Clothing for Portraits: Guiding Your Subjects to Stunning Results
The right clothing can make or break a portrait. Guiding your subjects on what to wear is crucial to achieving your desired aesthetic and ensuring they feel confident and comfortable. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this conversation:
1. Communicate Early and Clearly:
* Incorporate it into your booking process: Include a "What to Wear" guide or section in your initial communication (website, email, questionnaire). This sets expectations from the beginning.
* Send a personalized message: After booking, send a tailored email outlining clothing suggestions. This shows you're attentive and invested in their portrait session.
* Include visual examples: Use mood boards or Pinterest boards to visually communicate your style preferences. This helps subjects understand what you mean by "classic" or "bohemian."
2. Understand Your Goals and Style:
Before offering advice, clarify your vision:
* What's the overall mood? (Formal, casual, playful, dramatic?)
* What's the setting? (Studio, outdoors, urban, natural?)
* What colors are you using in the backdrop/environment?
* What's the purpose of the portrait? (Professional headshot, family memory, artistic expression?)
* What is your personal photography style? (Clean and minimalist, warm and rustic, bold and vibrant?)
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you provide specific and relevant guidance.
3. General Guidelines (The "Do's and Don'ts"):
* DO:
* Choose comfortable clothing: Subjects should feel relaxed and confident.
* Opt for classic and timeless styles: Avoid overly trendy pieces that will quickly date the photos.
* Consider layering: Layering adds dimension and visual interest. Think jackets, vests, scarves, or cardigans.
* Select well-fitting clothes: Avoid anything too tight or too loose.
* Coordinate, don't match: For group portraits, choose a cohesive color palette rather than everyone wearing the same outfit.
* Keep it simple: Minimize distractions with busy patterns and logos.
* Think about undergarments: Choose supportive and invisible undergarments. Nude or skin-toned options are often best.
* Iron or steam clothes: Wrinkles are distracting and difficult to remove in post-processing.
* Consider the season: Dress appropriately for the weather.
* DON'T:
* Wear overly bright or neon colors: These can reflect onto the skin and create unwanted color casts.
* Choose clothing with large logos or distracting graphics: These draw attention away from the face.
* Wear clothing that is too revealing: Keep it tasteful and avoid anything that makes the subject feel uncomfortable.
* Wear busy or overwhelming patterns: These can clash and distract.
* Over-accessorize: Too many accessories can be distracting. Choose a few key pieces that complement the outfit.
* Forget about shoes: Shoes can be visible, so make sure they are clean and appropriate for the setting.
* Wear anything that is brand new: New clothing can sometimes be uncomfortable or have tags showing.
4. Specific Recommendations Based on Portrait Type:
* Professional Headshots:
* Focus on fit and quality: A well-tailored suit or blazer is ideal.
* Choose neutral colors: Navy, gray, black, or dark brown are classic choices.
* Consider a subtle pop of color: A colorful tie or scarf can add personality.
* Avoid distracting jewelry: Keep jewelry minimal and professional.
* Family Portraits:
* Coordinate colors and styles: Choose a color palette of 2-3 colors and encourage family members to wear variations within that palette.
* Consider the location: Dress appropriately for the environment (e.g., jeans and t-shirts for a park, dressier attire for a studio).
* Incorporate textures and layers: This adds visual interest and depth.
* Think about the ages of the children: Comfort is key for young children.
* Couple Portraits:
* Complement each other: Choose outfits that coordinate in color and style without being too matchy-matchy.
* Reflect their personalities: Encourage them to wear clothing that represents their individual styles and relationship.
* Consider the setting and mood: Dress appropriately for the location and the desired aesthetic.
* Individual Portraits (Creative/Artistic):
* The possibilities are endless! Encourage the subject to express themselves through their clothing.
* Consider the concept and story: Choose clothing that supports the overall narrative.
* Experiment with colors, textures, and styles: Don't be afraid to break the rules!
5. How to Communicate with Your Subjects:
* Be approachable and friendly: Build rapport and make them feel comfortable asking questions.
* Offer specific suggestions: Instead of saying "wear something nice," say "a flowy dress in earth tones would look beautiful in the field."
* Explain your reasoning: Help them understand why certain clothing choices work better than others. For example, "Lighter colors will reflect the light and create a softer look."
* Be flexible and accommodating: Respect their individual preferences and offer alternatives if they are uncomfortable with your initial suggestions.
* Encourage them to bring options: Having a few different outfits to choose from allows for more variety and flexibility during the shoot.
* Review clothing choices before the shoot: Ask them to send you photos of their outfit options in advance so you can provide feedback.
* Reinforce the positive: Focus on what they are doing well and compliment their choices.
Example Wording for your "What to Wear" Guide:
Option 1 (General):
> "Choosing the right clothing is an important part of creating beautiful portraits! I recommend selecting comfortable, well-fitting clothes in classic styles. Neutral colors and subtle patterns generally photograph best. Avoid overly bright colors, large logos, and distracting graphics. Layering adds dimension and interest. If you're unsure about what to wear, feel free to send me some photos of your outfit options!"
Option 2 (More Specific, For a Family Portrait in a Field):
> "For our family session, I envision a relaxed and natural look. I love seeing families coordinate in a color palette of earthy tones like creams, browns, greens, and blues. Think flowy dresses, linen shirts, and comfortable pants. Avoid anything too bright or neon, and try to minimize logos or graphics. Layers like cardigans, vests, or scarves can add visual interest. Most importantly, choose clothing that you feel comfortable and confident in!"
Key Takeaway:
Guiding your subjects on what to wear is a collaborative process. By providing clear and thoughtful recommendations, you can help them choose clothing that complements their personality, enhances the overall aesthetic, and contributes to stunning portraits. Remember to be kind, patient, and flexible, and always prioritize their comfort and confidence. Good luck!