What to Wear for Portraits

As a professional photographer, one of the most common questions people ask about their portrait sittings is what to wear.  My portraits are always about faces and hands rather than clothing though I must confess that I am a big fan of environmental or lifestyle photos much like those you see in Vanity Fair.  In general, I prefer to create images of people wearing dark clothing against a dark background but if the background is light-colored or white then I prefer people wear lighter colored clothing.  I do not like to reverse it.  If you want everyone to be in white clothing against a dark background, I am probably not the right photographer for you.

Taylor in Black and White

Clothing tips:

• Make sure anything you wear is clean and freshly pressed.
• Clothing with a lot of texture such as chunky knits or lace work great in portraits
• If this is a group photo, you should try to coordinate your attire so you do not clash and you do not have to be dressed the same.
• Solid colors work best and avoid bright colors as well as heavily patterned attire with large logos or slogans, stripes or polka dots that can draw your attention away from faces.
• Plain trousers and long sleeves are more flattering than short sleeves
• It may be best to go with suits and dresses in the formal part of the house or some other formal interior, while jeans and knit shirts would be perfect in the game room.
• If this will be a casual portrait, please decide ahead of time if you plan to have everyone wear shoes or if you all want to go with bare feet.
• Make sure nails are clean and neatly trimmed
• Jewelry & other accessories can express your individuality

That said, rules were made to be broken.  The goal is to have colors that go well together as opposed to clash.   Above all, be comfortable and to keep it simple.  These suggestions work well in either color or in black and white as well as men and women.  So get your best dress or suit on then have your hair and make-up done at a salon for our photo shoot.  Together we can create some beautiful portraits in natural settings to capture a unique moment in time.