1. Communicate Clearly and Early
* Before the Shoot: Don't wait until the day of! Send out a detailed email or document (ideally with visual examples) well in advance (at least a week) so your subjects have time to plan.
* Be Specific: Vague terms like "dress nice" are unhelpful.
* Offer Options: Provide a range of suggestions to accommodate different tastes and body types.
* Consider a Questionnaire: A short questionnaire asking about their style, comfort level, and existing wardrobe can help you tailor your advice.
2. Key Considerations for Clothing Choices
* The Overall Aesthetic:
* Formal vs. Casual: Is the shoot meant to be professional, relaxed, or somewhere in between?
* Color Palette: Are you going for bright and bold, muted and natural, or a specific color scheme that complements the location/background?
* Style: Vintage, modern, bohemian, classic?
* The Location:
* Indoor Studio: More flexibility, but consider the background color/texture.
* Outdoor: What's the environment like (beach, forest, urban)? Consider the weather and potential for dirt/wrinkles.
* The Subject's Personality: The clothing should reflect who they are. If they feel uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.
* The Purpose of the Portraits:
* Professional Headshots: Conservative and polished is usually best.
* Family Portraits: Coordinated but not overly matchy-matchy is generally a good approach.
* Lifestyle Portraits: Clothing that reflects their hobbies and activities.
* Body Type and Comfort: Encourage clothes that fit well and flatter their figure. Avoid anything too tight or revealing unless that's their personal style and appropriate for the shoot.
3. Do's and Don'ts for Clothing
Do:
* Choose well-fitting clothing: Ill-fitting clothes look awkward in photos.
* Consider solid colors or subtle patterns: These tend to be more timeless and less distracting.
* Opt for comfortable fabrics: Especially for longer shoots, comfort is key.
* Layering: Adds dimension and visual interest (cardigans, jackets, scarves). It also allows for outfit changes without completely changing clothes.
* Coordinate, don't match exactly (for groups): Pick a color palette and have everyone wear different shades or complementary colors. Avoid everyone wearing the same white t-shirt and jeans.
* Consider the neckline: Different necklines flatter different face shapes.
* Pay attention to accessories: Jewelry, scarves, hats, and belts can add personality, but avoid anything too flashy or distracting.
* Test outfits beforehand: Have them try on their chosen outfit and take a quick selfie in similar lighting to the shoot.
* Bring extra options: If possible, encourage them to bring a backup outfit or two in case the first choice doesn't work as well as expected.
Don't:
* Wear clothes with large logos or distracting graphics: These can draw attention away from the face.
* Wear overly bright or neon colors: These can cast unwanted color onto the skin. Test them beforehand under your lighting.
* Wear clothes that are too tight or revealing: Unless that's the intended style and appropriate for the shoot.
* Wear wrinkled or stained clothing: Iron everything carefully! Consider bringing a travel steamer.
* Wear anything that makes them feel uncomfortable: Their discomfort will show in the photos.
* Wear busy, distracting patterns: Unless that's the central focus of the portrait and you know how to use it effectively.
* Wear clothing that clashes with the background: Consider the colors and textures of the location.
* Over-accessorize: Keep it simple and elegant.
4. Examples and Visual Aids
* Pinterest Boards: Create a Pinterest board with examples of clothing styles and color palettes that you like. Share the board with your clients.
* Example Photos: Show them examples of your previous work that illustrate the clothing styles you're recommending.
* Mood Boards: Combine images of clothing, locations, and overall aesthetic to create a visual representation of the shoot's vision.
* Color Swatches: If you have a specific color palette in mind, provide color swatches or paint chips for them to reference.
5. How to Phrase Your Suggestions
* Be polite and respectful: Avoid being bossy or critical. Frame your suggestions as helpful guidance.
* Explain your reasoning: Instead of just saying "don't wear that," explain why a different choice would be more flattering or effective.
* Use positive language: Focus on what they *can* wear rather than what they *can't*.
* Offer alternatives: If you don't like their initial choice, suggest a similar but more suitable option.
* Be open to their input: Listen to their concerns and be willing to compromise.
* Focus on the final product: Remind them that your goal is to create beautiful and flattering portraits that they will love.
Example Phrasing:
* "For this shoot, I'm envisioning a soft, natural look. I think neutral colors like creams, grays, and light blues would work beautifully. Something like a linen shirt or a simple knit sweater would be perfect."
* "To ensure everyone looks cohesive in the family photos, I suggest sticking to a palette of blues and greens. You could wear a navy dress, and your son could wear a green shirt. This will help create a visually harmonious image."
* "That shirt is lovely, but the pattern might be a little distracting in the photos. Do you have a solid-colored shirt in a similar shade that you could bring as a backup?"
* "For professional headshots, I generally recommend business casual attire in neutral colors. A tailored blazer or a button-down shirt would be a great choice."
6. The Day Of the Shoot
* Gentle Reinforcement: If someone shows up in something completely inappropriate, try to gently steer them toward a better option. You can say something like, "That's a lovely shirt, but the texture might not translate well in photos. Do you have anything else you could change into?"
* Focus on the Positive: Compliment their choices if possible, even if they're not exactly what you had in mind. Confidence is key to a good portrait.
* Don't Stress Too Much: Ultimately, it's their portrait, and they should feel comfortable and confident. If you've communicated clearly and offered guidance, trust their judgment. You can often work with less-than-ideal clothing choices with good posing and lighting.
In Conclusion:
Providing clear, helpful, and respectful guidance on clothing is an essential part of creating successful portraits. By communicating effectively, offering visual examples, and considering the overall aesthetic, location, and your subject's personality, you can help them choose outfits that will enhance their photos and make them feel their best. Remember to be flexible and adaptable, and focus on creating a positive and collaborative experience.