feel at ease from the start with gentle guidance where needed.

Each session unfolds a little differently. What matters most is that you feel respected, and that the portraits reflect something real.

I’ve been photographing people for 33 years. Some of the strongest images come from the quietest moments.

For practical tips, such as what to wear or what to expect at your portrait session, you’ll find them below.

Solid colours work best as they create a flattering, more timeless look. Darker tones tend to be slimming, while lighter shades can broaden appearance.
Avoid wearing white or very pale colours unless layered with a jacket.
Steer clear of stripes, bold patterns, or clothing with slogans/logos, as they can distract.
Bring multiple options for shirts, blouses, ties, or jackets to allow flexibility.
Ensure your outfit is pressed or ironed if you’re aiming for a polished look.
For group photos, assume you’ll be photographed in full length, so wear appropriate footwear.
Avoid runners/trainers or brightly coloured/white footwear unless they suit a desired sporty look or matching outfit.

Hair and Makeup

Hair and makeup services are available on request. If you prefer to do this yourself, here are some tips:

Hair: Hair should be clean and styled comfortably, complementing your face and personality. Avoid dramatic changes just before the shoot. For longer hair, decide whether you want it up or down, or both if time permits. Bring a brush and any products needed to keep it tidy.
Makeup: Makeup should be natural and matte to reduce shine. Define eyebrows and eyes slightly more than usual. Brighter lipsticks and blushes usually flatter better than darker tones.

Time permitting, we can accommodate extra outfit changes or creative requests.

Please bring a jacket to your session, even in warmer weather. Jackets add a formal touch and help create a timeless look. Whether you wear it or not during the shoot, having it gives you more variety in your photos. If you don’t wear the jacket for some shots, it’s best to choose a shirt or blouse in a solid, muted colour to keep the focus on you rather than your clothing.
If you wear glasses, you can choose to have them on or off. Glasses sometimes cause reflections or shadows, so bring them along and we’ll try both to see what works best. If glasses are part of your usual look, we’ll capture you naturally with them on.
Additional Options: If you have specific ideas, lighting preferences, or looks you want to explore, please share them with us beforehand so we can plan accordingly.

Posing and Posture: The photographer’s role is to offer gentle, friendly guidance on posing and details like hand placement, helping you relax, release any tension, and maintain a natural posture.

Expression: A calm, confident expression is key. You might be asked to vary from a soft smile to a serious look, depending on the mood we’re aiming for. Whether professional, approachable, or candid, we’ll guide you to feel comfortable and authentic.

All images receive basic enhancements. If you’d like specific retouching, please let us know and we’ll accommodate your request.

Peter Casamento+