What to wear for your photo session
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None may be reproduced without explicit written permission. All rights reserved.
None may be reproduced without explicit written permission. All rights reserved.
Memorable portraits take careful planning, and the clothing you choose is very important to successfully achieve a timeless photograph.
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 garmets in medium to dark tones of brown, rust, burgundy, green or blue are pleasing choices
when photographed against a dark background. Avoid light colors that approximate flesh tones such as beige, tan, peach, white, and
yellow. Darker shades are more flattering and slimming.
- Proper clothing allows the face to dominate the portrait. All other elements should be secondary.
- Bold stripes, plaids, checks and prints are confusing and do not photograph well.
- Especially bright colors, such as red and orange, will completely overpower the face and ruin a portrait.
- Light colored clothing calls attention to itself and away from the face.
Clothing for Couples, Small Groups and Families
In a group, proper clothing coordination
is critical. When decorating a home, a major concern is to coordinate the colors and tones of the walls, carpets, draperies
and furniture. This kind of coordination is also necessary when selecting clothing for a group portrait. Choose clothing
in the same tonal ranges so that no single member of the family stands out because the clothing is too light or bright as compared
to the rest of the group.
- Couples or small groups should choose simple garmets within the same tonal ranges.
- Light and dark tones together create visual confusion, as one subject comes forward and the other recedes.
- Clothing that blends harmoniously creates timeless portraiture because the viewer's eye goes directly to the faces.
- Clothing in medium shades complement portraits made in outdoor environments.
Tips on Clothing Style and Accessories
- Very simple garments always photograph best.
- Turtle necks or V-necks are flattering provided that neither is exaggerated in style. Avoid very wide or particularly deep V-neck garments as well as bulky cowl neck sweaters that completely hide the neck.
- Long sleeves are essential for teens and adults, as bare arms call attention to themselves and will overpower the face.
- 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.
Capturing your memories to last a lifetime.
Dana Rutz Photography
