Clothing Suggestions for Portrait Sessions

The selection of proper clothing for your portrait is a critical factor in the preparation for a successful portrait. If the clothing is noticeable or overbearing in a portrait, it could easily become a distraction. Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the goal. It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and simply another picture. You may be asked to change your clothing selection before your portraits are taken if you do not follow these basic guidelines.

Dark clothing tends to slenderize. Darker clothing helps to blend the bodies with the background, so that the faces are the most important part of the photograph. Dark colors tend to slenderize the subject.

Tone down bright colors. Bright colors pull attention away from the face and may be reflective. Avoid wearing red, bright pink, bright green etc. When choosing lighter colors, stick to pastels, but avoid pink tones. Pale yellow and pale blue work well, especially with jeans or khakis. These colors work great in nature if, as an example, you have a sunset photography session booked.

Light clothing can look beautifully fresh. If you are worried about not appearing slender, then it is probably safer to completely avoid white. White can look beautifully simple and fresh. White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect.

Prints and patterns are a definite NO.This includes logos. Avoid prints of any kind as well as patterns. No matter how small the print or the pattern, it will become a distraction. Since most photographers work exclusively in digital, small patterns in clothing (even a small herringbone or checkered pattern) can cause terrible distortions to appear in the portrait that are not physically there.

Avoid short sleeve clothing and short pants. Long sleeved clothing is a MUST! For casual portraits it is equally important to wear long pants instead of shorts. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face. This is a major distraction which must be avoided.

Don’t over accessorize! Overbearing or heavily noticeable accessories can be a major distraction. Simple and minimal works best.

Glasses. Eyeglasses may or may not be worn. Non-reflective lenses, of course, are a big help. Better yet, it’s sometimes possible to obtain a matching set of frames without any lenses. This is particularly helpful if your lenses cause distortion to the outline of your face.

Make-Up, Hair & Nails. Hair styles should be SIMPLE and MUST be off the face. Hair falling onto the sides of the face create distracting shadows. Bangs that come down too low onto the face will keep light from getting into the subject’s eyes – the most important part of the face. It is always a good idea to have your make-up and hair professionally done for your photography session. It will make a huge difference in how you look and feel. Having a preferred hair and make-up stylist is always the best. Allow enough time to have your hair and make-up done before your scheduled session. Your nails should be manicured. There should be no chipped nail polish!

Proper Necklines for a Portrait. The most flattering neckline for anyone is one that comes up close to the neck. A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck, such as a turtleneck or a V-neck top, is the most flattering. It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.

Group and Family Portrait Sessions. Keep your clothing simple and coordinating. It must be carefully selected to blend the various bodies of your family or group together. Avoid loud or busy patterns and large logos. Solid colors are best. First, decide whether the basic tone of the clothing will be warm-toned (browns, etc.) or cool-toned (blues/grays/blacks, etc.) Then, make sure to follow all above instructions. Keeping a group in similar colors focuses the attention of the portrait on the faces and individuals that make up the portrait. Dissimilar colors in groups tend to be more distracting. White tops with khakis or jeans can look very nice and casual, but if anyone in your family or group is extremely pale, white can make pale skin look paler. Jeans are the timeless choice and they’re great for fun, casual pictures because they are flattering and don’t show wrinkles or panty lines. Lighter shirts on top give the portrait a more casual and bright look. Pastels are also usually appealing because they enhance natural skin tones. Black or other dark shirts on top give the portraits a more serious and thoughtful feel (not to mention that black is slimming). Everyone should have color-coordinated outfits, but not a uniform necessarily. There should be a theme. For the children, choose outfits that fit well without a lot of “growing room”. Jeans or khakis and white or black tops are always very nice for a family portrait.

Preparation Tips. Lay out all clothing on a bed. Shoes, socks, stockings – everything should be included…even the shoes! Take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any one item, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. That item should be changed. Keep in mind that clothing should be neither too tight nor too loose.

Maternity Photo Sessions. The goal is to show off that adorable baby bump. Many photographers prefer to do maternity on a solid black or white backdrop. Black from head to toe is usually good; however, a flowing white outfit can also look great. A simple black or white (or both!) button down top in which the bottom area can be unbuttoned easily to expose your belly works best. Please encourage the father (and your children if you have others) to come along if you wish. They should also dress in solid black or white. Several poses with your hands showing will probably be taken, so be sure to remove any jewelry that you do not want in the pictures. Keep in mind that some women want to have their wedding ring in the picture while others do not. Most prefer to remove their wristwatch. If you know you are having a boy or a girl and know what your baby will be named, please let your photographer know that information as well. Finally, be assured that you will not be asked to leave your comfort zone. Your photographer doesn’t want to ask you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Please be up-front about what you would like and what you are willing to do. Your photographer will promise that they will do very graceful and tasteful posing for your photographs.

Newborns and Babies. 95% of the time, photographs of newborns and babies look best in their natural element (i.e., in their birthday suits!).  If you want them to be photographed with clothing, then solid colors usually work best. If you have an amazing outfit that you would love a photograph of, then include it. Bare feet are a must! Feel free to bring any kind of prop that you would like to be included. Many photographers prefer parents to dress in solid black from head to toe so that they can get the creative shots you are looking for.

Toddlers and Kids. Most photographers prefer to photograph children in a casual manner. Typically, that style of photography does not work well with traditional clothing or for traditional portraits. Try to leave the “Sunday Best” at home. Solid colors work best. Bright and fun and funky brings out a whimsical side while khakis, blue jeans, and white shirts are for more serious captures. A pretty dress is always beautiful for little girls. Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, boots, blankets, jackets, etc. They can be great to show personality and bring out the kids’ silly side. You should feel free to bring any other prop or comfort item that you might want to include.

Teens. Teens have their OWN sense of style. Most photographers love to let them express it however they wish.

Final thoughts. Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed for generations to come. Fad-type clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have new portraits made annually. All your efforts to adhere to these suggestions will be rewarded with great photographs!

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