Clothing choice is a very personal decision, however, if I can provide you with some guidelines in your choice we will create an image that lasts through time and is not dated with a specific fad or trend.

Think about how this image or series of images will be used: Wall Portrait; Album Print; Part of a Collection of Images; or a Headshot for LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and other social platforms. With the ‘end in mind’ your clothing choices may change!

General Clothing Suggestions For Your Photo Session

Determine whether the session will be casual or dressy.
Select colors that are complimentary to your skin tones.
Avoid pale yellows and pale greens.
Earth tones, jewel tones, primary colors, and bright colors can be photographed well.
Avoid clothing with shoulder pads..
Simple clothing photographs best.
Avoid busy patterns.
Remember black and white clothes photograph well in color.
Textures and simple layers are great!
Furs photograph well and are stunning… but many not make a politically correct statement in some social media platforms.
Think head to toe on all clothing selections.
Shoes need to be polished and tennis shoes bleached clean.
When in doubt, bring several favorite clothing choices and we can offer suggestions.

Families

Color schemes for families need to be planned:
- Group photographs need all clothing to compliment each other. One orange shirt in a group of blue may not part of your plan! 🙂
- A general color scheme like blues in the shirts and jeans, tans or khaki slacks might be a simple idea.
The clothing should be ‘weather aware’… long sleeve shirts on a beach scene may not fit but long sleeve shirts in a fall scene might be perfect!

For Men Only!

Have a fresh shave for the photo session, because it is impossible to have a beard (shadow) removed.
Remember that your hands may show, so they need to be clean.
If you are planning to wear a necktie, select a tie that doesn’t have a busy pattern but compliments your jacket.
To prevent eyeglass glare, ask your optometrist to remove the lenses if they are not “glare-free” lenses. Some people choose not to wear their glasses.
Solid color shirts are preferred, and white works well.
Shoes should be polished. Avoid shoes with scuff marks when you are in a full length photo.
Just before your photo session, check clothing and hair styling,.. head to toe..

For Engagement Photos

If we are to provide an engagement announcement or ‘save the date’ photo, plan on a couple of hours and some fun along the way!
Consult with newspapers for time frames, and alert the us on all deadlines.
Schedule the session ahead of time to avoid missing deadlines.
Please alert the photographer about special poses and/or requests.
- Including any location requests.
Determine if you want traditional or an artistic portrait.
Select clothing following the general guidelines above.
If you have your own Makeup Artist, or would like us to arrange for one, please let us know when booking the session.

Children’s Photography

Select the time of day that your child feels best.
Determine if the clothing will be casual or dressy.
Select a backdrop color if appropriate for your portraits.
Determine if the session is to be in our studio, in your home, or outdoors.
- If outdoors, receive permission from owner/manager of property to have the photo session.
Bring your child’s favorite toys.
Bring juice, cereal, and crackers for your child to nibble.
Young children and unruly pets do not mix together!
Please do not tell your child to smile: simply let them know they are going to have their photograph taken, and they will have fun in this studio.
We find that the best results take place when the parents allow the photographer to control the photo session.
Please, assist only when requested by the photographer.
You may be in the studio/shooting area while your child is being photographed.

Get ready to laugh, smile, and make some wonderful photographs!