1. Before You Start: Set the Tone & Understand Your Vision
* Communicate Your Style: Share examples of your portrait work with your subject. This will give them a good idea of your aesthetic and what kind of feel you're aiming for.
* Consider the Portrait's Purpose: Is it for professional headshots, a family heirloom, a social media profile, or something else? The purpose will influence the clothing choices.
* Discuss the Location and Background: Is it an indoor studio with a neutral backdrop, an outdoor setting with vibrant scenery, or something more specific? The environment dictates clothing choices.
* Determine the Color Palette: Do you have a specific color palette in mind for the shoot? (e.g., warm earthy tones, cool blues and grays, etc.) Communicating this in advance can help them plan.
* Have a Style Guide: Consider creating a simple PDF guide with dos and don'ts that you can send to your clients.
2. General Guidelines to Share With Your Subjects
* Fit is Key: Clothes should fit well! Too tight or too baggy will be unflattering. Encourage them to try on outfits in advance to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
* Choose Timeless Over Trendy: Avoid overly trendy items that might look dated in a few years. Classic, well-fitting pieces are generally a safer bet.
* Neutral or Muted Colors are Generally Best: Bright, bold colors can sometimes distract from the face. Neutrals like black, white, gray, navy, beige, and muted tones are often good choices. Jewel tones (deep blues, greens, purples) can also work well.
* Solid Colors Over Busy Patterns: Busy patterns can be distracting and can create moiré patterns in photos. Solid colors tend to be more flattering and easier to work with. If they must wear a pattern, suggest small, subtle patterns rather than large, bold ones.
* Consider Necklines:
* V-Necks: Can be slimming and flattering.
* Scoop Necks: Open up the neckline and can be feminine.
* Crew Necks: Classic and can be good for a more formal look.
* Avoid: High, tight turtlenecks that can make the neck look shorter.
* Coordinate, Don't Match (Especially for Group Photos): If it's a group portrait, avoid everyone wearing the same outfit. Instead, choose a complementary color palette and encourage variations in style. For example, if the color palette is blues and grays, one person could wear a navy sweater, another a gray dress, and another a light blue shirt.
* Accessorize Thoughtfully: Jewelry, scarves, and belts can add personality, but avoid anything too large, distracting, or reflective. Keep jewelry simple and understated.
* Comfort is Important: If they're uncomfortable in what they're wearing, it will show in their expressions. Encourage them to choose outfits they feel confident and relaxed in.
* Consider the Season: Dress appropriately for the weather, especially for outdoor shoots.
* Avoid Logos and Branding: Unless the portrait is specifically for marketing purposes, avoid clothing with large logos or brand names.
* Think About the Hairstyle: Advise your client to choose a hairstyle that is flattering and that they feel confident with. A haircut a week or two before the shoot is ideal.
* Makeup Matters (If Applicable): Encourage professional makeup, or at least a well-applied, natural look. Avoid excessive shine or shimmer.
3. How to Communicate This to Your Subjects (Tone and Delivery)
* Be Helpful, Not Demanding: Phrase your suggestions as recommendations, not rules. Use language like "I find that..." or "In my experience..." rather than "You *must* wear..."
* Explain *Why*: Instead of just saying "Avoid patterns," explain that busy patterns can be distracting in photos. Understanding the reasoning behind your suggestions can help them make better choices.
* Offer Options: Instead of telling them exactly what to wear, give them a range of options to choose from. For example, "For this shoot, I think blues, greens, and browns would look great. You could wear a blue sweater, a green dress, or a brown jacket."
* Be Patient and Open to Questions: They might have questions or concerns about your suggestions. Be patient and willing to address them.
* Offer Feedback on Their Choices: If they send you pictures of outfits they're considering, provide honest and constructive feedback.
* Emphasize Their Comfort and Confidence: Ultimately, the goal is for them to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Encourage them to choose outfits that make them feel good about themselves.
* Start the Conversation Early: Don't wait until the day before the shoot to discuss clothing. Give them plenty of time to plan and prepare.
4. Specific Examples
Here are some examples of how you might phrase your advice:
* Instead of: "You can't wear that! It's too busy."
* Try: "That's a lovely pattern, but sometimes busy patterns can be a bit distracting in photos. Do you have any solid-colored options you might consider?"
* Instead of: "Wear black."
* Try: "Neutral colors like black, gray, navy, or beige tend to work well for portraits. They allow the focus to remain on your face."
* Instead of: "Don't wear jewelry."
* Try: "Simple, understated jewelry can add a nice touch. Avoid anything too large or reflective that might draw attention away from your face."
5. Considerations for Different Portrait Types
* Professional Headshots: Focus on clean, professional attire. A well-fitting suit, blazer, or blouse is usually a good choice.
* Family Portraits: Choose a complementary color palette and encourage variations in style that reflect each family member's personality.
* Senior Portraits: Allow the senior to express their personal style, while still keeping in mind the overall aesthetic of the shoot.
* Engagement Photos: Choose outfits that are comfortable, stylish, and reflect the couple's personality. Consider the location and time of year.
* Maternity Photos: Focus on comfortable, flattering clothing that shows off the baby bump. Flowing dresses or tops can be beautiful choices.
6. Final Thoughts
Guiding your subjects on what to wear is an art. It's about finding a balance between your artistic vision and their personal style. By communicating clearly, offering helpful suggestions, and emphasizing their comfort and confidence, you can help them choose outfits that will enhance their portraits and create beautiful, timeless images. Remember to always be respectful of your subject's personal style and preferences. The goal is to collaborate and create something beautiful together.