Tips on What to Wear to
Your Photo Session
Things to consider as you are thinking about what to wear – Remember that these are only tips. The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident.
The best clothing choices are the ones that don’t draw attention away from your face.
What to wear–
Colors - When deciding what colors to wear for photos, first think about colors you love to wear. Pick colors that make you look and feel your best. A fail-safe tip is to pick a color that accentuates your eyes.
Adding Texture is always great (Fine to medium gauge knits)
Wear solid colors. It will keep the focus on your eyes. For example: If you wear a jacket or sweater, pair it with a solid-colored blouse or or heavy cotton shirt or polo. Make sure your shirts are made of heavier material to avoid wrinkling.
Try to avoid tops with strong patterns, logos, or graphics because they can be distracting. Strong patterns (especially striped or checkered shirts) don’t play well with camera sensors.
Layering allows for varying planes in the image, making the subject appear more three-dimensional and not flat against the background.
Layering/Accessorizing – Layering is great! Layers like jackets, scarves, vests, and sweaters are great additions to an outfit because they add texture and dimension. They're subtle pieces that can add touches of your personality and style to your portraits. You might think adding another layer of clothing will make you look too bulky, but it doesn’t if the camera angle is right.
Different fabrics and textures layered together catch the light differently, creating a more visually engaging image.
Accessorizing with a scarf or long necklace is good if you aren't wearing layers.
If you do wear jewelry - it’s good idea to keep it simple and minimalistic
What to Wear for Group Portraits
Match Formality of Partners
Groups, try to dress up as much as the others. If one of you is in a suit, it’ll look odd if the other is in jeans and a T-shirt.
I prefer a business-casual style for group portraits. But if everyone in your group is casual that works, too.
Consider Wearing a Similar Color Palette
There isn’t a rule of thumb about the best colors to wear for group portraits, as any color could work well. However, try to have everyone in the group wear similar color tones, such as black, gray, blue or all-natural tones.
For Individual Portraits Pick Colors That Complement Your Skin Tone
If you don’t know what tones look best on you, start with determining whether you are a cool, neutral or warm skin tone. Turn off overhead lights and stand next to a window. Look at the underside of your wrist in the window light.
If your veins look blue or purple in natural light, you most likely have cool skin tones.
If your veins look green or olive in natural light, you mostly likely have warm skin tones.
If your veins look blue-green, you likely have neutral skin tones.
Other things to keep in mind…
General
Consider wearing long sleeves - too much skin can distract from your face.
Style your hair as you normally would.
If you normally wear glasses, I recommend wearing them during the photo session.
Other tips
Don’t forget to take everything out of your pockets.
If you wear glasses, give them a really good cleaning.
Roll your jacket or dark clothing with a lint roller before your arrival. I will have one on hand if you forget.