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Suggestions & Recommendations

for Making the Best Photographs

Successful portraits are the combination of many key elements. After all, a photograph is worth how many words?

There are various styles of photography. The traditional looking-at-the-camera provides a classic approach. The Mona Lisa image is well known for these qualities. It is hard to argue with good simple portrait with complimentary clothing and quality lighting. Storytelling types of portraits provide lasting memories. They involve more of one's environment, often looking away from the camera, and interacting with objects or other people. As an example, Norman Rockwell was superb at showing the story in his work. A third style, expressive, is wide open to the imagination. Faces may not be fully seen or unique angles are used. In today's digital age, it can become nearly anything the imagination can picture.

No matter the subject or style, a portrait by Norman Rehme on your wall is a treasure to behold.

Thank you for the opportunity to create the finest in family portraits. These are not pictures--they are portraits. So, to get the full value, a little preparation is in order. Here are some tips to help me make the best images that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Clothing. Generally, the more subdued and simple the clothing the better. You don't want attire to detract the viewer from the faces. Avoid large prints and stripes Try to wear solids and long sleeves. On some people, sweaters add weight. However, I'll photograph you in whatever you wear and what is important to you and your family. Any colors work, but contrast draws attention to the minor item. So, if everyone is in dark colors and one person is in a bright red plaid, it is a distraction. Lay out the clothing, squint your eyes, the outfit you see first should be reconsidered. Try to coordinate colors rather than have clashing colors. You can even consider the colors based on the color of your home's walls where your portrait will be displayed.

Children. Do NOT practice smiling. That will get those "cheesy" smiles. Just let kids know that we are going to have fun when Norm "makes" a picture of us. Parents and grandparents are going to watch me the whole time so I can interact with the kids. Kids sense our feelings, so relax, remain calm, talk of soft tones, and I'll get the expressions at the right time. Avoid the trap of 10 adults from all angles instructing a child. They need to interact with the photographer.

Dads & Grandpas. We "macho" guys need to smile. Our expressions are never as animated as what we think. Go with the flow and the girls in your life with love you more for it.

Makeup. Again, keep it natural. Just enhance features a little.

Complexion. No problem! Retouching can easily make imperfections disappear. Corrective artwork is also available for those difficult situations.

Hair. Avoid the temptation to try a new hairstyle in a traditional style of portrait. It is better for the real you to come to your portrait session. Guys, if you have a heavy beard a light shave can help.

Braces. Smile! They can be removed with special artwork, or, book your session after the doctor has completed your work.

Weather. No matter what the forecast, keep your session. Some of my best work has emerged even when the weather was questionable.

Location. My specially landscaped outdoor studio has an infinite number of possibilities. If you have a location you prefer, I 'm glad to go there. A small fee may apply if it is away from Loveland. Great portraits can be taken anywhere--and I do mean anywhere. The human eye doesn't always see the world as the lens does.

Props. High school seniors are welcome to bring your band instrument or other props important to you to include in your portrait--even a car.

Have Fun! How you feel will come out in the photograph. Besides, making great photographs is fun.

We want to capture the personality of you or your family members. This comes out in the expression. The expression is not something we can try to accomplish; it is captured by the photographer.

Extra Tips for Brides

Bridal Portrait. If you have selected a separate bridal portrait session, you’ll need at least one assistant or maybe an extra girlfriend to help. There are always things to carry and it helps to keep your dress clean. At the wedding, your maid/matron of honor fills hat role to assist you in these kinds of details.

Flowers. Discuss with your florist when you will need flowers—especially if we do your pictures ahead of the ceremony.

On Time. I don’t expect everything to go perfectly and on time, and neither should you. However, encourage those around you to be ready for their photographs at the scheduled time.

Enjoy Your Day. You have put a lot of time, effort and money into your wedding. Now, stand back and enjoy it. I’ll capture the images to help you remember this day for years to come. Relax and have fun.

Special Requests. No problem! It is better to make an image of it right then and there. Just let me know. And, the photographs are not only for the bride’s family, the groom’s parents are welcome to ask for family pictures, etc.

Weather. No matter what the forecast, it is your wedding day. We’ll just work with it and use it to our advantage.

Extra Tips for High School Seniors

Fashon. It can be fun to make a statement with closthing, but do you really want it in your senior pictures 10 years from now? If so, I'll photograph you as you choose. These are your photographs, not mine. Usually, classic styles and simplicity keeps the focus on you and not the clothing.

Work Schedules. Often it si hard to know ahead of time your work schedule or athletic practices. Just give your employer plenty of notice and it generally works. Senior photographs are one of the most important milestones in your life and it may take some planning to make it all work.