Memorable portraits take careful planning. Keep in mind that the focal point of any fine portrait is the face or faces in the portrait. Therefore, your selection of clothing impacts the overall end result of your image, so choose carefully.
Here are a few basic rules of thumb that you may find helpful:
- Very simple garments always photograph best, understated basics that allow YOU to shine through. No crazy patterns, lines, or dots.
- Colors:
- Darker shades are more flattering and slimming. Medium to dark tones of blue, green, burgundy, and rust brown photograph nicely against a dark background.
- Avoid bright white or light colors that approximate flesh tones, such as beige, tan, peach, yellow and pink.
- ·Always include a darker top or shirt in your options. A simple, dark top allows the real focus to be the person’s face. An added bonus is that they also tend to be slimming.
o One exception to the black/dark top rule A very fair complexion with a very dark top can be too much of a contrast; and someone with dark skin tones, dark clothing can mean not enough contrast.
- Collars: Collared shirts work really well when photographing men. They aren’t essential for every shot, but collars frame the face in a particularly flattering way.
- Turtle necks or V-necks look great, as long as they’re not exaggerated in style. Avoid bulky cowl neck sweaters that completely hide the neck; you’ll wind up looking like a line-backer.
- Avoid short sleeved tops or shorts, (unless that’s the type of image you’re going for). Exposed arms and legs distract from the main focal point of the photo – your face. Long sleeves are often a photographer's preference for teens and adults.
- Women being photographed in full length should wear long skirts, pants, or dark stockings (even boots) in order to keep the eye from being directed toward the legs and away from the face. Again, this, of course, doesn't apply if you're going for a fun, summer-time look.
- If your feet will show, make sure your shoes (and stockings, if worn) are in keeping with the visual intent of the portrait.
- Hair: Men, don’t get a haircut just before your photo session. Schedule your haircut 2-3 weeks before the portrait session. Women, arrange your photo shoot whenever you are the happiest with your hair, or have your hair done especially for the occasion.
- Accessories/props: Get creative! Bring hats, cool shoes, boots, jackets, jewelry, scarves—you name it! Got an awesome prom dress? I love a good prom dress in a grungy location—fun, unexpected. If you’re unsure about something, bring it.
- Bring props that are meaningful to you. Are you involved in sports? Dance? Cheerleading? Music? We can work with your uniforms or sports equipment—tennis rackets, soccer balls, pompoms, well-loved dance shoes. We want your pictures to be an expression of who you are right now, and these activities are part of your identity. If you play a musical instrument, bring it—musical instruments are beautifully made and photograph very nicely.
In summary, a little forethought about your clothing and accessories will go a long way to creating the portrait you want.
