What to wear? Wardrobe is a big factor in the attractiveness of your portraits. When choosing clothing, keep these things in mind:

First, choose a color theme that simplifies the look of your family portrait. Too many busy patterns and colors are especially distracting in group portraits. While all the clothing does not have to match, the colors should be harmonious. Coordinate the clothing for all subjects in a group portrait so that one person will not dominate the scene. A family group should choose clothing that blends with each member’s attire as well as with the background, rather than creating conflicting focal points that distract from the group as a whole. Color coordination lends harmony to the portrait.   Try to avoid large patterns and bright, flashy clothing. Solid colors photograph best, allowing the focus to be on the people and not on their outfits.

Dark clothing tends to minimize body size, and light tones tend to emphasize body size.
A “high key” background will show off skin tones best when white, ivory or pastels are worn. With only two subjects in the portrait, it is especially important to dress in the same color(s) to capture their relationship. A busy pattern is distracting.

Shoes and socks are often overlooked as a significant aspect of portrait clothing. They should compliment, not contrast. Carefully consider your apparel from head to toe as a variety of full length and close up poses may be taken.

Dress for Small Children:  While cute, play clothes detract from your professionally made portrait. Their appeal is usually short lived. It is best to select clothing that will stand the test of time. Instead, select clothing that is timeless; apparel which will yield an image that can be enjoyed for many years to come.  With young children, look them over from head to toe. A baby or toddler is likely to be posing on someone's lap, so their entire outfit will be in the picture. Choose clean shoes in good condition or for casual portraits, consider photographing the youngest family members barefoot.

Dress for Business Portraits:  With “business attire”, a pure white shirt will emphasize your neck rather than your face. Pastel, thin striped or soft patterned shirt with a subtle tie is preferred. You may want to bring extra clothing and accessories “just in case”, and we will help you decide if something else would coordinate better,

Dress for Outdoor Portraits:  As a background, the outdoors is very busy. It is important to choose only one or two theme colors, with your subjects wearing shades of those colors. While blues are excellent all year, white, ivory, khaki and salmon are great against lush green foliage. Burgundy, brown, tan and gray are nice late in the season. Avoid all greens, as they clash with Mother Nature. The simplicity of two colors help separate family from the scenery. Busy backgrounds and busy clothes result in hard to find faces.

Color Harmony and Portrait Placement:  Also consider the location where the portrait will be displayed. Study the relationship between your initial choice of clothing and the décor in the room itself. By laying clothing out on the couch where the portrait will be hung, anything that clashes will be obvious. Make your final selection much as you would if you were choosing throw pillows. This process will assure that you choose garments that are most suitable.
 

All images are the property of and are copyrighted by Kathleen Palmer and Creative Captures of Virginia.  Any reproduction, paper, electronic or scanning of any photos is strictly prohibited and illegal.

It is also understood that any and all digital images remain the property of Creative Captures of Virginia and they may be used for advertising, display or any purpose thought proper by Creative Captures of Virginia.