Let’s face it, people hire photographers to take their pictures because they want to look good and show off just how good they look to other people. We photographers love to be able to capture moments and personalities, and we always strive to do it in a flattering way. We want you to look great too! But, how you look in your portraits starts with how you dress.

Now, I am no fashion expert. I’m most comfortable in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, along with my favorite flip flops and a cap. That’s me. That’s my style. It’s comfortable. But if that’s what I’m going to wear to my portrait session, it’s also a little lazy. You are investing your hard-earned dollars into professional portraiture, so you need start out by investing a little time and thought into making yourself look your best. It all starts with you!

My clients always ask me what they should wear for their portrait sessions. While there aren’t any ironclad rules of fashion that must be obeyed, some clothes generally photograph better. So here are some pointers to help you make the decision about what to wear for your portrait sessions.

The Basics

Coordinate Styles and Colors

You don’t have to match completely. There is nothing all that original about everyone in the family portrait wearing khaki pants and a white shirt. Sure, people do it all the time, but it’s been done so much. It just isn’t unique. And besides, what families actually dress like that? Matching like clones is bad, but coordinating your style and colors is important. You don’t have to match the color tones perfectly. Even clothes in the same color range look great together – ie. a bright blue dress with a lighter, softer blue shirt. Also, don’t mix styles. Sometimes the contrast might work, but usually, it ends up looking funky if you mix formal with casual – jeans and flip flops look strange next to a formal evening gown.

Wear clothes that fit

It is important to know your body type and to dress accordingly. You don’t want to wear clothes that are too small, because they cling to your body in those places that you may not want them to. On the other extreme, don’t wear clothes that are too baggy. They will make you look bigger than you are. Neither look is very flattering in photographs.

Seasonal Continuity

For Engagement or Family Sessions, pay close attention to the details. If she is wearing a jacket, it wouldn’t make visual sense for him to be wearing shorts and a muscle shirt. Coordinate as though the weather is the same for everyone in the photos, because it usually is (unless someone is just having a bad day and a cartoon raincloud is following them around).

Layers

Layers work great for portraits. For one, they can create a great visual effect that adds depth to your look. Also, they are great at giving you the ability to have many different looks in your portraits. It’s easy to create multiple styles when you wear layers! Wear a jacket with a top underneath. Or wear two different tops, one under other. That makes it easy to “change” without having to find a place to change. That means more time shooting and more time having fun and less time looking for a private place to swap outfits.

Accessorize

Scarves, necklaces, rings, earrings for ladies, a wristwatch or a loose fitting tie for guys. All of these things help to add style to your look. Bring something that is unique to you or your family. Also, if you are doing a family session with your kiddos, bring their favorite toy. Not only do toys make a cool prop, but they will also help your children to be comfortable in front of this stranger with a big camera. Kids always love to talk about and show off their favorite toys!

Avoid Logos and busy patterns

Logos, although they may speak to the level of style sense that you may have, don’t really work well for portraits. For one, they can date the photos quickly. Fashion and the “in-style” brand changes with the seasons. So unless you want to have portraits done every year (and by all means, I’m happy to do them for you!), it’s best to avoid prominently displayed logos. Let’s face it, those awesome M.C. Hammer pants were all the rage back in the day, but unfortunately, they aren’t all that cool anymore despite my best efforts to bring parachute pants back. You want your portraits to be timeless. Don’t date them by wearing fad style clothing and logos.

Busy, intricate patterns are also a no-no for portraits. They just don’t photograph well. Cameras and computer screens just don’t like them – they can give a nasty digital effect that just looks bad. So stay away from thin pin-stripes and the like. If you must wear a pattern, consider matching a pattern with a solid – for instance, a patterned top with solid pants.

Do’s & Dont’s

 Do’s

• Coordinate Colors – This doesn’t mean match like clones.
• Coordinate Styles – If she is wearing a light vintage-y sundress, he would look good in some blue jeans. Don’t mix casual with formal.
• Wear solid colors or simple patterns.
• Stick to fitted clothing – not too tight and not to baggy.
• Wear blue jeans. Jeans have been around forever. There’s a reason. They are simple and they can look great.
• Keep it simple!

 Dont’s

• Don’t wear tennis shoes. They certainly serve their purposes, but portraits are not usually one of them. Sometimes sneakers can look cool. Think about how they impact your overall look. Don’t just wear them because they fit and are comfortable. Your photographer is probably going to get your feet in some of the shots, so plan accordingly.
• Avoid super short skirts. They won’t allow you to move around freely and they will make it difficult (and yes, awkward) for the photographer to pose you. Think about who is going to be seeing your portraits.
• Avoid completely matching outfits. It is good to look coordinated, but not like clones. White shirts and khaki pants don’t have much personality and your portrait session is all about showing your personality!
• Don’t bring a ton of outfit changes. It is normal to have a wardrobe change or two during a session, but bringing 5 changes of clothing is overkill. Remember, your session is only for a certain length of time. Don’t spend it all changing clothes.

Some other Ideas to Consider:

For ladies – A simple cocktail dress or sundress will almost always look great.

For guys – wear a jacket, with a collared shirt – maybe throw in a loose tie. Some cool leather shoes or even some rad (yes, I just used the word rad…I’m so ashamed) Converse All Stars sneakers (even with the jacket and loose tie)!

Props

Another great way to make your portrait session unique and to bring out your true personality is to bring props. Props can help make the session even more fun. Some ideas:

• Sunglasses
• A “Thank You” or “Save the Date” sign on a poster-board or a small chalkboard for personalized thank you and save the date cards.
• Musical instruments that you play
• Balloons or one big giant balloon.
• Hats
• Anything else that is unique or that is special to you.
• Your favorite old couch or chair. I’m strong. I don’t mind helping to lug a couch into a field somewhere!

Visit With Your Photographer

Talk to me about your ideas before the session. Give me your thoughts about the locations you have in mind. I’ll do my best to give you some guidance about what clothing might photograph best at that location. Also let me know what props you are thinking of bringing along. This will help me to prepare accordingly.

Remember, your portraits are about you!

My first goal as your photographer is to make you comfortable. I want you to be yourself when you are in front of my camera. The first step to making you feel comfortable is you actually being comfortable! So simply, wear something you are comfortable in! Something that makes you feel confident. If you don’t normally wear sundresses and high heels or a button down shirt with bow tie, then it probably is not a good idea to wear them for your session. Remember, you want your portraits to reflect your true personality. So don’t try to be someone you’re not.

Finally, the most important thing to remember about preparing for your portrait session is that I am photographing you, so be yourself! Dress nice, but don’t get so dressed-up that you are uncomfortable. Interact with your family or fiancé the way you normally would. Goof off, make faces, laugh, play and just HAVE FUN! That’s what it’s all about!