What to wear for a portrait session

Earth tones are best for outdoor portraits…..

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Try to bring at least three changes of clothing. ….

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* You should have one dressy outfit. Make sure clothing is clean and pressed. ….
* Next is casual dress—typical clothing is the idea. ….
* If you have special interests (sports, music, hobbies, cars, etc.) you’ll want something to show that interest. Bring hats, scarves, jewelry that is part of your “look”…..
* Coordinate your outfit from head to toe. Keep the tonal range of clothing in the
same group; don’t mix lights & darks in the same outfit…..
* Darker clothes minimize body size…..
* You should normally choose tones that are at least slightly darker than your skin tone, no matter what color you choose…..
* Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait…..

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Clothing
which is simple in design, even though it may seem boring will make
your portrait more powerful and not look dated in a few years. Strong,
exciting colors and patterns will tend to dominate and take attention
away from the person in the clothes. Also, the strong primary colors,
such as bright red, can be very dominant and detracting unless you have
had your colors done and particularly suit them. It is best to use
grayed down versions such as burgundy instead of red, or brown or rust
instead of bright yellow. Cooler tones, like the colors in the blue
family, can be particularly universal and attractive if you are in
doubt about your best colors. This is because they tend to recede and
give the skin tone a warmer glow in portraits. Blue jeans are always
popular, and actually photograph quite well…..

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Hair:….

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You should wear your hair in your regular style. Do not try a new look for your portrait! Guys should NOT have a fresh haircut. If you need a trim, have it done about a week before…..

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..Your
hair should be clean and fixed the way you want it. Look closely in a
mirror. Have a valued friend critique. There is little that can be
“fixed” after the fact. If hair is to be done professionally, meet with
your hairdresser beforehand and discuss your “look” and how to achieve
it. Hairdressers and makeup artists are great assets for your portrait.
Many arrange for them to attend the portrait session. Bring hairspray
and your comb/brush to all sessions…….

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Shoes:….

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A
nice pair of dark shoes also reproduces well on film if your portrait
session will include the feet. Please bring shoes that are appropriate
for the clothing you will be wearing. Tennis shoes with a suit may be a
fashion statement, but it will probably look pretty dated in just a few
years. If you plan to have more than one change of clothing, please
ensure that you bring shoes (and socks or stockings!) that go with each
planned change of clothing so that we are able to do full length
pictures of each outfit.

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Makeup:

Keep
it simple. It is better to use too little than too much! The center of
interest is the eyes. Apply eye shadow lightly and with care. Use two
applications of mascara, top and bottom. Wear other makeup as usual. Be
sure to bring your makeup in case touchup is necessary. There are
several cover-up and makeup on the market that will help hide any
imperfections.