I. The Foundation: Communication & Consultation
* Pre-Shoot Questionnaire/Information Packet: Send this *before* the shoot. It sets expectations and gathers crucial info. Include:
* A Welcome & Thank You: Make them feel valued.
* About You (the Photographer): A brief blurb about your style, philosophy, and what you aim to achieve with portraits. This helps them understand *why* you're giving these clothing suggestions.
* Shoot Goals/Purpose: "This shoot is for a professional headshot," or "We're creating a fun, family portrait to display in your home," or "This is a lifestyle session to capture your personality." Knowing the purpose shapes clothing choices.
* Location Details: Where the session will take place (studio, park, home) and if the area is casual or upscale.
* Desired Style/Mood: Include images or mood boards that reflect the type of image you would like to create.
* Clothing Guidelines (See detailed sections below).
* What to Expect on the Day: A timeline, information about posing, etc.
* Contact Information: Encourage them to reach out with questions.
* Phone/Video Consultation (Highly Recommended): The best way to ensure clothing that is a great fit and also fits the subject's personal style is to have a conversation where you can ask questions and share ideas.
* Build Rapport: This isn't just about clothes. Get to know them a little! Ask about their hobbies, job, family (if applicable), and what makes them feel confident.
* Discuss Their Personal Style: "What kind of clothes do you usually wear? What makes you feel good about yourself?" Don't try to force them into something completely foreign.
* Color Palette Discussion: "Is there a color family you really love?"
* Visual Aid (If Possible): If they have clothes in mind, ask them to share a picture of the outfits they are considering, that way you can make specific suggestions.
* Be Approachable and Helpful: Reassure them that you're there to help and want them to feel comfortable and confident.
II. The Core Clothing Guidelines:
* Fit is Key:
* Flattering Fit: Clothes should fit well and flatter their body type. Too tight or too baggy will be unflattering.
* Movement: Make sure they can comfortably move and sit in the clothing.
* Color Palette Coordination (But Not Matching):
* Harmonious Colors: Suggest a color palette that works well together, rather than everyone wearing the exact same color. Think complementary colors (e.g., blues and oranges, purples and yellows), analogous colors (colors next to each other on the color wheel), or a monochromatic scheme (different shades of the same color).
* Consider the Location: If shooting in a park with lots of green, avoid wearing green clothing.
* Avoid Overly Bright/Neon Colors: These can be distracting and reflect unflatteringly on the skin.
* Jewel Tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple are generally flattering on most skin tones and photograph well.
* Neutrals: Don't be afraid of neutrals like gray, beige, cream, navy, and black, but use them strategically to balance out the overall look.
* Patterns and Textures:
* Avoid Busy/Distracting Patterns: Small, busy patterns (like tiny checks or stripes) can create a moiré effect in photographs.
* Subtle Textures: Think corduroy, knitwear, or lace. These can add visual interest without being overwhelming.
* Scale of Patterns: If including patterns, ensure that they are in scale with the subject. A large print could overwhelm a smaller person, while a tiny print might get lost.
* Fabric Choices:
* Avoid Wrinkle-Prone Fabrics: Linen can look great but wrinkles easily.
* Consider the Season: Match the fabrics to the weather and location (e.g., flowy dresses for a summer field, cozy sweaters for a fall forest).
* Jewelry and Accessories:
* Less is Often More: Avoid overly large or distracting jewelry.
* Personal Touches: A meaningful necklace or a favorite scarf can add personality.
* Watches: Can be a nice touch for men's portraits.
* Shoes:
* Consider the Location: Appropriate footwear for the setting (e.g., heels for a city shoot, boots for a field).
* Clean and in Good Condition: Dirty or scuffed shoes will detract from the overall look.
* Color: Shoes can be a pop of color, or match an outfit to create a long silhouette.
* Hair and Makeup:
* Natural Look: Encourage them to have their hair and makeup done in a way that makes them feel confident and comfortable.
* Avoid Shiny Makeup: Can cause glare in photos.
* Grooming: For men, recommend a fresh haircut and neatly trimmed facial hair.
III. Specific Examples & Wording:
Here's how you might phrase specific suggestions in your pre-shoot communication:
* General Wording:
* "My goal is to capture you looking and feeling your best. Choosing the right clothing can make a big difference!"
* "Please select clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you're not comfortable, it will show in the photos."
* "Think about the overall style we discussed. Do you want a casual, relaxed look or something more polished and professional?"
* "When choosing colors, think about coordinating your outfits rather than matching exactly. Aim for a harmonious palette."
* "I'm happy to help you select outfits. Please don't hesitate to send me pictures of what you're considering!"
* For Families:
* "Let's aim for a color palette of [mention specific colors] for the family. Think about layering and mixing textures to add interest. For example, someone could wear a patterned top with solid-colored pants, while another could wear a solid-colored top with a textured cardigan."
* "Avoid clothing with large logos or distracting graphics. These will draw attention away from your faces."
* "Consider bringing a change of clothes for the kids in case of spills or accidents."
* For Headshots:
* "Choose clothing that reflects your professional image. If you're in a conservative field, a suit or blazer is a good choice. If you're in a creative field, you can be a bit more expressive with your clothing."
* "Avoid wearing clothing that is the same color as the background. This will help you stand out."
* "Consider the neckline of your top. A V-neck or collared shirt can be flattering."
* "Jewelry should be simple and understated. Avoid anything that is too distracting."
* For Couples:
* "Coordinate your outfits in terms of style and color. If one person is wearing something very formal, the other should also dress up."
* "Think about the location of the shoot. If we're shooting in a natural setting, earth tones and muted colors would be a good choice. If we're shooting in an urban setting, you can be a bit more bold with your colors and patterns."
IV. Dealing with Problematic Outfits:
* Be Tactful and Kind: "This outfit is lovely, but I'm concerned the pattern might be a bit distracting in the photos. Do you have an alternative?"
* Explain *Why*: "That color is beautiful, but it tends to cast a strange color onto the skin in photos."
* Offer Solutions: "If you don't have another option with you, we could try turning the top inside out for a more solid color look."
* Compromise (If Necessary): If they're really attached to something, try to find a way to make it work while still achieving a good result. Maybe you can suggest adding a layer or adjusting the lighting.
V. Key Takeaways:
* Preparation is Paramount: The more information you provide upfront, the better the clothing choices will be.
* Collaboration is Key: Work *with* your subjects, not against them. Their comfort and confidence are essential.
* Visuals Help: Use examples in your pre-shoot communication. Mood boards on Pinterest can be very helpful.
* Be Specific: Avoid vague instructions. The more detail you give, the better.
* Be Flexible: Sometimes, you have to adapt to the situation. Focus on making the best of what you have.
* Remember Your Style: While being accommodating, also maintain the integrity of your photographic style. Don't be afraid to gently steer them towards choices that align with your vision.
By following these guidelines, you can help your portrait subjects choose clothing that will flatter them, complement your photographic style, and result in stunning, timeless images. Good luck!