Clothing for Portraits: How to Tell Your Subjects What to Wear
Choosing the right clothing can make or break a portrait. It can enhance the subject's personality, complement the environment, and contribute to the overall mood of the image. Here's how to guide your subjects in selecting appropriate attire:
1. Start with Communication and Context:
* Initial Consultation/Discussion: Before the shoot, communicate with your subject about the goals of the portrait.
* *What is the portrait for?* (Professional headshot, family portrait, personal branding, etc.)
* *What is the desired mood or feeling?* (Serious, playful, approachable, sophisticated, etc.)
* *Where will the portrait be taken?* (Studio, outdoor location, at home)
* Provide Visual Examples: Show your subject examples of your previous work or inspiration images that align with the desired aesthetic. This helps them understand your style and expectations.
* Ask About Their Style: Understand their personal style. You want them to feel comfortable and confident in what they're wearing.
* Explain "Why": Don't just give instructions. Explain why certain clothing choices work or don't work for portraits. Understanding the reasoning helps them make better decisions.
2. General Guidelines for Clothing Choice:
* Fit is Key: Clothes should fit well. Avoid anything too tight or too baggy. Ill-fitting clothing will be distracting and unflattering.
* Color Palette:
* Solid Colors: Generally best. Solid colors minimize distractions and allow the viewer to focus on the subject's face.
* Complementary Colors: Consider the background and choose colors that complement it without blending in completely.
* Neutral Colors: Greys, blues, creams, and browns are often good choices as they are versatile and timeless.
* Avoid:
* Bright, saturated colors: Can be distracting and create color casts on the skin.
* Colors that clash: Unflattering color combinations can ruin the look.
* Patterns and Textures:
* Avoid Busy Patterns: Large, distracting patterns can pull focus away from the face. Subtle textures can add interest but avoid anything too overwhelming.
* Small, Subtle Patterns: If patterns are worn, keep them small and understated (e.g., a subtle herringbone).
* Textures: Fabrics like linen, corduroy, or knitwear can add depth and visual interest, especially in close-up shots.
* Necklines:
* V-necks: Generally flattering as they elongate the neck.
* Crew Necks: Can work well but can also make the neck appear shorter.
* Avoid: High necklines that choke the neck or anything too low-cut that could be distracting.
* Sleeves:
* Long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves: Often more flattering than sleeveless tops, especially for arms.
* Avoid: Sleeveless tops can draw attention to the arms if they aren't the focus.
* Accessories:
* Keep it simple: Too many accessories can be distracting.
* Consider the style: Jewelry should complement the outfit and the overall aesthetic of the portrait.
* Avoid: Large, flashy jewelry that overwhelms the subject. Remove watches with reflective faces if not intentional.
* Fabric:
* Avoid: Fabrics that wrinkle easily (linen without a blend).
* Consider: Fabrics that drape well and flatter the body.
* Logos and Branding: Avoid clothing with prominent logos or branding unless it's specifically for a branding shoot.
3. Specific Considerations for Different Portrait Types:
* Professional Headshots:
* Dress for the job: What would they wear to work or to a client meeting?
* Consider the industry: Corporate vs. Creative.
* Focus on the upper body: The shoulders and chest are most visible. A well-fitting jacket or blazer can add professionalism.
* Keep it timeless: Avoid trendy styles that will look dated quickly.
* Family Portraits:
* Coordinate, don't match: Choose a color palette and have everyone wear variations within that palette. Avoid everyone wearing the same exact outfit.
* Consider the location: What colors and styles will complement the environment?
* Comfort is key: Especially for children. Make sure everyone is comfortable and can move freely.
* Engagement Photos:
* Reflect their personality: Choose outfits that represent the couple's style and relationship.
* Consider the location: What will look good in the chosen environment?
* Bring variety: Consider bringing two outfits – one dressy and one more casual.
* Senior Portraits:
* Express their individuality: Encourage them to choose outfits that reflect their personality and interests.
* Variety is important: Allow them to bring multiple outfits to create different looks.
* Consider their hobbies: Incorporate items or clothing related to their hobbies or extracurricular activities.
4. Phrasing and Example Language:
* Instead of "Don't wear..." try "I recommend avoiding..."
* "For this shoot, I'm aiming for a classic and timeless look. Solid colors like navy, grey, or cream would work beautifully."
* "To make sure the focus is on your face, I suggest avoiding busy patterns. A solid-colored shirt or sweater would be perfect."
* "Bring a few different options, and we can decide what looks best on camera."
* "If you're unsure, feel free to send me pictures of your outfit choices, and I'm happy to give you my feedback."
* "Think about what you would wear if you were meeting an important client or attending a special event. That's the level of formality we're aiming for."
* "For family photos, choose colors that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Maybe shades of blues and creams."
5. Last-Minute Tips for the Shoot Day:
* Check for wrinkles: Have a steamer or iron available to remove any wrinkles from clothing.
* Lint roll: Remove any lint, pet hair, or other debris from clothing.
* Bring extra options: If possible, have your subject bring a few extra clothing options to choose from.
* Don't be afraid to make suggestions: If you see something that's not working, politely offer a suggestion for improvement.
* Focus on Confidence: The most important thing is that your subject feels comfortable and confident in what they're wearing. Their comfort will shine through in the photos.
By providing clear guidance and creating a collaborative environment, you can help your subjects choose clothing that will enhance their portraits and contribute to stunning results. Remember to be respectful of their personal style and preferences while guiding them toward choices that will look best on camera.