Portrait photography is a great way to capture the important milestones in the lives of you and your family members. Whether you've just had a new baby or you're about to retire, having a professional capture these important moments on film is a must. Here are a few dos and don'ts to help ensure that your portraits will turn out great.

Senior Portraits
Do: Ask that your portrait photography be taken indoors and outdoors. Having two perspectives will be invaluable when making your final selections.

Don't: Wear tons of makeup. Go with mascara, light foundation, and a matte lipstick to create a more natural, timeless look. Avoid eyeliner under the eyes, which can look gothic when photographed.

Executive Portraits
Do:While it is important to look professional and competent in your portrait, you don't want to appear stiff or uptight. Try to loosen up prior to sitting down to take your portrait. Drink some tea or try listening to relaxing music fifteen minutes before your session. For men, make sure to wait a week after getting a new haircut before having your photos taken. For women, avoid making drastic changes to your look prior to your shoot and skip the heavy makeup and complicated hairstyles.

Don't:Play "pick your own dress code." While your office might encourage casual Friday, that doesn't mean that your executive portrait should be taken with you in a polo shirt and khakis. Check with your boss to find out exactly what he or she considers appropriate attire before going in for your session.

Engagement Portraits
Do: Wear clothing that feels comfortable to you both. If your fiance` feels awkward in formal wear, consider having your engagement portrait photography shot in a casual style at a local park or other outdoor setting.

Don't: Force yourself to take staged photos, especially if one of you is shy in front of the camera. Ask your portrait photography expert to shoot you having a conversation or just hanging out.

New Baby Portraits
Do: Set up an appointment that is conducive with your baby's nap times.

Don't: Dress your baby up in silly costumes or unnecessary adornments. Your baby is the focus of the portrait, not the bumblebee skullcap that you picked up at the corner boutique.

Family Portraits
Do: Practice with your family before going in for your actual photo shoot. This will help younger children understand the concept of a group photo shoot and will make the final process go much smoother.

Don't: Dress your family in trendy clothes that will embarrass you a decade from now. Choose simple, elegant looks and try not to be too matchymatchy.

Pregnancy Portraits
Do: Show a little skin. Experts skilled in portrait photography know exactly how to show your naked belly without revealing too much skin. Think Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair.

Don't: Hide the fact that you're a different shape than you were before your pregnancy. Sure, you've put on a couple of pounds since baby came along. Slumping and looking generally uncomfortable will only accentuate that fact, causing you to appear dumpy in the photos. Show that pregnancy glow!

New Pet Portraits
Do: Get in the picture! Your new pet will shine if you join in on the photo. Consider matching an aspect of your clothing with your pet's collar for a bright color tie-in.

Don't: Bring in untrained pets. Nothing will embarrass you more than your dog choosing a corner of the portrait photography studio to do his thing.