Clothing is actually quite important, even though photographs are to do with the face and its expression. If clothes are too patterned, stripy, or simply too bright, this will draw the viewer's attention to those parts and not to the intended part. So, try to stick to solid colours with preferably limited logos.

Also co-ordinate bottom with top - a yellow shirt with a dark blue pair of trousers is not considered a good combination, for example When doing a group or family portrait, colour co-ordination is again important. After all, they are all members of the same family, no? Shades of colours work well, so if all the people taking part in the shoot wear shades of blue as tops, then this shows unity and that the people in the photograph really do know each other! If possible avoid black and/or white as these 'colours' do not produce good definition - anything in between is fine.

A little tip about dark clothing versus light clothing is that (and there is no other way to put it) light clothing will make you 'put on a little weight' whilst dark clothing will 'slim you down' a little. Long sleeves for both men and women is recommended, as bare skin (especially arms) does draw attention. Very bright colours not only does the same, but can also lighten or darken skin colour.

As with anything which reflects light, lenses on glasses will do the same. So, it is recommended that the lenses be taken out (either by the owner or by a local optician), as this will reduce the creation of reflected light. Although this is advisable, it may not practical - so, if lenses have to stay in, all will be done to minimise reflections, or work could be carried post-session to try to remove any unwanted glare.

It is recommended that if you need to restyle your hair, allow 2-3 weeks before the shoot, to give it a little 'fill-in'. Also, there really is no need to suddenly change the style of your hair simply to be photographed - the real you (however bad that may sound) is what we want to capture.

Don't go mad on the makeup - this isn't a horror film! Apply makeup as you would normally as if you were going out, but if you are prone to overdo it, please don't. Anyone with soft blemishes and lines may wish to apply some soft cover-up makeup, but this is simply a suggestion.

Any gentlemen who wish to shave should do so a couple of hours beforehand, in order to let the usual 'redness' die down (often found in sensitive skin), as well as any mishaps which may have taken place.