Clothing Guidelines

• Attention to the face is the ultimate goal of a good portrait so proper clothing is essential. Neutral colors in medium/dark tones such as gray, green, or blue are excellent choices and will allow the face to be the dominate element, not the clothing. It is also more slimming and attractive. Bright colors like red or stripes, plaids or checks will be distracting and not flatter the face or make a good portrait.
• Some light colors will also not photograph well such as beige, yellow, pink or white due to the similarity to skin tones. Although light colors can work with particular backgrounds or settings. Clothing in medium shades are best for outdoor portraits.
• When more than one person is photographed, similar tonal ranges like gray and blue, the same color, or slightly different shades of the same color works much better, bringing the individuals together. Drastic color differences are distracting and separate the individuals, which does not make a good couple or group portrait.
• Simple clothing without distracting stitching or pocket flaps always photograph the best.
• Long sleeves are good because bare arms can be distracting and compete with the face.
• Shoes and stockings should also be simple and coordinated with the clothing if they are to show.
• A hair cut about a week before the sitting looks nice and clean as well as more natural than a haircut the day or day before.