I. Preparation: Before You Talk to Your Subjects
Before you even think about telling them what to wear, you need to be clear on:
* The Goal of the Portrait: *Who* is the portrait for? What is its *purpose*? Is it for:
* Professional Headshots: LinkedIn, corporate website, etc.
* Family Portraits: Christmas cards, wall art, milestones (graduation, engagement).
* Personal/Creative Portraits: Portfolio building, artistic expression.
* Dating Profile: Conveying personality and style.
* The Style/Aesthetic: What look are you aiming for? Consider these elements:
* Formal vs. Casual: Think suits vs. jeans and a t-shirt.
* Classic vs. Modern: Timeless pieces vs. trendy outfits.
* Light & Airy vs. Dark & Moody: Pastels vs. deep colors.
* Themed: (e.g., vintage, bohemian).
* The Location:
* Indoor Studio: More control, but backgrounds might be limited.
* Outdoor Natural Light: Consider the environment – a park, an urban setting, a beach? This will heavily influence clothing choices.
* The Background Colors & Textures: Will the clothing clash, complement, or blend into the background?
* Your Own Style: What are *you* good at shooting? Do you naturally lean towards certain colors, compositions, or moods? Stay true to your brand.
* Examples: Collect and organize inspiration images. Pinterest boards, your own portfolio, or favorite photos from other photographers are great resources. These are invaluable for showing your subjects what you envision.
II. Communication: Guiding Your Subjects
* The Pre-Session Consultation (Ideal): The best-case scenario is a conversation, in person (or via video call).
* Build Rapport: Get to know your subject(s). Ask about their personalities, hobbies, and what they want to convey in the portraits.
* Share Your Vision: Explain the goal, style, and location of the shoot. Show your inspiration images. This helps them understand your creative direction.
* Ask About Their Wardrobe: "What are some of your favorite pieces of clothing?" "What colors do you feel most comfortable in?"
* Offer Specific Guidance: Based on your planning, give tailored suggestions.
* If a Consultation Isn't Possible: The Written Guide (essential)
* Create a PDF or a Page on Your Website: This should cover the following:
* Introduction: Reiterate the purpose of the shoot, the style, and the location. Thank them for trusting you.
* General Recommendations:
* Fit is Key: Clothes that fit properly are crucial. Too tight or too baggy can be unflattering.
* Keep it Simple: Avoid overly busy patterns, logos, and distracting details. Simplicity allows the focus to remain on the face.
* Neutral Colors: Neutrals (grays, blacks, whites, creams, navy) are generally safe and timeless. They also don't compete with skin tones.
* Solid Colors are Preferred: Solid colors photograph best. If you want pattern, think subtle.
* Consider Skin Tone: Cool skin tones (pinkish undertones) often look good in blues, purples, and greens. Warm skin tones (yellowish undertones) often look good in yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. This is a generalization, of course.
* Long Sleeves vs. Short Sleeves: Long sleeves are generally more flattering for arms.
* Necklines: V-necks and scoop necks can be flattering, but be mindful of modesty. Avoid overly low-cut tops.
* Layers: Layers (jackets, cardigans, scarves) add dimension and visual interest.
* Shoes: Don't forget about shoes! They should coordinate with the outfit and be clean.
* Accessories: Jewelry, belts, hats, and scarves can add personality, but don't overdo it.
* Iron/Steam: Wrinkles are distracting. Ensure clothing is freshly ironed or steamed.
* Specific Considerations Based on the Shoot:
* Professional Headshots:
* "Dress for the job you want." (Meaning, dress at least as formally as you would for a typical workday.)
* Darker colors often convey authority.
* Consider the company's brand colors.
* Family Portraits:
* Coordinate, Don't Match:** Avoid everyone wearing the exact same thing. Choose a color palette (e.g., blues and grays) and have each person wear different shades and textures within that palette.
* Consider the Location: If you're at the beach, linen and light colors are appropriate.
* Think About Where the Photos Will Be Displayed: If you're hanging a portrait in your living room, choose colors that complement the décor.
* Outdoor Portraits:
* Avoid neon colors, which can cast unflattering light onto the skin.
* Things to Avoid:
* Logos: Logos are distracting and can make the photo look dated.
* Busy Patterns: Stripes, plaids, and polka dots can create moiré patterns in photos.
* Wrinkles: Wrinkles are distracting and difficult to remove in post-processing.
* Ill-fitting Clothes: Clothes that are too tight or too baggy can be unflattering.
* Trends That Will Date the Photo Quickly: Think of the fashion of the early 2000s!
* Bring Options: Encourage subjects to bring several outfits to the session so you can choose what works best on the day.
* Ask Questions: Include your contact information and encourage them to reach out with any questions they have.
* Inspiration Images: Include several examples of outfits that fit the style of the shoot. Visually demonstrate what you're looking for.
* Email Follow-Up:
* Send the written guide as an attachment or a link in an email.
* Reiterate key points.
* Offer to review photos of potential outfits. (This can be a huge help!)
III. During the Session: Fine-Tuning
* Be Observant: Pay attention to how the clothing looks on camera and under the lighting you're using.
* Make Adjustments: Don't be afraid to suggest minor adjustments. "Could you unbutton the top button of your shirt?" "Let's try rolling up your sleeves." "Can we take off the necklace?"
* Give Positive Feedback: "That color looks great on you!" "The fit of that jacket is perfect." Positive reinforcement will help your subjects feel more confident.
* If Something Isn't Working: Politely suggest a different outfit. This is why having options is important.
IV. Key Principles to Remember
* Be Clear and Concise: Avoid overwhelming your subjects with too much information.
* Be Positive and Encouraging: Make your subjects feel confident and comfortable.
* Be Specific: Provide concrete examples and suggestions.
* Be Flexible: Be willing to work with your subjects' preferences and limitations.
* Be Patient: Choosing the right clothing can take time and effort.
Example Scenario: Family Portraits at a Park in Autumn
1. Your Vision: Warm, inviting, and capturing the beauty of fall. You want a slightly rustic, natural feel.
2. Your Guidance:
* "For your family portraits, I'm envisioning a warm, cozy, and natural look. The goal is to capture your family's connection against the backdrop of the beautiful fall colors at the park. I'm thinking of rustic colors like mustard yellow, olive green, burgundy, and deep blues. Think comfortable and stylish!"
* "Please avoid bright white or neon colors, as they can be distracting. Instead, think about layering different textures and colors. For example, a mustard yellow sweater over a burgundy shirt would look fantastic! Accessorize with scarves or hats to add even more personality."
* "Coordinate, don't match! Let's have each family member pick something that compliments the others, but isn't exactly the same. For example, Mom could wear a burgundy dress, Dad could wear a deep blue sweater and khaki pants, the son could wear an olive green shirt with jeans, and the daughter could wear a mustard yellow cardigan over a white top and brown pants."
* "Think about shoes as well! Comfortable boots or stylish flats would be perfect."
* "Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. Please bring a few outfit options so we can choose what looks best on the day."
3. Visual Aid: Show example photos of families dressed in similar color palettes and styles.
By following these guidelines, you can help your subjects choose clothing that will enhance their portraits and make them feel their best. Good luck!