FAQ

What should I wear for my business portrait?

Recommended for Men:

• Dark solid colors work the best.
• Suit coat, sport coat, or sweater.
• Medium color or pastel solid shirt. (Not white or striped.)
• Extra starch on your shirt helps avoid folds and wrinkles.
• Simple tie, not too bold or busy. (optional)
• Wash your face about an hour beforehand to reduce shine. (But avoid anything that will cause redness.)
• Trim any long hairs from eyebrows, nose, and ears.
• Bring 2-3 outfits and I can help you choose one.

NOT Recommended for Men:

• White shirt. Reflected light will emphasize a double chin and cast a glow under your jawline.
• Gray suit coat. We often shoot against a gray background so a gray suit against a gray background will not be enough contrast.
• Shirt without a coat. (A plain dress shirt tends to show many folds and wrinkles.)
• Busy patterns like houndstooth and bold stripes. (These are distracting and can cause a moiré effect.)
• Short sleeves. (These can cause problems with cropping.)
• Bold colors that will detract from your face.
• Crew-neck undershirt. The bright white steals the attention from your face.
• Three-button coat without a tie. The higher cut works better with a tie. (Same tip for double-breasted suits.)
• See note below about eyeglasses.

Recommended for Women:

• Dark solid colors work best. (But if you have long dark hair, wear a color that contrasts with your hair color.)
• Suit or sweater.
• Medium color solid blouse. (Not white or striped.)
• Simple accessories. (optional)
• Necklace.
• Wear plenty of powder to reduce shine. Bring more to your sitting.
• Bring makeup and hair-care products for touchups and styling. 
• Hair roots are very noticeable in a portrait, so if you color your hair, a root touchup is a good idea.
• Bring an umbrella so a sudden rain shower doesn't ruin your good hair day.
• Bring 2-3 outfits and I can help you choose one.

NOT Recommended for Women:

• White blouse. (Reflected light will emphasize a double chin and create a glow under your jaw line.)
• Low-cut top. (These cause problems with cropping.) If you do wear a low-cut top, be sure to wear a necklace.
• Short sleeves and sleeveless tops. (These cause problems with cropping and bare arms steal the attention from your face.)
• Lip gloss. (The shine creates a distracting hot spot on your photo.)
• Blouse or top without a coat or sweater. (A plain top doesn't drape well, and can show many folds and wrinkles.)
• Busy patterns like houndstooth and bold stripes. (These are distracting and can cause a moiré effect.)
• Bold colors that will detract from your face.
• See note below about eyeglasses.

I wear eyeglasses. Can I wear them for my portrait?

Glasses can make you look smart and professional, but they can be a challenge for a good portrait. The key to a good portrait is capturing the eyes, and eyeglasses can distort or darken them, and cause unwanted reflections. To avoid the reflections, we sometimes have to use less flattering lighting. If you have contact lenses, is it better to wear them instead. Or, ask your optometrist if they will loan you a pair of frames without lenses. They will often do this free of charge, or for a small refundable deposit. Or you can remove your lenses and and maybe wear a backup pair to the studio. Most people ignore this advice so don't stress about it too much... we can make it work!

How should I do my makeup?

The bright studio lights tend to minimize makeup, so it's a good idea to wear a little more than you normally do. On the other hand, only wear eye liner if you are experienced with applying it. Also, converting to black and white minimizes makeup so if you plan to use BW, use a little more makeup. The eyes are where it really counts. The most common problem is shine, so use plenty of powder and bring more powder with you. Hair spray or gel is recommend to reduce stray hairs and frizzies. Avoid lip gloss... the reflection is too bright and creates hot spots. Make sure to put makeup on your neck too. It looks strange if your face is darker than your neck.

I'm a guy. Do I need to wear makeup?

No, but the most common problem is shine. It's a good idea to wash your face with a wash cloth, to exfoliate, about an hour before your shoot. 

How many photos will I get?

We normally take about 15-30 shots of each look. You get all of them! Most packages include some retouching.

What should I wear for my acting headshots?

A dark ribbed sweater, or a dark shirt with a collar is best. If you have blonde hair, then medium colors are better. Avoid white and light colors. Something with texture, or some sheen is also good, such as microfiber or rayon. Avoid low-cut tops and short sleeves.

What should I wear for my modeling photos?

Variety is key in a good modeling portfolio, from fun and sassy, to elegant and moody. Your clothes should be up-to-date and look like new. Use your photo shoot as an excuse to buy some new clothes! Bring several outfits, even if we don't use them all. Avoid white, unless it is an accent color. Also avoid clothing with logos. Bring hats and accessories. Women should have hair and makeup that looks professionally done. Men should also have hair that looks professionally styled. If you can style your hair more than one way, that's even better.

I'm just getting started in modeling. How does this all work?

Your first step is doing a photo shoot, and getting 5-10 prints for your portfolio. Then schedule interviews with local modeling agencies to show them your photos. After you find an agency to represent you, you can order your composite cards (with your stats and 3-5 poses).

Do you provide clothing?

No, you will need to bring clothing. I recommend bringing a few outfits, even if we don't use them all. Brad can help you choose the best option. We do have a spare suit coat and tie, just in case you forget.

Do you provide makeup services?

No, but Gene Juarez is close by at 206-326-6000. Rates start around $60. Be sure to tell them to use plenty of powder... you don't want to be shiny in your photos.

Do you shoot black and white or just color?

I use a professional digital camera, so the originals are in color, but I can convert them to black and white with Photoshop. You can get all your photos in black and white as well as color, upon request, at no additional charge.

Do you take credit cards?

I prefer check or cash, and offer a cash discount, but I do accept credit cards and debit cards, including American Express and Paypal.

Where are you located?

Please see the Directions page.

What are your hours?

Only by appointment. Please click Book Now on the menu above to see availability and book a time.

How soon can I get an appointment?

I can usually get you in within a day or two, sometimes even the same day! Weekends book up quickly, so allow more advance notice for that. If you're not available during our normal hours, please contact us about coming in on evenings or weekends.

Ok, how do I make an appointment?

We now offer online booking! 

We prefer that you book online rather than calling, because it's difficult to get your email address over the phone. Thank you for choosing Adonis.

How soon can I get the photos?

If your package includes a CD, you can usually get it as soon as we're done shooting! Standard prints take 1-3 business days. Headshot lithographs take about 1 week. 

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?

I want everyone to be happy with their photos, and may do another shoot, free of charge, depending on the circumstanes. Sorry, no refunds. Note: I cannot offer a guarantee on children under 5 years old. The guarantee may not apply if the photos are for a modeling/talent agency.

What should I bring?

Bring two or more outfits, hair styling supplies, and payment. Women should also bring makeup and powder. An umbrella, just in case.

How much are prints?

11x14 is $50, 8x10 is $20, 5x7 is $15, 4x6 is $10. Ask about volume discounts. Prices are subject to change. Some packages include prints.

Is there a cancellation charge?

Yes, if you cancel less than 24 hours before your shoot, there is a 25% cancellation charge. However, this is waived if you reschedule within 2 weeks, and pre-pay for your appointment. For on-site appointments, 48 hours notice is required.

Do you provide clothes and props, or do I bring my own?

No I don't provide them. Please bring anything you might need.

I don't like getting my picture taken. I'm not photogenic.

Then digital is your friend! With digital, we're not limited to the number of shots on a roll of film. You'll like at least 10% of the shots. This means if we take 30 shots, you'll like at least three of them. Most people who don't like getting photos are the ones who end up saying "Wow, that was kind of fun" and "These are the best photos of me I've ever seen!"

Do you do photo retouching?

Yes. Most packages include basic retouching (blemishes, softening wrinkles and lightening bags under the eyes, teeth whitening, stray hairs, lint) and most prints include retouching. There may be an additional charge for more extensive retouching.

Is digital as good as film?

Yes, photo quality is just as good. Digital also has the following advantages:

• instant turnaround times
• easier touchups
• less expensive
• multiple copies of originals, for safekeeping
• easy portability and e-mail ability
• you get both color and b&w from the same photo

Film still has a slight advantage for very big enlargements, landscape photos, and bright sun.

How many outfit changes does my package include?

Since my packages are by the hour, there is no limit to the number of outfits you can use. I recommend at least 15-20 minutes per outfit.

Do you offer any discounts or specials?

Yes, I offer a 50% discount (maximum of $50) on most packages for college students, active military, and those on government assistance, including unemployment. Proof of eligibility is required to receive the discount. I occasionally run specials for LinkedIn and Facebook members.
 

Do you validate parking?

Parking in Seattle is fairly expensive so I prefer to keep my prices lower rather than validate parking. We are only three blocks from light rail and most bus lines so transit is convenient. On the other hand, we do offer a $5 discount if you like us and check in on Facebook!
 

Do you take passport photos or green card photos?

Yes, we offer custom sizes and quality lighting. Please see the passport photos page.
 

Can I read some reviews?

Sure, you can see reviews by recent clients on the booking page.
 

I have a question that's not answered here.

Please contact us from the Contact menu. Email and text messages get faster reponses than voicemail.

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