PREPPING FOR YOUR PORTRAIT

It is important to prepare for your portrait. You’re investing in a good portrait - It will be your digital avatar and will be making first impressions on your behalf all over social media from Linkedin to Instagram (and maybe even a dating app). While you could just rock up to get your portrait taken by a professional photographer, I always recommend putting some thought and preparation into this.

Here are a few tips to prepare if you're going to have your portrait taken (by me or by anyone else). Please do share your comments, feedback, and suggestions on how I can improve at the bottom of this page. Thank you! DGT

EVERYONE

• Stay hydrated and get a good night's rest.

• Come wearing what you feel most comfortable and authentic in - I don’t think you should buy or wear something that looks slick and glamorous just for an image if it’s not truly your style or something you’re comfortable in.

• Accessories bring a personal touch and flair to your portrait. Bring whatever you wear frequently to accent your portrait -- pocket squares, spectacles, shades, rings, sports bands, ties, hats, socks, your favorite umbrella, etc -- these will add texture and color to your portrait.

• Bonus, bring other items that are meaningful to you -- e.g. a favorite book, a battered notebook and pen, your Kindle, your headphones, etc.

• Wear a good pair of shoes — this can affect your posture even if we don’t capture your shoes in the frame.

• Bring all of these in a convenient duffel / overnight bag that is easy to carry.

• It might get hot if we are shooting outdoors, so bring along water and towel.

• Share with your photographer in advance 1) any shots that you particularly liked from my portfolio or from the web that you like in a mood board and why you like them and 2) your current favorite photos of yourself — these will help me understand your self-image and calibrate how to take your portrait.

• You might ask the photographer permission to bring a friend or family member who can chat with you and help you relax and be your true self.

• Feel free to consult me on what else to wear or bring, what colours to match, or anything else that comes to mind.

FOR GENTLEMEN

I insist on my subjects wearing something that they are comfortable in, and outfits that they wear all the time for authenticity. However, in the instances you are sartorially flexible or want to present your best self for a press image, here are a few guidelines:

• Bring a professional / business set of clothing and a second smart casual ensemble

• A good fit of your outfit is I think the most important detail

• I personally like a well-cut shirt in a single light solid color, khakis, brown shoes (moccasins or loafers, maybe sneakers even), and a navy blue jacket with a conservative white pocket square (perhaps with a knit tie); again - only bring this is this is authentically you

• If you plan to tailor a suit for your portrait, here are a few options tailors -- In Personam Custom Clothiers (Samuel Ng offers good value hand-stitched suits); my default recommendation for a jacket - 2-buttons, notched lapel, side vents, besom pockets, functioning cuffs, and lapel button-hole

• You might want to think about what you bring with you, for example, your seasoned leather briefcase can add a nice authentic touch

• A guide from Esquire on wearing business casual here

• Several guides on smart casual here from Grana, The Idle Man, D-Marge and Esquire

• Groom yourself before your shoot — get a haircut a few days before and groom your facial hair before your shoot

FOR LADIES

• Modest and basic amount of makeup is great -- Photoshop can do wonders but good source material makes the final product much better

• If you’d like a professional makeup artist to help you look your best (and give you a good pep talk before the shoot), you can engage one (or ask me to book one on-site on your behalf)

• Heels will affect your posture even if your portrait is focused on your upper body, so you might want to bring a good pair

• You might want several looks with your hair (tied and let down), it's recommended to start with your hair let down before you tie it up so it's not messed up (but if you plan to go to the hairdressers before the shoot, we will do it the other way around)

• Color -- you can go two ways 1) conservative and muted colors with an accent of strong color (like red), or 2) a dress in an eye-catching and strong color; both work great

• Bring a great handbag and other accessories! We will likely use it as an accessory and add movement to your photo (I might ask you to walk with it)

INSPIRATION BOARD