| Clothing Guide |
The selection of proper clothing for your portrait is a critical factor in the preparation for a successful portrait. If the clothing is dominant, then it will draw attention away from the faces. Clothing that does not attract attention is the ultimate goal. It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and just another picture. We can not stress enough how important it is for you to observe the following criteria. When you are finished selecting your wardrobe, spread all the clothing out: shoes, socks - everything should be included! Then, take a careful look at the selection. If your eyes are drawn to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph, and that item should be changed.
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Tone |
First, decide
whether the basic tone of the clothing will be warm-toned (browns, etc.).
Darker clothing helps to blend the bodies with the background, so that the
faces are the most important part of the photograph. Dark colors definitely
tend to slenderize the subject while light colors seem to add weight to the
bodies.
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| Color |
For formal portraits, the color of the clothing should be toned down. Clothing below the waistline should be darker than above. Otherwise, even light jeans worn below a darker top could easily attract attention to lower part of the body and away from the face. White shirts and /or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect. Bright colors also attract attention away from the face. Colors should be dark and not bright. This is so important! Prints and any kind of pattern, no matter how small, become a distraction. Neckties should definitely be toned down in color with minimal pattern. Remember to dress everyone in the portrait similarly. You have to blend the bodies of everyone together so that the faces stand out. This is imperative, particularly in a group portrait.
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Style
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Long sleeved
clothing is best! For casual portraits, it is equally important to wear
long pants instead of shorts. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera,
there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face,
itself --this is a major distraction. Clothing should not be too tight or
too loose. Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Fad-type clothing should be avoided, unless you are planning to have new
portraits made annually. Your efforts will pay off with beautiful portraits
that will be enjoyed for years to come.
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Necklines |
A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck, like a turtleneck or a v-neck top, will thin the neckline and frame the face beautifully. With a collarless blouse or sweater, a scarf loosely tied around the neck also helps to frame the face beautifully. |
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Hair Style and Makeup |
Hairstyles should
be simple and must be off the face. Hair falling down onto the sides of the
face creates distracting shadows. Long bangs hanging in the face will block
light from the subject's eyes -- the most important part of the face. Eye
makeup should be blended - no sharp demarcation lines between colors. Avoid
white above or below the eyes. Too much color above and/or below the eyes
will attract attention to the make-up and away from the eyes. Blend
foundation makeup at the jaw-line so that there is no demarcation between
the face and the neck.
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Glasses |
Eyeglasses can be
worn, with a few precautions. Non-reflective lenses help reduce reflections.
Better yet. sometimes it is possible to obtain a matching set of frames
without any lenses. This is particularly helpful, if your lenses distort the
outline of your face.
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Guys, REMEMBER TO HAVE A FRESH SHAVE.