Clothing Guide
Face & Hair
Make-Up: You do not need to “pile it on” for pictures. Wear whatever makeup feels good for you, what you normally would wear.
Facial Hair: Trim your bead and/or mustache to your liking. If you normally have a clean face, have a fresh shave.
Haircuts and Spray Tans: Get haircuts or spray tans a week in advance of the session.
Hairspray: Spray a light coating of hairspray over your hair to help avoid stray hairs during the session.
Glasses
If you normally wear glasses, leave them on. Viewers of the photos, who know you will recognize you better. If you wear glasses and do not want them in the photograph, leave them off for about an hour before the photo session to prevent spectacle marks on the bridge of your nose. But, bring along your glasses anyway, as you may want photos of you with them on, as well. Ideally, try to have your optician give you empty frames to wear during your session. Not only do glasses catch light reflections, but they can also deform facial lines. For the best look, borrow empty frames. Contacts do not pose a problem.
Clothing
Are you a casual family or do you dress up more? Everyone that will be in the portrait should be in the same type of apparel. Avoid mixing formal and casual clothing.
Wear solid colors. Prints, stripes, polka dots and other “busy” outfits will draw attention away from the face and towards the clothing.
If you want to look thinner, wear darker colors. Dark clothing also works better with dark hair and skin tones. White and light colors will add some weight and complexions. Try to stay away from green and yellow clothing as these colors may affect your skin tone.
Children's clothes should be chosen with care. Bring several outfits; casual clothesare usually best. If you want a dressy photograph, have the child wear the dressy outfit to the session, and bring the play clothes. To avoid tears, be sure the child likesthe clothes you bring. You may also want to bring a young child's favorite toys and blanket. Keep in mind that the appeal of some children's cute or decorative clothes may be short lived. When in doubt, plain is better. It is best to select clothing that will withstand the test of time.
If you want to look thinner, don’t wear baggy clothing. Fitted clothing allows yourbody to have a beautiful shape that I can then work with to make you look yourabsolute best.
Wear long-sleeves. Jackets and sweaters are also good. Bare arms, like busy and patterned clothing will distract from the face.
Coordinate your attire from head to toe, carefully selecting appropriate shoes and stockings.
Wearing a starched shirt without a jacket is not a good idea; every wrinkle shows.
Knits photograph very well.
Choosing Colors
Light & bright colors (yellow/red/pink/white/etc.) will make you look larger.
Dark, cool colors (blue/green/brown/grey, etc.) will make you look smaller.
Bright red, yellow or blue tends to compete with you and the outdoor environment. Go with burgundy, navy, beige, brown, or shadowy purples instead. These muted, toned down colors present a more sophisticated, high-class look.
Do not mix very light and dark values in your own outfit or within the group's coordinated outfits.
- Triangle – Avoid outfits with side pockets or details on the hips. Wear brighter colors on the top and darker colors on the bottom. Your choice of pant or skirt should be form fitting. Consider accessories on your top such as scarves, ruffles or large collars.
- Diamond – No baggy clothing. Consider ruffled shirts, scarves or and tops with large collars. Consider a flowing skirt or dress with a belt or empire waist.
- Oval – No baggy clothing or tops with high necklines. Consider a V-neck or scoop necked top. Consider a dress with an empire waist or dress with a belt. Consider a single button jacket.
- Hourglass – No baggy clothing. Fitted clothing only.
- Inverted Triangle – Avoid ruffles, bright colors and tops that have no sleeves, have spaghetti straps or are low cut. A solid color shirt with a flared skirt is ideal.
- Rectangle – Consider a flowing dress with a belt or one with an empire.