Photography aims to capture memories and document an event or milestone. The purpose is to capture raw, intimate moments that evoke feelings of nostalgia. These can be found in most family portraits, graduation/senior pictures, birthday milestones, child portraits, couple portraits, maternity pictures, & more.

There are many different types of portrait sessions that we offer. These include senior & graduation, fashion, glam, birthday, business, couples, sports, family, quinceanera, and many more.

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Portrait Session Guide & Tips

Our 6-Step Guide to having a great studio portrait session

Getting ready for your portrait photography session at Carolennys Studios in Jacksonville, Florida can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also be stressful if you don’t know how to prepare yourself beforehand. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can ensure that your photo session goes smoothly so you get the best possible results.

Step 1: Plan Your Outfit

One of the most important things to consider when preparing for your portrait photography session is what to wear. At Carolennys Studios, we recommend choosing a comfortable and flattering outfit. Avoid loud patterns or colors that may distract from your features and instead choose solid colors or simple patterns. Additionally, choose clothing that compliments your skin tone and hair color.

Be sure to bring appropriate undergarments for any dresses you plan on wearing. If selecting dresses from our client closet, bring undergarments that match your chosen outfit. Also, backup undergarments are always recommended. If unsure about color, nude & black undergarments are the safest neutral option that can work with most outfits.

Step 2: Get Plenty of Rest

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Step 3: Hydrate and Nourish Your Body

Drinking plenty of water and eating a nutritious meal before your photo session is important. Staying hydrated will help give your skin a healthy glow while nourishing your body with healthy foods will provide the energy you need to feel your best.

Step 4: Makeup & Finishing Touches

When in the spotlight, finishing touches make all the difference. Even if you prefer the natural or minimalistic approach to makeup,  when a flash points at your face, a bit of sheen can cause harsh reflections, and any imperfections are highlighted. We recommend you use makeup to smooth out skin surfaces, even out your skin tone, and reduce shine on your face. Even men can benefit from facial powder, especially if the skin is oily. While we always recommend a good makeup artist, self-application of foundation or powder, at a minimum, can go a long way. Also, be sure to assess all accessories on your body, from jewelry, shoes, and watches, to phones in your pockets. Anything that is not essential to the image should be removed. Additionally, be sure to have your nails clean, whether natural or painted.

Step 5: Communicate with Your Photographer

At Carolennys Studios, we believe communication is key to a successful portrait photography session. If you have any specific requests or concerns, please communicate them to your photographer beforehand. We want to ensure you’re comfortable and happy with the final results. Please share any images you would like to draw inspiration from.

Step 6: Trust the Process

Finally, it’s important to trust the process and enjoy your portrait photography session. At Carolennys Studios, we specialize in creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to help you feel at ease during your shoot. Trust in our expertise and have fun!

Choosing the Perfect Backdrop

The Creative Looks and Flexible Uses of White, Black, and Gray.

Selecting the right backdrop is a crucial decision when it comes to photography studio sessions. The colors we often turn to are white, black, and gray. In this blog post, we will delve into the creative looks and versatile uses of these backdrops, aiding those seeking guidance in choosing the perfect backdrop for their photography session.

The white backdrop is a timeless classic, offering a clean and minimalist look that is perfect for a wide range of photography genres. Whether capturing portraits, product shots, or fashion photography, a white background acts as a blank canvas, drawing attention to the subject. Its simplicity allows photographers to experiment with lighting techniques, resulting in various creative looks. Soft, diffused lighting creates a high-key effect, emphasizing a soft and airy atmosphere, while shadows and contrasts can be employed to add depth and drama. The white backdrop is ideal for capturing a sense of purity and freshness, and it complements vibrant colors and intricate details.

For those seeking sophistication, drama, and a touch of mystery, the black backdrop is an excellent choice. It adds depth and elegance to any subject, making it particularly suitable for fashion, portraits, and still-life photography. The contrast against a black background makes colors pop and textures come alive. Silhouettes and low-key lighting techniques can be used to create captivating compositions. Black backdrops lend themselves well to creating a sense of intimacy and intrigue. They provide a perfect canvas for experimenting with moody and atmospheric lighting, resulting in powerful and memorable images.

If you’re looking for a backdrop that strikes a balance between the starkness of white and the intensity of black, gray is the way to go. Gray backdrops offer versatility and adaptability, making them suitable for a wide range of photography styles. With varying shades of gray, photographers can create a neutral and timeless ambiance that enhances the subject’s features and colors. The subtle elegance of gray provides a foundation for creativity. It complements both vibrant and muted color palettes, allowing photographers to capture a range of moods and atmospheres. The adaptability of a gray backdrop makes it an excellent choice for portraits, product photography, and fine art compositions, providing a backdrop that doesn’t overpower the subject while adding depth and sophistication.

When choosing a backdrop for your photography session, consider the mood, style, and subject you wish to capture. The creative looks and flexible uses of white, black, and gray backdrops offer a range of options to suit different photography genres. The key is to experiment, play with lighting techniques, and understand how each backdrop can enhance your images, resulting in captivating and visually stunning photographs.