Clothing for Portraits: How to Guide Your Subjects
The clothing your subjects wear in a portrait significantly impacts the overall mood, style, and impact of the image. Communicating your vision clearly and tactfully will help them choose outfits that contribute to a successful photoshoot. Here's a breakdown of how to guide your subjects on what to wear:
1. Communicate Before the Shoot (Essential!)
* Send a "What to Wear" Guide (Highly Recommended): A written guide allows your subjects to refer back to your recommendations and offers concrete examples.
* What to Include in the Guide:
* The Overall Aesthetic: Briefly describe the style you're aiming for (e.g., classic, modern, natural, edgy). This helps them understand the vibe you're going for.
* Color Palette: Specify a color scheme. Examples:
* "Neutrals (whites, creams, greys, blacks) with pops of color"
* "Earth tones (browns, greens, oranges)"
* "Cool tones (blues, purples, greys)"
* "Avoid bright, distracting colors like neon pink or lime green."
* Fit and Style:
* "Well-fitting clothes that flatter your body type are key."
* "Avoid overly baggy or tight clothing."
* "Classic styles that won't look dated quickly."
* Consider suggesting specific types of clothing, such as: "Flowing dresses," "Structured blazers," "Simple button-down shirts."
* Patterns:
* "Solid colors generally work best for portraits."
* "If you choose patterns, keep them subtle and avoid anything too busy or distracting (e.g., thin stripes can cause moiré)."
* Accessories:
* "Keep accessories minimal and complementary to the outfit."
* "Avoid large, distracting jewelry."
* "Consider bringing a scarf or hat for variety."
* Shoes:
* "Choose shoes that are comfortable and fit the overall style."
* "Avoid athletic shoes unless they are part of the intended look."
* Grooming:
* "Ensure hair is neatly styled and makeup is natural and flattering."
* "Trim beards and groom facial hair."
* Examples: Include visual examples (photos) of outfits that align with your vision. Use photos of previous shoots or find inspiration online.
* Questionnaire (Optional): Send a questionnaire to learn about their personal style, comfort levels, and any specific clothing items they already own. This helps you tailor your recommendations.
* Phone Call/Video Chat: Discuss clothing options directly with your subject. This allows for personalized advice and answers their questions.
* Mood Board (Optional): Share a mood board that visually represents the desired aesthetic, including clothing styles, colors, and overall vibe. Platforms like Pinterest are great for this.
2. Key Considerations When Giving Advice
* The Purpose of the Portrait: The type of portrait (e.g., professional headshot, family portrait, artistic portrait) dictates the appropriate attire.
* Professional Headshot: Classic, professional attire (e.g., suit jacket, button-down shirt, blouse). Avoid distracting patterns or colors.
* Family Portrait: Coordinated but not matching outfits. Choose a color palette that complements the location and family's skin tones. Consider the season.
* Senior Portrait: Reflect the senior's personality and interests. Encourage a variety of outfits.
* Couple's Portrait: Complementary outfits that reflect their relationship.
* Artistic Portrait: More freedom to experiment with unique styles and textures.
* The Location: The environment should inform clothing choices.
* Beach: Light, airy clothing in pastel or neutral colors.
* Park: Earth tones, casual wear.
* Studio: More flexibility, but consider the backdrop color and style.
* Urban: Edgy, modern clothing.
* The Subject's Body Type and Skin Tone: Choose clothing that flatters their figure and complements their complexion.
* Flattering cuts: Suggest specific cuts of clothing that enhance their shape.
* Color Matching: Explain how certain colors will look on their skin. Cool tones for cool undertones, warm tones for warm undertones.
* The Season: Dress appropriately for the weather.
* Summer: Light fabrics, bright colors.
* Fall: Earth tones, layers.
* Winter: Warm fabrics, dark colors.
* Spring: Pastels, florals.
* The Subject's Comfort Level: It's crucial that your subjects feel comfortable and confident in what they're wearing. A forced look never comes off well.
* Prioritize Comfort: Emphasize that feeling comfortable is key to looking natural.
* Collaborative Process: Make it clear that their input is valued.
3. What to Say (and How to Say It)
* Be Clear and Concise: Avoid ambiguity. Use simple language and provide specific examples.
* Be Positive and Encouraging: Focus on what *will* work well rather than just what to avoid.
* Be Tactful and Respectful: Avoid being overly critical of their existing wardrobe or personal style.
* Offer Alternatives: If you don't like a particular item, suggest a similar but more suitable option.
* Emphasize the Importance of Fit: A well-fitting garment will always look better than something that's too big or too small.
* Focus on the Overall Vision: Remind your subjects of the desired aesthetic and how their clothing contributes to it.
* Offer to Review Options: Encourage them to send you photos of potential outfits before the shoot.
* Examples of Phrasing:
* "For this shoot, I'm envisioning a classic and timeless look. Think simple, elegant pieces in neutral colors."
* "I recommend avoiding overly busy patterns, as they can be distracting in photos. Solid colors tend to work best."
* "I love that dress! However, for this particular location, I think something a little more casual would be a better fit. Perhaps a flowy skirt and a simple top?"
* "That shirt is a great color on you, but it might be a little too loose. Do you have something similar that fits a bit more snugly?"
* "Ultimately, I want you to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. Let's find something that reflects your personality while still aligning with the overall aesthetic of the shoot."
4. On the Day of the Shoot
* Be Prepared to Make Adjustments: Have some basic accessories or safety pins on hand to make minor adjustments to outfits.
* Provide Feedback: Offer gentle and constructive feedback on their clothing choices on the day of the shoot.
* Focus on Posing and Expression: Once the clothing is settled, shift your focus to posing and capturing genuine emotion.
In summary, guiding your subjects on what to wear is a crucial step in creating stunning portraits. By communicating your vision clearly, offering helpful advice, and prioritizing their comfort and confidence, you can ensure that their clothing enhances the overall impact of your images.