The Most Important Element

Lighting. Beautiful light makes beautiful photographs.

When to take photographs?

Usually the answer is: as far away from noon as possible!

But other things come into play as well.

The weather.  Overcast days produce gorgeous images with soft light. This can be a good reason to chance it with wet weather rather than rescheduling. And while wind isn't always the most desired element of a portrait, it can produce a playful, candid feel to your photographs.

The time of year will determine much about your background. Snow, autumn leaves, lush flowering plants. Even that awkward stage right before spring can make for beautiful images.

What color to wear?

While this one I will leave up to you, I do have a few tips.

Compliment yourself.

If green brings out your eyes, go for it.

Keep your skin tone in mind -- and the skin tone of others in the photo as well.

If your skin tends to appear rosy and pink, I would recommend steering clear from reds, bright pinks and oranges, unless you are using them as accents to a more predominant color.

Match your couch!

If you are planning to enlarge your masterpiece and place it in a prominent place in your home, make sure it matches your home! If the colors don't fit your decor, you are less likely to love display your final product.

To wear white or not to wear white?

White is a bold color that draws your eye's attention immediately. Whether you should wear it for your shoot or not depends on what you want to accomplish. On the plus side, white can help your subject pop out of a dark background. As a downside, white can defer attention from faces. I love shooting in white, but this one is up to you.

Choosing the location - In Doors.

Keep lighting in mind when you are searching for that perfect venue. Try to stear clear of flourescent lighting when possible. Usually your eyes won't see it, but your photos might end up with an unnatural greenish-yellow color cast.

If your lights will be dim, the photographer will use a flash. Here, wall color and ceiling height will matter. Light reflecting off an orange tinted wall will give you orange tinted photos. A room with ceilings too high may let too much light "escape" and make your moment harder to capture.

Choosing the location - Out Doors.

Keep in mind the following to help fill in backgrounds with warmth and color.

Architecture -- stairs, walls, windows, etc.

Plants -- flowering or in the middle of winter

Props -- rusty cars, etc.

Is your backyard beautiful? Do you have a favorite spot you drive by every day? Let's shoot there! Or, do you need some ideas? Here are a few of my favorite places.

Taylor Toll Bridge, Idaho Falls

BYU-Idaho Gardens, Rexburg

Anywhere on the Snake River