1. Before the Shoot: Communication is Key
* Pre-Shoot Consultation (In-Person or Phone): Ideally, have a conversation with your subject(s) before the shoot. This allows you to discuss the portrait's purpose, style, location, and desired mood.
* Mood Board or Visual Examples: Share examples of portraits with clothing styles that align with your vision. This helps your subject visualize the overall aesthetic.
* Written Guidelines/Style Guide: Create a simple, concise document outlining your clothing recommendations. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can refer back to it. Email it along with booking confirmations and reminders.
2. Key Factors to Consider When Giving Advice:
* Portrait Purpose:
* Professional Headshots: Aim for business attire.
* Family Portraits: Focus on coordinating colors and comfortable, timeless styles.
* Lifestyle Portraits: Choose clothing that reflects your subject's personality and activities.
* Creative/Artistic Portraits: More freedom, but still consider the overall concept and color palette.
* Location:
* Studio: Versatile, but be mindful of backgrounds and how clothing will contrast.
* Outdoor: Consider weather, scenery, and how clothing will interact with the environment (e.g., avoid bright colors that clash with nature).
* Color Palette:
* Complementary Colors: Use a color wheel to identify colors that look good together.
* Neutral Colors: Timeless and versatile, often work well in groups.
* Avoid Clashing Colors: Steer clear of colors that distract from the subject's face.
* Avoid Overly Bright/Neon Colors: Can be unflattering and distracting, especially with flash photography.
* Fit and Style:
* Well-Fitting Clothing: Clothes that are too tight or too loose can be unflattering.
* Comfort: If your subject is uncomfortable, it will show in their expressions.
* Timeless Styles: Avoid trendy pieces that will quickly date the photos.
* Simple Designs: Minimize distracting patterns, logos, or embellishments.
* Accessories:
* Keep it Minimal: Too many accessories can be distracting.
* Coordinate: Ensure accessories complement the outfit and overall style.
* Consider Removing Watches/Jewelry: Unless they are integral to the subject's style.
* Hair and Makeup:
* Natural Look: Suggest a natural makeup look that enhances features without being overdone.
* Hair Styling: Advise on neat and well-groomed hair.
3. Sample Clothing Guidelines (Customize to Your Style):
General Recommendations:
* Focus on Fit: Clothing that fits well is the most flattering. Avoid items that are too tight or too baggy.
* Solid Colors are Best: They tend to photograph better and are less distracting than busy patterns.
* Neutral Colors are Safe: Cream, gray, navy, brown, black, and muted shades work well in most settings.
* Coordinate, Don't Match: For group photos, aim for a color palette with complementary tones rather than everyone wearing the same thing.
* Consider the Location: If we're shooting outdoors, earthy tones and comfortable fabrics often look best. If we're in a studio, we have more flexibility.
* Be Comfortable: If you're not comfortable in your clothes, it will show in your photos.
* Bring Options: If possible, bring a few different outfits so we can choose the best one based on the lighting and location.
Specific Examples Based on Portrait Type:
* Family Portraits:
* Do: Coordinate colors (e.g., shades of blue and grey), comfortable fabrics, classic styles. Think about the overall mood – relaxed, playful, formal, etc.
* Don't: Everyone wearing the exact same outfit, overly bright or clashing colors, clothes with large logos or distracting graphics.
* Professional Headshots:
* Do: Business attire that reflects your profession (suit, blouse, dress shirt), well-fitting clothes, neutral or muted colors.
* Don't: T-shirts, overly casual clothing, busy patterns, distracting jewelry.
* Couple's Portraits:
* Do: Coordinate your outfits in terms of style and color palette, consider the location (e.g., dressier for a city shoot, more casual for a park).
* Don't: One person dressed formally and the other casually, clashing colors, clothes that feel "forced."
4. Wording and Tone:
* Be Respectful and Encouraging: Avoid being overly prescriptive or judgmental. Frame your advice as suggestions to help them look their best.
* Explain the "Why": Explain *why* you're making certain recommendations. For example, "Solid colors photograph best because they don't distract from your face."
* Offer Alternatives: If a subject has a specific item they want to wear, try to find a way to incorporate it or suggest alternatives that fit your vision.
* Be Open to Discussion: Encourage your subjects to ask questions and share their concerns.
* Emphasize Their Comfort and Confidence: Reassure them that your goal is to create portraits that they will love.
5. On the Day of the Shoot:
* Review Options: If your subject brought multiple outfits, take a look at them together and discuss which will work best.
* Make Minor Adjustments: Offer to help with small adjustments like steaming wrinkles or adjusting collars.
* Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up: If something isn't working, gently suggest an alternative.
Example Script/Email Template:
Subject: Preparing for Your Portrait Session!
Hi [Subject Name],
I'm so excited for your portrait session on [Date]! To help you prepare, I wanted to share a few tips on clothing.
My goal is to create images that capture your personality and look amazing. To achieve this, consider the following:
* Color Palette: I generally recommend [Colors - e.g., neutrals like gray, cream, and navy, or earth tones for an outdoor shoot]. These colors tend to photograph well and are flattering on most people.
* Fit: Make sure your clothes fit you well. Avoid items that are too tight or too baggy.
* Style: Think about a timeless style that reflects your personality. Avoid overly trendy pieces or clothes with large logos.
* Accessories: Keep accessories minimal. A simple necklace or earrings can be a nice touch.
* Bring Options! If possible, bring 2-3 different outfits so we can decide together what will work best on the day of the shoot.
You can find some visual examples of styles I like here: [Link to Mood Board/Pinterest Board/Example Photos].
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable!
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I'm here to help!
Best,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways:
* Plan ahead and communicate clearly.
* Focus on fit, color, and style.
* Prioritize your subject's comfort and confidence.
* Be respectful, encouraging, and open to discussion.
By following these guidelines, you can help your subjects choose the perfect outfits and create stunning portraits that everyone will love. Good luck!