Points to consider for your portrait

The selection of proper clothing for your portrait is a critical factor in the preparation for a successful portrait.

If the clothing is noticeable in a portrait, it could easily become a distraction. Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the ultimate goal. It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and one that is just acceptable.

Dark clothing tends to slenderise

Darker clothing helps to blend the bodies with the background, so that the faces are the most important part of the photograph. Dark colours definitely tend to slenderise the subject. Light colours seem to add weight to the bodies. These colours can sometimes add weight to the bodies except when choosing a relaxed style of portrait on a white background. The colour of the clothing should always be toned down. Bright colours attract attention away from the face. Colour should be dark and not bright. Prints and any kind of pattern, no matter how small can become a distraction. The most popular logo's are often desired by some people, but they will be prominent in your photograph and after a period will date it. If you decide to include the latest styled logo's then you should consider having portraits done at least annually to reflect the latest style.

Avoid short sleeve clothing

Long sleeved clothing is a MUST! For casual portraits it is equally important to wear long trousers instead of shorts. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas, rather than on the face itself. This is a major distraction!

Group Portraits

Clothing for group portraits must be carefully selected to blend the bodies together. First, decide whether the basic tone of the clothing will be warm-toned (browns, etc..) or cool-toned (blues/grays/blacks, etc.) Then, make sure to follow all of the above instructions. Keeping a group in similar colours focuses the attention of the portrait to the faces and individuals that make up the portrait. Dissimilar colours in groups tend to be more distracting.

Proper Necklines for a Portrait

The most flattering neckline for anyone is something that comes up close to the neck. A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck - a turtle-neck or a v-neck top is the most flattering. It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.

Colours

Dissimilar colours in groups tend to be more distracting. Finally, lay out all the clothing onto a bed. Shoes, socks, stockings (dark hose is recommended) - everything should be included...shoes, too! Then, take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. That item should be changed.

Clothing should not be too tight or too loose. Clothing below the waistline should be darker than above. Otherwise, even light jeans worn below a darker top could easily attract attention to the lower part of the body and away from the face.

Hair Style and Make-up

Hair styles should be SIMPLE and MUST be off the face. Hair falling down onto the sides of the face (currently very much in style) can create distracting shadows.

Eye make-up should be blended - no sharp demarcation lines between colours. AVOID WHITE above or below the eyes. It does not photograph well at all. Too much colour above and below the eyes attracts attention to itself. It actually takes attention AWAY from the eyes, rather than attracting the viewer to the eyes.

Foundation make-up should be blended at the jaw line, so that there is no demarcation between the face and the neck.

Glasses

Eye glasses may or may not be worn. Non-reflective lenses, of course, are a big help. Better yet, sometimes it's possible to obtain a matching set of frames without any lenses. This is particularly helpful, if your lenses sometimes distort the outline of your face.

Final Thoughts

Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed for generations to come. Fad-type clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have new portraits made annually.

You will feel very rewarded when you view your photographs. All of your efforts will be worthwhile.