[Read more →]

The purpose of portrait photography–even when on-location–is to direct attention to the people in the image, so attire selections should keep this goal in mind. Of course, attire will differ depending on the people, purpose, location, and season.

General

• Make time to review your closet(s) and think about what to wear. You likely have very nice things but may need to add one piece to complete an outfit.
• Prints, plaids, bold checks and bold stripes are distracting and do not photograph well.
• Bright colors can overpower skin tones (reds can make make a face look flushed) and should be selected with care.
• Long sleeves are important. This is usually hard if it’s warm, but it makes a big difference in the shoot. If your arms are exposed, the attention will go to that skin and not your face. Only children under the age of 5 should have exposed limbs.
• If you have a quilt or blanket that matches your attire and you want it for the ground, please bring it.
• If you have children in the shoot, consider their specific needs.

Remember, too, there are very good reasons for exceptions to each rule. You may want grandpa’s pocket watch in the shoot, for example. Don’t let these guidelines be too restrictive. If you have questions, please ask.

Finally, remember: this is all for FUN!

[Read more →]

• For some skin tones, certain clothing colors can draw attention away from the face. Avoid tones that match the subjects’ skin tones. Caucasian subjects may not look their best in beige, tan, peach, pink, yellow, cream, white, or other light colors (unless photographing at the beach). African subjects may not look their best in black, brown, navy, maroon, hunter green, or other dark colors.
• Solids are much better than patterns. Again, we want the attention on you and not what you are wearing.
• Keep jewelry modest. If you wear any, make sure they are dainty pieces. Follow a rule of five. Wear no more than five accessories (belt, ring, bracelet, earrings, necklace). Do not wear a watch.
• Coordination. If you plan to have two or more people in the shoot, it’s best if you work together to coordinate your outfits’ color schemes.
• Put everyone in the same type of colors and fabric, but do not wear completely matching outfits. Effective combinations include khaki/white; denim/white; denim/black; khaki/black, denim/khaki. Variations in the shades of denim or khaki will look fine. It’s also ok to mix along natural lines. For example: mom and dad can wear black pants with denim shirts or jackets. The kids can wear denim jumpers or overalls with black shirts underneath.
• Colors are important because we want you to contrast with the green in the environment (and blue if shooting during the spring’s bluebonnets) that will be in the pictures.
• Yellow, Orange, Pink, Navy, Black, White, Khaki, and Denim all work well.

[Read more →]