Proper Attire for Portraits

Selecting the proper clothing for your portrait is a critical factor. If the clothing is too noticeable, it could easily become a distraction. Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the ultimate goal. It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and just another picture.

• Dark Clothing Tends to Slenderize
  Light colors seem to add weight to the body. Darker clothing also helps to blend a body with the background, so that the face is the most important part of the photograph.

• Bright colors attract attention away from the face.
  White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket work well.
  A scarf loosely tied around the neck also helps to frame a face beautifully when a collarless blouse or sweater is worn.
  Neckties should be toned-down in color and with a minimum of pattern.

• Prints and any kind of pattern - no matter how small - can become a distraction.

• Try to avoid short sleeve clothing and short pants.
  When arms and legs are exposed, there is more flesh in the photograph, than on the face. This can be a  major distraction. 

• Proper Necklines for a Portrait
  A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck.
  A neckline that comes up to the base of the neck – a turtleneck or a v-neck top is the most flattering.
  It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.

• Think of the Whole Picture
  Try laying out all your clothing onto a bed. Shoes, socks, stockings, everything should be included.
  Then, take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. You may want to change that item.
  Clothing should not be too tight or too loose.
  Try selecting clothing, below the waistline, to be darker than above.
  Light jeans worn below a darker top may attract attention to the lower part of the body and away from the face.

• Hair Style and Makeup
  Consider hair styles that are simple and off the face.
  Hair that falls down onto the sides of the face (currently very much in style) creates distracting shadows.
  Bangs that come down too low, will keep light from getting into the subject's eyes - the very most important part of the face.
  Eye makeup should be blended - no sharp lines between colors.
  Avoid white above or below the eyes. It does not photograph well at all.
  Too much color above and below the eyes attracts attention. It actually takes attention away from your eyes, rather than attracting the viewer to the eyes.
  Foundation makeup should be blended at the jaw line, so that there is no demarcation between the face and the neck.

• Glasses
  Eye glasses may or may not be worn.
  Non-reflective lenses, of course, are a big help.
  The best way to avoid eye glass reflections is to borrow a set of frames form your optometrist.
  You may also have your optometrists them remove your lenses for the photo session. Many will do this at no charge, just ask.

• Group Portraits
  
  Clothing for group portraits must be carefully selected to blend the bodies together.
  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 of the above instructions.

• Finally
  Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed for many generations to come.
  Fad-type clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have new portraits made annually.
  
  You will feel very rewarded when you view your photographs. All of your efforts will be worthwhile.