Hints on What to Wear
- Clothing can really affect the look of a portrait - so it is worth spending time to get it right. Also if you are investing in a wall portrait consider the room where it will go and what colour clothing will complement and co-ordinate with the room's scheme.
- Comfort is vital and for the studio casual, plain clothing such as denim, cotton and linen tend to work best. White is not ideal - aim for light to midrange colour tones such as cream, beige or pastels.
- Highly patterned clothes and large logos are usually best avoided.
- Black or dark coloured clothes are generally more suited to a dark studio background when you want to create a more sombre or evocative mood.
- Feel free to have a selection of clothes if you want to create different looks.
- For family groups try to keep tones and style of clothes similar (i.e.: either all casual or all formal - aim to keep colour co-odinated).
- Babies: - the same dress principles apply to babies when they are part of a group shot. But for solo or parent & baby shots a simple white/cream terry nappy or baby-growworks best.
- Footwear & Jewellery: - for the studio bare feet are best, the exception being for full body portraits. Keep jewellery, hair slides etc to a minimum or they may detract from the overall impact of your portraits.
Parent and Baby
- Try to avoid patterned garments as they will detract from your portrait - by keeping it simple the focus will be on you.
- Mothers: - bring white and/or black underwear, together with white, black or pastel/neutral coloured vest tops. Trousers or a long flowing skirt or dress - even an oversized shirt will do nicely!
- If you have a sheer top or dress that is flowing or loose fitting please bring it along as that can create a lovely portrait too!
- Fathers: - bring white or black (preferably unbranded) boxers or trunks, plain or slightly patterned, pastel coloured boxers will be ok if you have nothing else. Loose plain pastel/neutral coloured jogging pants or trousers and tops.
- Keep jewellery and other adornments to a minimum.
- Babies: - A simple white/cream terry nappy or baby-grow is best.
These are all suggestions that I have found work to create the best pictures in most cases but remember that the pictures should reflect you and who you are. Bring a selection of clothes. Think about breaking the mould, the normally demure looking bold and daring or visa versa can create a dramatic and stunning image. A pre photoshoot shopping spree can be a great way to extend the whole experience but remember to budget for it, don't buy 5 new outfits and only be able to afford your photograph in one of them!