The wardrobe selections you and your family choose play a significant role in the overall appearance of your portraits. A polished and coordinated look will enhance everyone's appearance. Below, I've provided some guidelines to consider. Aim to capture your best self in these portraits! You'll be much more satisfied with the final images if everyone is well-presented, from head to toe. Let's ensure that wrinkled clothes, dirty shoes, and untidy faces are left behind.
The guidelines in the Individuals section also apply to families, with the added consideration of coordination. Many clients prefer a coordinated look for their family portraits instead of a perfectly matched style. It’s not necessary for everyone in the family to wear identical outfits. It’s quite charming when some children wear matching outfits, but I suggest that other family members mix things up a bit by coordinating. Coordinating involves selecting a variety of unique clothing items that complement each other. Begin by determining the style you wish to achieve and ensuring that each person’s outfit aligns with that style. Would you like everyone to dress formally, preppy, beachy, or casually? Once you’ve settled on a style, you can choose a color palette. Consider selecting one or two neutrals, such as cream, khaki, black, or denim (which I consider a neutral). Then, choose a few colors or shades and ensure that everyone’s clothing adheres to those selected colors.
One of my preferred methods for starting this process is to choose your favorite clothing item from the family. Examine all the colors present in it. Next, check each person’s closet for items that contain some of the same colors. It’s perfectly fine if big brother’s shirt features only one of the colors and little sister’s includes another. If both colors appear in the top you’ve chosen for yourself, congratulations—you’ve successfully coordinated! Finally, please ensure that your selections comply with the guidelines provided below.
Everyone appears their best in clothing that fits well. It's similar to the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears clothes shouldn't be too big or too tight; they should be just right. While flowy shirts and dresses are comfortable, tailored pieces that contour the body's shape tend to be more flattering for everyone. Additionally, individuals look their best in clothes that are ironed and free from holes, stains, and loose threads. You will appreciate the effort of taking out the iron before dressing up.
Think about how you want to appear in your portrait. What sort of personality do you want to project? A formal suit and a distressed denim jacket will produce very different results.
It’s advisable to steer clear of plain white tops and fluorescent colors. Bright white tops can dominate the image and draw attention away from your face, while vibrant fluorescent colors can reflect their shades onto your skin. A nicely textured white top paired with a gray cardigan would be an excellent choice! When selecting white fabrics, it's best to avoid solid, plain materials. Fabrics with interesting textures or variations in shading can work beautifully, especially if the white is slightly off-white. Additionally, consider how the color you choose complements your appearance. I recommend opting for a color that enhances your features—perhaps that favorite sweater you receive many compliments on—or a shade that matches your eye color.
Most patterns are generally suitable for portraits. However, it's best to avoid very small and intricate patterns (those smaller than a few millimeters) as they can become distorted in digital photos (search for "moire" for more information). Additionally, steer clear of overly busy patterns with high contrast (such as large black and white stripes) unless you plan to wear a jacket, sweater, or another layer over them. Stripes in various colors and shades are excellent choices! Plaids work well too! Floral patterns are also a great option! If a pattern strains your eyes, it may be too bold for a portrait.
Layers can be very flattering in portraits. Jackets, scarves, necklaces, collared shirts worn under sweaters, and cardigans are all excellent choices!
Accessories bring a wonderful layered and personal element to portraits. You're welcome to wear your favorites!
If you choose to wear pants, it's advisable to avoid white socks. Opting for black, colored, neutral, or no socks at all would create a more polished look. When wearing shorts, white socks are acceptable. Or even going sockless or selecting socks in a fun, complementary color that enhances the overall outfit.
Your shoes will also be featured in your portraits, so please ensure you are happy with how they complement your outfit. Additionally, please remember that for outdoor sessions, we likely be walking in grassy areas. If your session takes place in the morning, the grass and ground are likely to be wet with dew, which may cause your shoes to get damp. Certain leather materials can develop dark spots from moisture, so please take this into consideration.
I suggest applying a bit more makeup for your session than you usually would on an everyday basis. The goal is to present your best self, rather than appearing like someone entirely different. Makeup can significantly enhance portraits. Ensure that any concealers or foundations you use are evenly blended. If your skin tends to be shiny, consider bringing some powder. For the ladies, a bit of lip gloss is a great addition, while the gentlemen and fathers might appreciate some lip balm. Remember, every little imperfection can be visible on dry lips in high-resolution photography!