Many people think CD/DVDs are indestructible. As with anything, you need to take what you hear and read with a grain of salt. Some sites claim CD/DVDs should have a data life of up to at least 75 years if handled properly. Some say 100. Others say 200. Type of media - archival versus consumer - accounts for some of the variance in data life. Not all of these estimates "include the effect of the storage container ... [and] instead assume that the case is inert." Ask your photographer what type of media they're using for your CD/DVD and if the sleeve or case is safe for long-term storage. Also check to see if the insert is acid- and lignin-free. " Assuming a good initial recording and proper care, consumer grade media can last from one to five years. Professional or industrial-grade media can last from five to 75 years. True archival-grade media, often with a reflective layer of gold, can last 75 to 200 years [Peterson]." Knowing what type of media you're sta...

Blemishes: If you get a pimple the day of your portrait, leave it alone, as this will make it redder and harder to cover. One or two pimples can easily be digitally removed. Tans: If you don’t have a tan, don’t try to get a last minute tan or use self-tanning lotions. Tan lines, sunburn, and streaks from uneven application of self-tanning lotion are expensive to correct. Tattoos: If you have a tattoo and don’t want it to show in your portrait, let your photographer know. In most cases, tattoos can be digitally removed. (For an example, see previous post .) Makeup: Photography lighting tends to make the skin look shinier than usual. Avoid shiny or bright make-up that might cause reflection or glare. Avoid white eye makeup below or above the eyes as it does not photograph well. Apply a base to smooth your skin and make it look consistent. A loose translucent powder (not white) also helps eliminate shine. Use mascara to bring out your eyes. Lip gloss or a light lipstick is a must. Br...

Choosing a dress and accessories - regardless of occasion - can be magical. It's important when shopping to find an outfit that says "you." Your personality and beauty should be what onlookers notice first, not the outfit. The images below are covers from proof books for portrait sessions at Casa de Blanco .