1. Before the Shoot: Communication and Planning
* Consultation: This is the most crucial step. Have a conversation (in person, over the phone, or via video call) with your subject well in advance of the shoot. Discuss their personal style, the purpose of the portraits, the desired mood, and the location.
* Mood Board/Inspiration: Create a mood board (Pinterest is great) or share examples of your work and other portraits that resonate with the desired aesthetic. This helps your subject visualize the overall look and feel you're aiming for.
* Questionnaire: A simple questionnaire can help you gather information. Include questions like:
* "What is the purpose of these portraits?" (e.g., professional headshots, family memories, personal branding)
* "What is your personal style? (e.g., classic, modern, bohemian, casual)"
* "What colors do you feel most confident in?"
* "What outfits do you love wearing?"
* "Do you have any specific concerns about your body that you want to address with clothing choices?"
* Written Guide/PDF: Provide a written guide with specific dos and don'ts, color palette suggestions, and examples. This serves as a reference point. Tailor this guide based on the type of portrait.
* Offer Wardrobe Assistance: If you have the time and resources, consider offering to review their wardrobe via photos or even in person. This can be extremely helpful.
2. General Guidelines for Clothing Choice:
* Comfort and Confidence are Key: The most important thing is that your subject feels comfortable and confident in what they're wearing. An uncomfortable outfit will show in their expression and posture.
* Timelessness: Avoid trendy or overly fashionable pieces that will quickly date the photos. Focus on classic silhouettes and timeless styles.
* Fit is Crucial: Clothes should fit well. Too tight or too loose will be unflattering. Consider alterations if necessary.
* Colors:
* Complement Skin Tone: Suggest colors that complement their skin tone and hair color. Generally, jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red) look good on many skin tones.
* Avoid Neons and Distracting Patterns: Bright, neon colors can reflect onto the skin and be distracting. Busy patterns can also detract from the face. Small, subtle patterns can work, but avoid anything overwhelming.
* Color Palette Consistency (for Groups): For group portraits, suggest a cohesive color palette. This doesn't mean everyone has to wear the same color, but choose 2-3 colors that complement each other and encourage people to wear variations of those colors. Think about the location and choose colors that work well with the background.
* Consider the Season: Adjust color choices based on the season. Earthy tones work well in fall, while lighter colors are suitable for spring and summer.
* Fabric:
* Avoid Wrinkle-Prone Fabrics: Linen, for example, can look messy if it wrinkles easily. Choose fabrics that drape well and don't show wrinkles easily. Consider bringing a steamer or iron to the shoot.
* Avoid Shiny or Reflective Fabrics: These fabrics can create unwanted highlights and glare in photos.
* Texture Can Add Interest: Consider adding texture through fabrics like knits, corduroy, or lace.
* Necklines: V-necks and scoop necks tend to be more flattering than high necklines.
* Sleeves: Generally, sleeves are more flattering than sleeveless tops, especially for women. 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves are often a good choice.
* Accessories:
* Keep it Simple: Avoid overly large or distracting jewelry. A simple necklace or earrings can add a touch of elegance.
* Coordinate with Outfit: Accessories should complement the outfit, not compete with it.
* Consider Removing Watches and Other Distracting Items: These can sometimes be a distraction in portraits.
* Shoes: Shoes should be clean and well-maintained. Consider the location when choosing shoes.
* Layers: Layers can add visual interest and allow for versatility in the shoot. A jacket, cardigan, or scarf can easily be added or removed to create different looks.
3. Tailoring Advice to Specific Portrait Types:
* Professional Headshots:
* Dress for the Role: Clothing should be appropriate for the subject's profession and industry. A lawyer might wear a suit, while a creative professional might opt for a more relaxed outfit.
* Focus on the Upper Body: Since the focus is on the face, pay extra attention to the top.
* Avoid Distracting Patterns or Colors: Keep it simple and professional.
* Family Portraits:
* Coordinate, Don't Match: Aim for a cohesive color palette but avoid everyone wearing the same outfit.
* Consider the Location and Season: Choose colors and styles that are appropriate for the setting and time of year.
* Think About the Home Decor: If the portraits will be displayed in the home, choose colors and styles that complement the existing decor.
* Senior Portraits:
* Reflect Their Personality: This is a chance for the subject to showcase their individual style.
* Multiple Outfits: Encourage them to bring a variety of outfits that reflect different aspects of their personality.
* Consider Props: Props that are meaningful to the subject can add a personal touch.
* Engagement Portraits:
* Comfort and Style: Choose outfits that are comfortable and stylish.
* Consider the Location: The location will influence the clothing choices. A beach engagement shoot will call for different attire than a city engagement shoot.
* Coordinate, Don't Match: As with family portraits, aim for a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy.
4. Things to Avoid:
* Logos and Branding: Avoid clothing with large, prominent logos or branding.
* Text on Clothing: Text can be distracting and take away from the portrait.
* Wrinkled Clothing: Wrinkles can be difficult to fix in post-processing.
* Clothing That Doesn't Fit Well: Ill-fitting clothing can be unflattering and uncomfortable.
* Overly Revealing Clothing: Avoid clothing that is too revealing, as it can be distracting and may not age well.
5. During the Shoot:
* Offer Gentle Guidance: If you notice something that needs adjusting (a stray hair, a wrinkled collar), politely point it out to your subject.
* Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your advice based on the specific lighting and location.
* Focus on Confidence: Remind your subjects that the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident.
Example Email/Message:
Subject: Wardrobe for Your Portrait Session!
Hi [Subject Name],
I'm so excited for our portrait session on [Date]! To help you prepare, I wanted to share some thoughts on wardrobe.
The goal is to create timeless and flattering images that reflect your personality.
Here are some general guidelines:
* Comfort is Key: Wear something you feel confident and comfortable in.
* Colors: Jewel tones and muted earth tones generally photograph well. Avoid neons and very busy patterns. Think about [Location of Shoot - e.g., "the park's fall foliage" or "the studio's neutral backdrop"].
* Fit: Make sure your clothes fit well - not too tight or too loose.
* Layers: Consider bringing a cardigan, jacket, or scarf to add visual interest and give us some options.
I've also attached a PDF guide with more specific tips and examples.
I'm happy to chat more about your outfit choices. Feel free to send me some photos of what you're thinking of wearing, and we can discuss them.
Looking forward to it!
Best,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways:
* Proactive Communication: Don't leave wardrobe choices to chance. Communicate expectations and offer guidance well in advance.
* Personalize Advice: Tailor your advice to the subject's personality, the purpose of the portraits, and the location.
* Focus on Confidence: Encourage your subjects to choose outfits that make them feel good about themselves.
By providing clear and helpful guidance, you can ensure that your subjects feel prepared and confident, which will ultimately lead to better portraits. Remember to be patient, understanding, and supportive throughout the process. Good luck!