WHAT TO WEAR TO A PHOTOSHOOT
What To Wear?
We often get asked about what clothes are best to wear for your studio shoot, and whilst the MOST important thing is that you’re comfortable and you like what you’re wearing, here are some more tips which might help you decide and will affect the artistic success of any portrait.
Planning Your Portrait & What to Avoid
Planning & coordinating what you wear for your portrait can help Joel create your own personal artwork.
The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer’s attention to the face or faces of the portrait.
Clothing should always be coordinated when there is going to be more than one person in a portrait. A style should be chosen (perhaps either all dress smartly or all dress casually) and coordinate your colours so that they are within the same tonal range. Coordination like this will mean that no single member of the family stands out because their clothing is too light or bright compared to the rest of the group.
To help achieve this we advise you to avoid:
- bold stripes,
- big logos,
- busy patterns
- and overly bright colours which can overpower the faces and ruin a portrait.
(These two images show how complimentary vs clashing clothes can make a difference to your portrait)
Babies & Little Ones
Wraps and blankets work very well for newborns (and we have a selection if you don't have your own). Little ones always photograph best in simple clothing that doesn’t distract from their delicate features. Whites and pastels are a classic choice as well as using your favourite play clothes, cuddlies and props.
Children, Teens & Graduates
For younger children’s portraits we’re very happy for you to bring in their favourite toys that might keep them happy or express their individuality or interests. Children’s personalities can shine through when they wear understated clothing.
Clothing and props that show moods, interests & achievements work well for teenagers. It’s a great opportunity to capture what they love – be that ballet, karate, computer science or playing the violin.
For Graduates we have a generic black cap & gown with a choice of a white, red or blue hood for use in the shoot if you don’t have your own.
Maternity Tips
For bump shoots we recommend parents wear plain clothes with no bright colours or big patterns to distract.
White or black trousers or leggings (that can be tucked under bump) work well for mum-to-be, boob tubes and/or white or black tops. Or you can get specialist bump dresses.
Some parents like to bring some props such as flowers in the hair, signs to point to the bump, baby shoes or pretty underwear, while other mum-to-be’s would like some bare bump shots.
If going for the bare bump artistic shots, it is better not to wear tight underwear before the shoot, and to perhaps go bra-less, as tight underwear can mark/indent the skin prior to the shoot and will show in the photographs
Hair, Make-up & Changing Area
If you are having your haircut for your shoot, try to have it done at least a week prior to your session.
It is always best to apply your makeup at home as you usually would before your shoot and then retouch if needed.
We do have a small changing room for your use if you do wish to change outfits.
We recommend a maximum of one/two changes, particularly with children, as it can unsettle them and too many changes takes up photography time in the session.
