Plan & Prepare for Your Church Portrait

We help you look and feel your best.

See what others are doing, view our portrait gallery.

Tips for Getting a Great Family Portrait

 

Clothing

  • Solid colors or simple patterns look best. Busy patterns on clothing are distracting.
  • Medium to dark shades create a timeless look.
  • Darker colors are slenderizing.
  • Small jewelry/accessories compliment your face better. Avoid large, distracting accessories.
  • Make sure your shoes match your outfit. They might show in some poses.
  • Long sleeves are better for adults to focus attention on the face. Short sleeves are ok for infants and children.
  • Your glasses are a part of you, so feel free to wear them. Our photographers are trained to minimize any glare.

  Grooming

  • Make sure nails are trimmed and clean.
  • Simple hairstyles and natural makeup are best.
  • Don’t get your hair cut within 48 hours of your portrait sitting. Ideally, haircuts should happen 2 weeks prior.
  • Limit your exposure to the sun for a few days before portrait day.
  • Have any hair and makeup supplies available for quick touch-ups.

 

Posing for the Camera

  • See what others have done. View our portrait gallery to get inspired.
  • Bring family members and friends to pose with you (Lifetouch considers pets part of your family!). There’s no added cost for you or your organization. *Make sure to confirm that your organization allows pets.
  • Plan your outfit in advance. View our general appearance tips above to find out what works and what doesn’t.
  • Be creative and bring props. Bibles, instruments, sports gear, and family heirlooms are just some of the possibilities. What’s important to you?
  • Remember to keep good posture.
  • Check your hair, shirt collar, and accessories at your photography session. Our photographers will also check these details.
  • Relax and smile at the camera like it’s your best friend.
  • Be yourself and have fun.

  

Helpful Information

Allow for about 1 hour to

  • Check-in
  • Be photographed
  • View your electronic portrait images
  • Select your directory pose
  • Purchase additional portrait products

Remember that you can purchase portrait products at your session. Lifetouch doesn’t expect you to buy additional portraits or extras, but you may want to after you see your portraits. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.

You can sign up online or at your portrait session to receive an email that lists all of our portrait collections and extras.

If you can’t make it to your organization’s directory portrait event, you can attend the event of a nearby religious organization and still have your portrait included in your directory.