I. Before the Session: Pre-Consultation & Information
* Create a Style Guide/Welcome Packet: This is your best friend! A well-crafted guide explains your style, vision, and expectations for clothing. Include visuals (mood boards, examples of good/bad outfits), tips, and resources.
* Things to Include:
* Your Aesthetic: Briefly explain the overall feel of your portraits (e.g., classic, modern, natural, edgy, etc.). This helps subjects align their clothing choices with your style.
* Color Palette: Suggest a color palette that complements your style, locations, and the time of year. Examples:
* Neutrals: Cream, beige, gray, navy, olive green, denim. These are generally safe and timeless.
* Jewel Tones: Emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst. Great for adding richness and depth.
* Earth Tones: Brown, rust, terracotta, mustard. Ideal for outdoor, natural settings.
* Avoid: Neon colors, overly bright or distracting patterns (unless specifically requested), and colors that clash with the background.
* Fit & Comfort: Emphasize the importance of well-fitting clothes that are comfortable to move in. Ill-fitting clothes can look awkward and restrict posing.
* Fabric & Texture: Suggest fabrics that photograph well.
* Good: Cotton, linen, denim, wool, velvet, silk, lace (used tastefully).
* Avoid: Shiny fabrics (satin, anything too glittery) can reflect light and create unflattering highlights.
* Layers & Accessories: Encourage layering for visual interest and to create different looks. Suggest scarves, hats, vests, jackets, jewelry.
* "What to Avoid" List: Be direct about clothing items that generally don't photograph well. Examples:
* Logos (especially large, distracting ones)
* Wrinkled clothing
* Overly trendy items that might look dated later
* Athletic wear (unless the session is sports-themed)
* Clothes that show too much skin (unless appropriate for the session type)
* Strapless tops without a jacket can sometimes look unflattering.
* Inspiration & Examples: Include photos of past clients wearing outfits that align with your style. Link to Pinterest boards or other resources.
* Contact Information: Reiterate that you're available to answer questions and provide feedback on clothing choices.
* Schedule a Pre-Session Consultation (Phone, Video Call, or In-Person): This is ideal, especially for important sessions (family portraits, headshots, etc.).
* During the Consultation:
* Discuss the Vision: Understand what the subject wants to achieve with their portraits. What is the purpose of the photos? What kind of mood are they trying to create?
* Location and Background: Discuss the location of the shoot and how the clothing should complement the setting. If shooting in a park, earthy tones might be suitable. A studio setting allows for more flexibility.
* Review Clothing Options: Ask subjects to send you photos of outfit ideas *before* the session. This gives you a chance to provide constructive feedback. Be honest but kind.
* Consider Personal Style: While you want to guide them, respect their personal style and preferences. Find a balance between your vision and their comfort.
* Discuss Hair and Makeup: Briefly touch on hair and makeup. Suggest professional hair and makeup for a polished look (if within their budget).
* Address Concerns: Answer any questions they have and address any concerns they may have about choosing the right clothing.
II. Guiding Subjects on Clothing Choices: Specific Tips
* For Individuals:
* Consider Body Shape: Suggest clothing that flatters their body type. For example:
* Hourglass: Fitted tops and dresses that accentuate the waist.
* Pear-shaped: A-line skirts or dresses that balance the hips.
* Apple-shaped: Empire waistlines or tops that flow away from the midsection.
* Confidence is Key: Encourage them to choose clothes they feel comfortable and confident in. A confident subject will photograph better.
* Variety is Good: If they're bringing multiple outfits, suggest a variety of styles (e.g., casual, dressy, layered).
* For Couples:
* Coordinate, Don't Match: Avoid being too matchy-matchy. Instead, choose complementary colors and styles. For example, one person could wear a navy dress, while the other wears a gray shirt and khaki pants.
* Consider Their Relationship: The clothing should reflect their relationship. Are they playful and casual, or more formal and sophisticated?
* For Families:
* Start with One Outfit: Choose one outfit that looks great on someone in the family, and then build the rest of the outfits around that.
* Use a Color Palette: Pick 2-3 colors and have everyone incorporate those colors into their outfits.
* Consider Ages and Personalities: Let kids have some say in what they wear (within reason), as long as it fits the overall aesthetic.
* Think About the Location: Will you be shooting in an urban or outdoor environment?
III. Day of the Session: Final Check & Adjustments
* Confirm Outfits: When your subject arrives, take a moment to quickly review the outfits they've brought.
* Offer Minor Adjustments: If something doesn't look quite right, offer suggestions. Examples:
* "Could you tuck in your shirt a little more?"
* "Let's try removing the necklace. It's a bit distracting."
* "Can we roll up your sleeves a bit? It will give it a more relaxed look."
* Ironing/Wrinkle Removal: Have a steamer or iron on hand to quickly remove wrinkles if needed.
* Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up: If something is truly not working, politely and respectfully explain why and suggest an alternative.
* Focus on the Positive: Even if you have to make some adjustments, be sure to compliment your subject on their efforts and make them feel comfortable.
IV. Key Principles to Remember:
* Clarity is Crucial: Be clear and specific in your instructions. Avoid vague terms like "dress nicely."
* Be Kind and Tactful: Remember that clothing choices are personal. Offer constructive criticism with empathy and respect.
* Explain Your Reasoning: Explain *why* you're suggesting certain clothing choices. For example, "This color will really pop against the background" or "This fabric can reflect light in an unflattering way."
* Be Flexible: While it's important to guide your subjects, be open to their ideas and willing to compromise when necessary.
* Prioritize Comfort and Confidence: A comfortable and confident subject will always look better in photos.
* Provide Visuals: Show, don't just tell. Visual examples are much more effective than written instructions.
By providing clear guidelines, offering helpful feedback, and prioritizing your subject's comfort and confidence, you can help them choose the perfect clothing for their portrait session and create stunning images that they will cherish for years to come.