Clothing for Portraits: Guiding Your Subjects to Flattering Choices
Clothing plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of a portrait. Guiding your subjects on what to wear can elevate your photos from snapshots to stunning visuals. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to effectively communicate clothing recommendations to your portrait subjects:
1. Communication is Key: Start Early & Be Clear
* Send a Guide in Advance: Don't wait until the day of the shoot! A well-written guide, sent a week or two before, gives your subjects time to plan and shop.
* Phone/Video Consultation: For important shoots (e.g., professional headshots, family portraits), offer a brief phone call or video chat. This allows for personalized advice and addresses specific concerns.
* Set Expectations: Explain that your recommendations are designed to help them look their best and complement the overall aesthetic you're aiming for.
2. General Guidelines: The Foundation of Good Choices
Include these points in your written guide and reiterate them during your consultation:
* Comfort is Paramount: Encourage your subjects to wear clothes they feel comfortable and confident in. Uncomfortable clothes translate to awkward posing and a less-than-genuine expression.
* Fit is Crucial: Clothing should fit well – not too tight, not too baggy. Avoid anything that pulls, restricts movement, or requires constant adjustment. Tailoring can make a big difference!
* Color Palette:
* Neutral is Often Best: Neutrals (gray, navy, black, white, beige, olive) are classic, timeless, and won't distract from the face.
* Complementary Colors: Choose colors that complement their skin tone and eye color. (e.g., blue eyes look great with warm tones).
* Avoid Loud Patterns: Bold, busy patterns can be distracting. Subtle textures (like knits or linen) are usually a better choice.
* Consider the Background: Will they blend in or stand out? Think about the location and its color scheme.
* Avoid Logos and Graphics: These can date a photo quickly and distract from the subject's face. Small, subtle branding might be acceptable for professional headshots if it aligns with the brand.
* Jewelry and Accessories:
* Keep it Simple: Less is usually more. Avoid overly large or distracting jewelry.
* Timeless Pieces: Opt for classic pieces that won't go out of style.
* Consider Necklines: Choose necklaces that complement the neckline of the outfit.
* Grooming: Mention the importance of neat hair, trimmed nails, and well-maintained makeup (if applicable).
3. Tailoring Your Advice to the Specific Shoot:
* Style of Photography: Casual, formal, lifestyle, dramatic? Clothing choices should reflect the overall style.
* Location: Urban, nature, studio? The environment will influence the best color and style choices. Consider the weather if shooting outdoors.
* Subject's Personality: Encourage them to express their personality through their clothing choices while still adhering to the general guidelines.
* Purpose of the Portraits:
* Professional Headshots: Conservative, professional attire that reflects the individual's role and company culture.
* Family Portraits: Coordinated colors or a unified style, but not necessarily matching outfits.
* Couple's Portraits: Outfits that complement each other in color and style.
4. Examples and Visual Aids:
* Provide Visual Inspiration: Create a Pinterest board or mood board with examples of clothing that would work well for the shoot.
* "What to Wear" Guides: Many photographers offer downloadable or printable guides with specific clothing recommendations.
* Before and After Examples: Show examples of how different clothing choices can impact the final photo.
5. Specific "Do's" and "Don'ts":
Do:
* Consider Layers: Layers add visual interest and can be easily removed or added for variety. Think cardigans, jackets, scarves, vests.
* Solid Colors: They're generally easier to work with than patterns.
* Darker Colors: Often slimming and can create a more dramatic look.
* Long Sleeves: Generally more flattering than sleeveless tops or short sleeves (especially for adults).
* Think about the shoes: Make sure footwear compliments the outfit and is suitable for the location.
* Test shoot with the photographer. This can help ensure the clothes photograph well.
* Bring Options: Encourage your subject to bring a few different outfits so you can choose the best one on the day of the shoot.
Don't:
* Fluorescent Colors: They can cast strange color casts on the skin.
* Tight Patterns (moire effect): Can cause a distracting, wavy pattern in digital photos.
* Anything Ill-Fitting: This is the biggest mistake.
* Clothing with Wrinkles: Iron or steam clothing before the shoot.
* Too much exposed skin: Unless it is a specific style.
6. Addressing Difficult Subjects:
* Be Diplomatic: If a subject is set on wearing something that you know won't work, try to gently explain why and offer alternatives.
* Focus on the Positives: Instead of saying "That shirt is terrible," say "That color is beautiful, but it might not photograph as well as [another color]. How about we try this instead?"
* Compromise: If possible, find a compromise that satisfies both your artistic vision and the subject's preferences.
* Ultimately, Respect Their Choice: If they are adamant about wearing something, you may have to work with it. Focus on making the best of the situation with posing and lighting.
7. On the Day of the Shoot:
* Reinforce Your Advice: Take a moment to review the clothing choices with the subject before starting the shoot.
* Offer Suggestions: If something isn't working, don't be afraid to suggest a change of outfit or accessory.
* Focus on Posing and Expression: Ultimately, the most important thing is to capture a genuine and flattering image of your subject.
By providing clear, helpful, and personalized guidance, you can empower your subjects to choose clothing that will enhance their portraits and contribute to a successful and enjoyable photoshoot. Remember, the goal is to collaborate with your subjects to create images they will cherish for years to come.