I. Establishing the Foundation: Before You Say Anything About Clothes
* 1. Understand the Purpose & Style:
* What's the portrait for? Headshots (business/acting), family portraits, graduation, a personal branding shoot, a gift? The purpose dictates the level of formality and overall feel.
* Your Style: Are you a bright and airy photographer, a moody and dramatic one, or something in between? Your clothing suggestions should complement your shooting and editing style. Show examples of *your* work and explain how clothing choices affected the outcome.
* Client's Vision: Discuss their vision with them. What are they hoping to achieve with the portrait? What feeling do they want to convey? Do they have any specific colors or themes in mind?
* 2. Create a Client Questionnaire/Consultation:
* Purpose: Gather key information upfront to tailor your advice.
* Include questions about:
* Their personal style (Classic, trendy, casual, etc.)
* Their favorite colors and colors they dislike.
* Their body type and what they feel most comfortable in.
* Locations they are considering.
* The "look" they are hoping to achieve
II. Giving Clothing Advice: The Key Principles
* A. Clarity and Specificity: Avoid vague advice like "wear something nice." Be clear and provide concrete examples.
* B. Simplicity is Key: Simple clothing usually photographs best. Avoid overly busy patterns, logos, and distracting embellishments.
* C. Fit is Paramount: Clothing should fit well – not too tight, not too baggy. Well-fitting clothing flatters the body.
* D. Color Considerations:
* Complementary Colors: Think about the background and overall color palette. You want the clothing to complement the surroundings, not clash.
* Neutral Tones: Neutrals (gray, navy, black, white, cream, brown) are generally a safe bet and can be dressed up or down.
* Avoid Neons: Neons can be difficult to photograph and can cast strange colors on the skin.
* Solid Colors: Solid colors are usually preferable to patterns.
* Color Harmony (for Groups): Choose a color palette (e.g., jewel tones, earth tones, pastels) and have everyone coordinate within that palette. Avoid everyone wearing the *exact* same color.
* E. Fabric Matters:
* Avoid Wrinkles: Fabrics that wrinkle easily (like linen) should be avoided or carefully steamed/ironed.
* Texture: Fabrics with interesting textures (like knit, velvet, or corduroy) can add depth and visual interest to the portrait.
* F. Accessorize Thoughtfully:
* Less is More: Accessories should enhance the outfit, not overwhelm it.
* Timeless Pieces: Classic jewelry (pearls, simple necklaces, elegant watches) tend to photograph well.
* Consider the Neckline: Choose necklaces that complement the neckline of the shirt or dress.
* Shoes: Don't forget about shoes! They should be clean and in good condition.
* G. Confidence Boost: Encourage subjects to choose clothing that makes them feel confident and comfortable. If they don't feel good in what they're wearing, it will show in the photos.
III. Specific Clothing Recommendations by Portrait Type
* A. Headshots (Business/Acting):
* Business Professional: Suit jacket, dress shirt/blouse, tie (for men). Consider the industry – more conservative industries may require darker colors.
* Business Casual: Button-down shirt/blouse, sweater, blazer, dress pants/skirt. Avoid overly casual items like t-shirts or jeans (unless it's part of your brand).
* Acting Headshots:
* Versatility: Choose clothing that is versatile and can be used to portray different characters.
* Solid Colors: Solid colors are generally best for acting headshots.
* Necklines: Different necklines can create different looks.
* Comfort: Make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing.
* B. Family Portraits:
* Coordinate, Don't Match: Choose a color palette and have everyone coordinate within that palette. Avoid everyone wearing the exact same color and avoid everyone wearing different loud colors.
* Consider the Location: If you're shooting outdoors, choose colors that complement the natural surroundings.
* Comfort is Key: Especially for young children, choose clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in.
* Layers: Layers can add depth and interest to the photos.
* C. Senior Portraits/Graduation Photos:
* Showcase Personality: Encourage seniors to choose clothing that reflects their personality and style.
* Variety: Suggest bringing multiple outfits to create different looks.
* Consider the Cap and Gown: Choose clothing that will look good under the cap and gown.
* D. Couple Portraits:
* Complement Each Other: Couples should complement each other's style and color choices.
* Think About the Mood: What is the feeling they are hoping to achieve? Choose clothing that aligns with that mood.
* Comfort: Again, comfort is important.
IV. Practical Tips for Communicating Clothing Advice
* A. Written Guide/Style Guide:
* Create a detailed PDF guide with examples and specific recommendations. This is a valuable resource to send to clients before the shoot. Include pictures!
* Cover topics like: Color palettes, fit, fabrics, accessories, and what to avoid.
* B. Visual Examples:
* Incorporate images into your style guide or website showcasing examples of clothing that works well in portraits. Use *your own* images to show how your style affects the end result.
* Create a Pinterest board with outfit ideas.
* C. Offer Feedback:
* Encourage clients to send you photos of their outfit choices before the shoot. Provide constructive feedback and suggest alternatives if needed.
* D. Be Tactful and Empathetic:
* Remember that clothing choices are personal. Be respectful of your clients' style and preferences.
* Phrase your advice in a positive and encouraging way. Focus on how the right clothing choices can enhance their portraits.
* E. Consider a "Closet Consult" (Optional):
* For high-end clients, you could offer a service where you help them choose outfits from their existing wardrobe.
V. What NOT To Say (and What To Say Instead)
| What NOT To Say | What To Say Instead |
| -------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "That outfit is terrible, don't wear that." | "Hmm, while I appreciate the style, that pattern might be a little distracting in the photos. Do you have something with a solid color we could try?" |
| "You look fat in that." | "Clothing that fits well is essential. Maybe something a little more tailored would be more flattering." |
| "Just wear something nice." | "For this type of portrait, I recommend a [dress shirt/blouse] paired with [dress pants/skirt] in a [color] palette. Do you have something like that?" |
| "I don't care what you wear." | "Choosing the right clothing can really elevate your portraits. I've put together some tips to help you choose something that will look great." |
| "That's too casual." | "For the look we're going for, something a bit more polished would be ideal. How about trying [suggestion]?" |
VI. The Final Word
The most important thing is to communicate clearly, provide helpful guidance, and make your clients feel confident and comfortable. By taking the time to advise them on what to wear, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning portraits that they'll cherish for years to come. Good luck!