Why Clothing Matters in Portraits:
* Focus: Clothing can either enhance the subject or distract from them. The right choices draw attention to the face and expression.
* Mood and Style: Clothing helps set the tone of the portrait (e.g., professional, casual, artistic).
* Consistency: If you're photographing multiple people together (family, team, etc.), cohesive clothing choices create a unified and harmonious look.
* Timelessness: Classic and simple clothing choices often age better than trendy or heavily patterned items.
* Confidence: When your subject feels good in what they're wearing, it shows in their expression and posture.
How to Communicate Clothing Advice (Before the Shoot):
1. Clear and Concise Guidelines:
* Create a Document: A written guide (email, PDF, online page) is best. It allows your subject to refer back to it.
* Visual Examples: Include images of outfits that align with your desired style (Pinterest board, examples from your portfolio). Visuals are often more effective than text alone.
* Keep it Simple: Avoid overwhelming your subject with too many rules. Focus on the most important points.
2. Personalized Communication:
* Initial Consultation: Talk to your subject beforehand to discuss their personal style, the purpose of the portraits, and any specific concerns they have.
* Offer Suggestions: If they're unsure, provide specific recommendations based on their coloring, body type, and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for.
* Encourage Questions: Let them know they can reach out if they have questions or need help choosing outfits.
3. Time to Prepare:
* Send Guidelines Well in Advance: Give your subject at least a week or two to plan and shop if needed.
* Offer to Review Outfits: If they're uncertain, encourage them to send you photos of potential outfits before the shoot.
Key Clothing Guidelines to Suggest:
* Color Palette:
* Neutral Colors: Earth tones (browns, greens, beiges), grays, blues, creams, and blacks are generally flattering and timeless.
* Solid Colors: Solid colors are often preferable to busy patterns. They help avoid distracting the viewer.
* Complementary Colors: If photographing multiple people, suggest a complementary color scheme (e.g., blues and yellows, greens and purples).
* Consider the Background: Think about the background of your shoot location and choose colors that complement it, rather than blend in or clash. Avoid colors that are the exact same as the background.
* Jewel Tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple can add sophistication.
* Fit and Style:
* Well-Fitting Clothes: Clothes should fit properly and be comfortable to wear. Avoid anything too tight or too baggy.
* Classic Styles: Timeless silhouettes (e.g., a simple button-down shirt, a-line dress) tend to look better in portraits.
* Consider Body Type: Offer advice on flattering styles based on the subject's body shape. For example, someone with a more curvy figure might like an empire waist dress.
* Patterns and Textures:
* Minimize Patterns: Small, subtle patterns can work, but avoid large, distracting patterns.
* Consider Texture: Texture can add interest to an outfit (e.g., a knit sweater, corduroy pants).
* Accessories:
* Keep it Simple: Avoid excessive or distracting jewelry. A simple necklace or earrings are often sufficient.
* Consider the Style: Accessories should complement the overall look and not overpower the outfit.
* Necklines:
* Flattering Necklines: V-necks and scoop necks are generally flattering. Avoid extremely low-cut or high-necked styles unless they're specifically desired for the look.
* Shoes:
* Consider the Location: Choose shoes that are appropriate for the shooting location.
* Comfortable Shoes: If the shoot involves a lot of standing or walking, prioritize comfort.
* Clothing to Avoid (Generally):
* Logos and Graphics: Avoid clothing with large logos or distracting graphics.
* Wrinkled Clothing: Make sure clothes are wrinkle-free. Iron or steam them before the shoot.
* Trendy or Dated Styles: These can make the portraits look dated quickly.
* Ill-fitting clothing.
* Colors that wash out the subject.
* Anything that makes the subject feel uncomfortable.
* Grooming:
* Hair: Ensure hair is styled and neat. Bring hairspray if needed.
* Makeup: If makeup is worn, ensure it is not too heavy or overdone. Consider hiring a professional makeup artist for best results.
* Nails: Clean and well-manicured nails are essential.
Example Wording for Your Clothing Guide:
Subject: Portrait Clothing Guide
Hi [Subject Name],
I'm so excited to photograph you! To help you prepare, here are some suggestions for clothing that will look great in your portraits:
* Overall Goal: We want your portraits to be timeless, flattering, and to really highlight *you*.
* Color Palette:
* I recommend neutral colors like creams, grays, blues, greens, and browns. These colors are generally flattering and won't distract from your face.
* If you're part of a group, try to coordinate your colors. Think about complementary colors or different shades within the same color family.
* [If applicable: For this shoot, we'll be using a [color] background, so please avoid wearing [color] to avoid blending in.]
* Clothing Style:
* Choose clothes that fit well and are comfortable to wear.
* Avoid clothing with large logos, busy patterns, or trendy details that might look dated in the future.
* Classic styles like button-down shirts, simple dresses, and well-fitting jeans are always a good choice.
* Consider bringing layers (e.g., a cardigan, jacket, scarf) to add variety to your photos.
* Accessories:
* Keep accessories simple and minimal. A nice watch, a delicate necklace, or small earrings can add a touch of personality.
* Things to Avoid:
* Wrinkled clothing (please iron or steam your clothes before the shoot).
* Clothing that doesn't fit well (too tight or too baggy).
* Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
* Examples: [Include a link to a Pinterest board or attach images of outfits that you think would work well.]
* Questions: Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help choosing your outfits! I'm happy to offer suggestions.
I look forward to seeing you on [date]!
Best,
[Your Name]
During the Shoot:
* Be Prepared to Adjust: Even with the best planning, things might need to be adjusted on the day of the shoot. Be flexible and offer suggestions if you see something that's not working.
* Provide Positive Feedback: Let your subjects know they look great! Confidence goes a long way in a portrait.
* Offer Alternatives: If possible, have a few extra accessories or props on hand to add variety or address any last-minute concerns.
Key Considerations:
* Your Style: Tailor your clothing guidelines to your personal photography style. Are you going for a classic, modern, edgy, or whimsical look?
* Purpose of the Portraits: Are these for professional headshots, family photos, senior portraits, or something else? The purpose will influence the clothing choices.
* Location: Consider the location of the shoot. Outdoor locations might require different clothing choices than indoor studio settings.
* Client Comfort: Ultimately, your client's comfort and confidence are paramount. Don't force them to wear something they're uncomfortable with. Work with them to find options that make them feel good.
* Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural and religious sensitivities when suggesting clothing.
By providing clear and thoughtful clothing guidelines, you'll help your subjects feel confident, and you'll create portraits that are both flattering and timeless. Good luck!