1. Before the Shoot: Communication is Key
* Pre-Shoot Consultation: The best approach is to have a pre-shoot conversation (phone call, video chat, or in-person) well in advance. This allows you to:
* Establish the Vision: Discuss the style, mood, and purpose of the portrait. Is it professional, casual, family-oriented, artistic, etc.?
* Explain Your Style: Show them examples of your work so they understand your aesthetic and preferred color palettes.
* Answer Questions: Address any concerns or uncertainties they may have.
* Written Guide/Outfit Inspiration: Supplement your conversation with a written guide or mood board. This provides a clear and concise reference for them to follow. A written guide can be a simple PDF that you email, or even a well-structured section on your website.
* Consider the Location & Background: The location significantly impacts clothing choices. Inform them about the background (color, texture, busy vs. simple) so they can choose attire that complements it.
2. Key Clothing Guidelines
Here's what to tell your subjects, adapting it to your specific style:
* Color Palette:
* Coordinate, Don't Match: Avoid everyone wearing the exact same color. Instead, suggest a color palette (e.g., earth tones, jewel tones, pastels) that complements each other.
* Neutral Tones are Often a Safe Bet: Creams, grays, browns, olives, and navies generally photograph well and won't distract from the faces.
* Avoid Bright Whites (Usually): Bright white can be overpowering and reflect too much light. Off-white or cream is often better.
* Consider Skin Tones: Certain colors look better on different skin tones. Offer suggestions based on your observation or knowledge.
* Limit Patterns: Busy patterns can be distracting. If someone wants to wear a pattern, suggest it be a subtle one. Avoid small, intricate patterns that can cause moiré.
* Think About Seasonal Colors: Match clothing to the season (e.g., warm colors in fall, light colors in spring).
* Fit and Comfort:
* Choose Clothes That Fit Well: Ill-fitting clothes can be unflattering. Suggest tailored or well-fitting options.
* Comfort is Key: Ensure they feel comfortable and confident in what they're wearing. A comfortable subject is a more relaxed and natural subject.
* Movement: Remind them to consider the poses they'll be doing and make sure their clothing allows for movement.
* Style and Details:
* Timeless over Trendy: Classic styles will look better in the long run than fleeting trends.
* Avoid Logos and Graphics: Large logos or distracting graphics should be avoided.
* Consider Necklines: Discuss flattering necklines (V-neck, scoop neck, crew neck, etc.) based on body type.
* Layers Add Dimension: Layers (jackets, scarves, cardigans) can add depth and interest to the photo.
* Accessorize Thoughtfully: Simple, understated jewelry is often best. Avoid overly large or distracting pieces.
* Shoes Matter: Shoes will often be visible, so make sure they coordinate with the outfit. Avoid dirty or worn-out shoes.
* Consider the Level of Formality: Align clothing choices with the desired level of formality (e.g., dressy casual for a family portrait, business attire for a headshot).
* Specific Considerations (Depending on Portrait Type):
* Family Portraits: Focus on a unified color palette and overall style.
* Headshots: Choose professional attire that projects confidence and competence. Pay close attention to the neckline and fit of the shirt or blouse.
* Maternity Portraits: Comfortable and flowing fabrics are often ideal. Consider clothing that accentuates the baby bump.
* Couple's Portraits: Coordinate styles and colors without being overly matchy-matchy.
3. How to Phrase Your Suggestions
* Be Empathetic and Respectful: Remember that your subjects may have strong preferences or limited wardrobes. Avoid being overly prescriptive.
* Offer Suggestions, Not Demands: Use phrases like "Consider wearing..." or "I would suggest..." instead of "You *have* to wear...".
* Explain Your Reasoning: Explain why certain choices work better in photos. For example, "Dark colors tend to slim the figure" or "Busy patterns can distract from your face."
* Provide Examples: Use visual examples (photos, mood boards) to illustrate your points.
* Encourage Options: Ask your subjects to bring a few different outfit options so you can choose the best ones together on the day of the shoot.
* Focus on the Overall Look: "We're aiming for a warm and inviting feel for these portraits, so I recommend sticking with earthy tones and comfortable fabrics."
* Handle Disagreements Gracefully: If a subject is adamant about wearing something you don't think will work, try to find a compromise. You can often make adjustments with posing or lighting. Ultimately, their comfort and confidence are important.
Example Communication Template (Adjust to Your Style)
Subject: Portrait Session Preparation - [Your Name/Studio Name]
Hi [Subject Name],
I'm so excited for our portrait session on [Date] at [Time]! To help you prepare and ensure we capture the best possible images, I've put together a few guidelines regarding clothing.
The goal of this session is to create [Describe the desired look/feel of the portraits - e.g., timeless family portraits, professional headshots, a relaxed and natural feel].
Here are some suggestions to help you choose your outfits:
* Color Palette: We'll be shooting [Location Description], which has a [Color] background. I recommend choosing clothes in [Color palette options - e.g., muted earth tones like creams, grays, and olives; or warm jewel tones like burgundy, emerald green, and navy]. Avoid bright white, as it can be overpowering in photos.
* Fit & Comfort: Choose clothes that fit well and that you feel comfortable and confident in. Make sure you can move freely in your chosen outfits.
* Style & Details:
* Avoid large logos or distracting patterns.
* Consider layering with a jacket, scarf, or cardigan for added dimension.
* Simple, understated jewelry is best.
* For [Specific type of portrait - e.g., family portrait], I recommend coordinating colors without being overly matchy-matchy. Think about sticking to the same color family, but with variations in shades.
I've attached a mood board [or link to a Pinterest board/page on your website] with some visual examples to give you a better idea of what I'm looking for.
Please feel free to bring a few different outfit options to the shoot. We can then discuss them and choose the best ones together.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Looking forward to seeing you!
Best,
[Your Name]
Important Considerations:
* Your Brand: Ensure your clothing guidelines align with your overall brand and aesthetic.
* Flexibility: Be prepared to be flexible and adapt to your subjects' needs and preferences.
* Wardrobe Consultations: For more high-end shoots, consider offering wardrobe consultation services to help clients select the perfect outfits.
By providing clear guidance, offering helpful suggestions, and communicating effectively, you can help your subjects choose clothing that will enhance their portraits and create stunning, memorable images.