Choosing the clothes you will wear for your portrait session is extremely important because it defines the color scheme of the image. I offer a small selection of gowns (Small-XL) and small girl dresses (up to size 5) in the studio for you to use. I don’t carry all kids sizes or men's clothing; however, so you should bring your own outfits as well.
Outfit Guidelines:
• Neutral tones and solid colours tend to work best because they allow your skin tone and facial expressions to be the focus of the image. Neutral schemes don’t distract from your faces and are a timeless way to commemorate this moment. Remember that your clothing should be you and yet simple:
• Colours - coordinate with the people in your photos with what to wear - you don't have to look identical in the style but choosing coordinating colours tones is essential. Eg. Warm tones: browns, soft rosy pinks, and creams go well together, likewise in the cooler tones coordinate with light and dark greys, whites and pale or muted blues.
• Colour intensity: If you want a darker image, make sure everyone wears dark colours, and the same goes with lighter tones! You don't want to be the one person that stands out like a sore thumb because you wore the red dress while everyone else went with white or green! (Unless that is the esthetic you want)
• Strapless or ‘open shoulder’ is the most flattering on any female as skin looks amazing in photographs and offers an extra sense of intimacy and connection in portraits. This is especially true in family images, partner photos, sisters or mother-daughter images where you have an intimate connection to the person.
• Men - Both long sleeves and short sleeves work for men, if it is a partner session, I will even encourage partners to go topless together to get that extra sensual skin to skin connection and intimacy.
• Accessories - Simple is better. Bright and patterned ties or other bold accessories can take away from the faces as it adds too much distraction and detail. Plain, monochromatic (single) colour ties or scarves are acceptable.
• Fabric Pattern - Stay away from complicated designs that look busy or have multiple colours in it! Simpler is better!
• Adornment - Jewelry is a personal choice, and if it is a part of who you are - wear it! Stay away from bright colours and textures.
• Texture & Flow- Some fabric textures photograph beautifully like lace, silks, linen, and cotton. Shiny fabrics can be distracting and reflect the light in strange patterns. This is mostly true when it is an intimate family portrait you are going for. However, if this is a glamour session with your sister, mother or bestie where you want to capture the sparkle, go for it!
• Fit - A shirt that is too loose or too small often adds pounds in-camera. Choose form-fitting outfits, no matter your size.
• Graphics - Big logos and pictures are distracting from the subjects, especially if they are in drastically different colors than the base shirt.
Some colours to avoid
- greens - It can cast a sickly hue on your skin tone if you aren't careful! If your skin has a yellow undertone or is paler I would avoid it altogether. Some greens can work, but I often err on the side of caution when it comes to green.
- corals & reds - if your skin has a red or pink undertone it can cast an even redder hue on your face making you appear more flushed than you are.
- yellows & oranges - if your skin has a yellow undertone it can make you look more jaundiced in the image.
*The best way to avoid colour casting is by choosing outfits that are neutral in tone: white, black, grey, beige, browns, soft pinks - any healthy skin tone colours are a good guide for choosing 'neutrality'*
