Clothing Suggestions for Portraits
The making of successful portraits takes some effort. The choice of backgrounds, as well as natural looking posing, lighting and expressions are all responsibilities of your photographer. Coordinating the clothing is yours. Consider the look of the final portrait so no one person dominates. We don't want any strong distractions from the subjects faces.
Memorable portraits take careful planning, and the clothing you choose is very important to your portrait's success. These guidelines will help you to make important decisions about your portrait.
About Clothing, Color, Tone, and Style ...
The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer's attention to the face or faces in the portrait. Simple long-sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown rust, burgundy, green, or blue are pleasing choices when photographed against a dark background.
Guidelines for all portraits, studio or outdoors
All members of the family should be dressed to the same degree of formality or casualness. We recommend solid color clothing of the same tones. This should be classic, timeless clothing that doesn't date the portrait. If you want to use white or pastel tones, everyone should be similarly dressed. Avoid the look of one person standing out because of a bold, distracting pattern or a contrasting light top when everyone else is dressed darker (especially if that person is heavier). For more formal portraiture avoid T-shirts, sweats, tight short skirts (sometimes people are seated on the ground), heat transfer designs and bold patterns (including wide stripes). Some types of patterns create more' effects in digital equipment. (i.e. houndstooth pattern, contrasting stripes, etc.) This is not the time to experiment with a new hair style or extra makeup. Use makeup to cover blemishes if possible. Babies often spit up; please bring them a second outfit if possible. "Photo-gray" glasses photograph black outdoors and very dark in the studio. We will do everything we can to reduce glare in glasses. (if you always wear glasses, you should wear them in the photo.) We suggest non-glare coated lenses to avoid reflections. Glass glare can be retouched if necissary. Shoes may show in some poses. Pets are welcome!
Outdoor portraits
Casual or dressy, everyone should look like they belong together. Solid tops with nice jeans or khakis work well outdoors. Sweaters are excellent when the weather is chilly. Coordinate the colors so no one person stands out.
Home portraits (indoors)
These are usually created in your living room. We will use your natural home environment; if you have a plain background in mind, please arrange for a portrait at our studio. The in-home portrait is usually a more formal one. Wear solid clothing in the colors that coordinate with the colors in the room.
Formal studio portraits
Please dress as if you're going out to a fine restaurant. Solid darker clothing works best. Faces and expressions, not clothing, should be the center of interest in any portrait. Navy blue sweaters for boys look great over a dress shirt with a collar. Women should wear darker hose and avoid short, tight skirts.
White background studio portraits
Keep clothing simple. One, two or three solid colors work best. We recommend white socks or bare feet since we will ask you to remove your shoes. For a casual look, wear jeans with white tops or you can wear medium to darker color tops. Other options include dressy casual with khakis or a formal look.
Summary
- Simplicity is the key when it comes to planning a portrait. Solid colors are best. Avoid large or bold patterns and bright colors. They draw attention away from the face.
- Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended. They draw attention away from the arms and focus on the face. (Short sleeves are acceptable for infants and small children.
- Coordinate your child's attire from head to toe, carefully selecting appropriate shoes and socks or stockings, as we may suggest a full length pose.
- Darker clothing tends to minimize body size, and light tones tend to emphasize body size.
- Necklines are important. A scoop or v-neck is best if your neck is short and your face is full. A turtleneck or high-necked garment is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender.
- Dress everyone in the same style clothing. Do not mix casual and formal attire.
- White or light pastel clothing looks best in portraits taken against a white or light colored background. Dark clothing looks best photographed against darker backgrounds and creates a more formal mood.
- Do not mix light and dark colors. Save stronger colors and patterns for accent items like scarves and neckties.
- Women being photographed in full length should wear long skirts, pants, or dark stockings in order to keep the eye from being directed toward the legs and away from the face.
- If feet are to show in the portrait, make certain shoes and stockings are in keeping with the visual intent of the portrait.
- Men should have their hair cut about one week before the portrait session. Women should be photographed whenever they are happiest with their hair in relation to the time it is styled.
- Knits are preferred as they do not tend not to wrinkle. Try also to avoid material that is shiny and reflects light.
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