Tips On Clothing Style And Accessories

Very simple garments always photograph best.
Turtle necks or V-necks are flattering provided that neither is exaggerated in style. Avoid very wide or particularly deep V-neck garments as well as bulky cowl neck sweaters that completely hide the neck.
Long sleeves are essential for teens and adults, as bare arms call attention to themselves and will overpower the face.
Women being photographed in full length should wear long skirts, pants, or dark stockings in order to keep the eye from being directed toward the legs and away from the face.
If feet are to show in the portrait, make certain shoes and stockings are in keeping with the visual intent of the portrait.
Men should have their hair cut about one week before the portrait session. Women should be photographed whenever they are happiest with their hair in relation to the time it is styled.

Clothing For Families...

In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. When decorating a home, a major concern is to coordinate the colors and tones of the walls, carpets, draperies and furniture. This kind of coordination also is necessary when selecting clothing for a group portrait. Choose clothing in the same tonal ranges so that no single member of the family stands out because the clothing is too light or bright as compared to the rest

About Clothing, Color, Tone, and Style

The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer's attention to the face or faces in the portrait. Simple long-sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown rust, burgundy, green, or blue are pleasing choices when photographed against a dark background. Avoid light colors that approximate flesh tones such as beige, tan, peach, pink, white, and yellow. Darker shades are more flattering and slimming.

Photo Session Preparation

Simplicity is the Keynote

Solid colors are best. Avoid large or bold patterns and bright colors. They draw attention away from the face.
Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended. They draw attention away from the arms and focus it on the face. (Short sleeves are acceptable for infants and small children).
Coordinate your attire from head to toe, carefully selecting appropriate shoes and stockings, as our photographer may portray you in a full length pose.
Darker clothing tends to minimize body size, and light tones tend to emphasize body size.
Necklines are important. A vee or scoop neck is best if your neck is short and your face is full. A turtle neck or high necked garment is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender.
For group photos dress everyone in the same style of clothing. Do not mix casual and formal attire.
Keep the tonal range of clothing within the group the same. Do not mix light and dark values. Save patterns for accent items like scarves and neckties.
White or light pastel clothing, shoes, stockings, pants or dresses look best in portraits taken against a white or light background.
To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several additional clothing choices.
Remember to bring all accessories for each outfit: jewelry, undergarments, socks, shoes.
Girls, please have your makeup already applied and your hair styled when you arrive and hands manicured.
If you wear glasses please make provisions to either have your lenses removed from the frames or have an optician apply a glare-free coating to the lens surface a week before your session.
You may bring your favorite CD's to play during your session.