CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS
When choosing clothing there are several basics you’ll want to keep in mind:
When choosing clothing there are several basics you’ll want to keep in mind:
CHOOSING SLEEVE, SLACKS, AND SKIRT LENGTH
Elbows are handy, but they don’t photograph well! Choose long sleeves and avoid sleeveless or short sleeves unless your arms are very
flattering. When choosing slacks or skirt length, choose a length that is attractive to your figure. If you don’t like your thighs or legs don’t show
them. If your thighs and legs are one of your best attributes, let’s show them off in your portrait. We suggest that you analyze your attributes,
keep in mind that you may be photographed either seated or standing.
Choose clothing that is neither too tight or too loose because this assures that it will hang evenly without excess creases or folds. Although
such detail is not often noticed in real life, it can be very obvious in a portrait. Frequently at Western Photography our poses are laying down,
leaning or such. Clothing needs to be able to hang well in non-straight up and down positions.
Elbows are handy, but they don’t photograph well! Choose long sleeves and avoid sleeveless or short sleeves unless your arms are very
flattering. When choosing slacks or skirt length, choose a length that is attractive to your figure. If you don’t like your thighs or legs don’t show
them. If your thighs and legs are one of your best attributes, let’s show them off in your portrait. We suggest that you analyze your attributes,
keep in mind that you may be photographed either seated or standing.
Choose clothing that is neither too tight or too loose because this assures that it will hang evenly without excess creases or folds. Although
such detail is not often noticed in real life, it can be very obvious in a portrait. Frequently at Western Photography our poses are laying down,
leaning or such. Clothing needs to be able to hang well in non-straight up and down positions.
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- Avoid clothing with patterns as they dominate the portrait
- Choose flattering clothing color for skin tones and the portrait feeling
- Avoid clothing styles that will become out of date soon
- Coordinate all portrait members’ clothing similarly if not identical.
CHOOSING COLORS, STYLES, PATTERNS AND CHANGES OF CLOTHING
A general rule for choosing clothing is try for simplicity. Bright colors and bold patterns such as large stripes or dots tend to draw the eye away from
the person or persons in the portrait. If you plan on displaying your portrait for many years avoid high-fashion looks that will not be in season long.
Instead go for the traditional clothing that will still be in use years from now and not date itself in the future.
Choosing clothing styles for families is a little more difficult than for an individual or a couple. To coordinate a family, first check the colors in the
room where the main portrait will be displayed. Choose complementing solid colors and simple lines to make the portrait pleasing to the eye.
An individual might be able to wear an exotic color that suits his or her complexion or perhaps even an outfit with several colors in it. But you can’t
dress your family that way. You’ll find there are so many colors and lines you just can’t “see” the faces. In portraiture the face is the most
important feature. Any other ingredient such as clothing should enhance the portrait members’ faces not compete.
When planning a session with clothing changes (see the description of the different sessions that we offer) be sure to bring your favorite clothes.
Clothing changes can range from T-shirt and cutoffs to formal attire or even sports uniforms. We encourage families to bring formal and informal
clothing changes as well as any special outfits for individual portraits. Check to see which of our portrait sessions best fits your change of clothing
needs and/or portrait needs.
For out of town portrait session planning or with several different households all coming in together for a big group session, use our web site to
help discuss ideas and set up the clothing rules for all of the members. Remember that there are different shades of the same color. For
example, if everyone is going to wear blue – you could have many different bluish colors. You need to be specific for the best color match.
A general rule for choosing clothing is try for simplicity. Bright colors and bold patterns such as large stripes or dots tend to draw the eye away from
the person or persons in the portrait. If you plan on displaying your portrait for many years avoid high-fashion looks that will not be in season long.
Instead go for the traditional clothing that will still be in use years from now and not date itself in the future.
Choosing clothing styles for families is a little more difficult than for an individual or a couple. To coordinate a family, first check the colors in the
room where the main portrait will be displayed. Choose complementing solid colors and simple lines to make the portrait pleasing to the eye.
An individual might be able to wear an exotic color that suits his or her complexion or perhaps even an outfit with several colors in it. But you can’t
dress your family that way. You’ll find there are so many colors and lines you just can’t “see” the faces. In portraiture the face is the most
important feature. Any other ingredient such as clothing should enhance the portrait members’ faces not compete.
When planning a session with clothing changes (see the description of the different sessions that we offer) be sure to bring your favorite clothes.
Clothing changes can range from T-shirt and cutoffs to formal attire or even sports uniforms. We encourage families to bring formal and informal
clothing changes as well as any special outfits for individual portraits. Check to see which of our portrait sessions best fits your change of clothing
needs and/or portrait needs.
For out of town portrait session planning or with several different households all coming in together for a big group session, use our web site to
help discuss ideas and set up the clothing rules for all of the members. Remember that there are different shades of the same color. For
example, if everyone is going to wear blue – you could have many different bluish colors. You need to be specific for the best color match.
If you are planning an outdoor session - dress for the outdoors. For example, if you are planning a portrait session in October, dress in fall clothing
such as matching ivory sweaters and matching jeans. For a spring time outdoor session, perhaps white tops and khakis.
DON'T FORGET SHOES
Often people forget that their shoes will appear in full-length portraits. Make sure that in a group portrait all of the shoes match. The same with
socks. There is nothing wrong with tennis shoes in a casual portrait as long as all of the members are wearing tennis shoes. Many of our clients
go for the casual look and even go barefoot.
TIPS ON EYEGLASSES
If possible don't wear glasses. If you have to wear glasses, try to get a set of empty frames in the same style that you wear so that there will be no
glass glare or corner refraction problems. Photo-sensitive lenses go dark outside and therefore cannot be used for outdoor photography. Do not
wear sunglasses, colored lenses or lenses that darken. There are no problems associated with contact lenses that you need to be concerned with
for your session.
FOR MEN
If you plan to have a haircut before your session, try to schedule it a week in advance so freshly cut ends won’t stand out and your hair will have time
to grow into the new style. This is especially important in summer when a haircut may reveal un-tanned skin.
BRACES AND TEETH
It is possible to remove braces from images today, however it is expensive. It is probably less expensive to have the orthodontist temporarily
remove the front braces prior to your session. The new clear type of braces offers less of a problem. Or if you don’t want the braces to show – we
suggest smaller smiles or no smiles.
It is also possible using digital techniques to brighten teeth. Discuss the matter with your photographer prior to the session.
It is possible to remove braces from images today, however it is expensive. It is probably less expensive to have the orthodontist temporarily
remove the front braces prior to your session. The new clear type of braces offers less of a problem. Or if you don’t want the braces to show – we
suggest smaller smiles or no smiles.
It is also possible using digital techniques to brighten teeth. Discuss the matter with your photographer prior to the session.
