Planning What to Wear for Portraits

Do you ever look back at photographs from another time, say the 60s or the 80s, and think “Yikes, what was that person thinking?” Or do you look at them and say “Wow, that person was really cool!” Some photographs have a timeless look and some become associated with a certain period. That is why planning what to wear for your photosession is so important.

There are different purposes for portraits. Sometimes we do want to catch a moment in time, to catch the look of now, to show that we are part of the latest trends. Instagram is the perfect place for these types of photos, but they can look wonderful on walls as great conversation pieces. Other times we want a portrait that causes us to focus on the person and not the clothes as an heirloom we can pass on to future generations.

If you are investing in portraiture, you want to think about the purpose of the image for you, and how you want it to be viewed by future generations. Part of that involves planning what to wear for your photo session.

Compare these two images of Twiggy, who was a very popular model in the 1960s.

In the image on the left, Twiggy wears a simple red dress that was very fashionable at the time, yet when we look at it today, we focus on her more than on the dress. In the photo on the right, our attention is drawn to the clothing and the pose. When I look at it, I ask myself, “What is she wearing? Why is she wearing that? Why is her arm like that?”

Both photos are professionally taken, beautifully lit and processed. One would have her grandchildren thinking about their beautiful grandmother and what features they may share with her. The other will have the grandchildren asking lots of questions about what was going on in that portrait and in that time of her life.

So this brings us to you and what you want in a portrait. Do you want timelessness or a period style (because what is fashionable today will define a certain period in the future) Whether I am photographing you alone or with your pet(s), considerable thought should be put into the clothing you will wear.

Timeless Style

For a timeless style, in general, good choices are solid colors and simplier styles. If you are going for a more casual look, blue jeans or khakis and a polo shirt or button down shirt are excellent choices for men and women, as well as shorts of a classic length (mid-thigh to above knee). A simple skirt or sundress in a solid color are some more options. For a more formal look, suits are always a good look, as well as dresses. Try to avoid trendy styles (things from recent years that will move out of style quickly are cut out shoulders and large bell style sleeves). Standard necklines that flatter your face and strapless or simple style sleeves are good choices for a timeless look.

If a more than one person is being photographed at the same time, planning what to wear for your photoession is even more important. Wearing coordinating styles and colors is a good idea. People do not have to match, but they should coordinate. You don’t want one person in orange and another in red and a third in navy blue because the colors will become a distraction. Avoid neon colors because they tend to do horrible things to your skin tone on camera and they tend to be trendy. Sometimes very small stripes and checks can make some odd effects on camera called moire, meaning they make a pattern somewhat similar to wood grain. They would not be my first choice either.

Period Style

Of course, sometimes you want to keep memories of a certain style. You would be happy to be the grandparent answering those questions from your grandchildren about what was up with those clothes you are wearing.

A current trend in photography is to photograph people in the styles of the old masters, in costumes and regalia of a period 200 or more years ago. I do love these portraits, and I think they will be timeless in the sense that the style has been revered for a long time.

If you love the Renaissance Faire or if you are very much a fan of Cosplay, then you might want a portrait of you in your costume as a memory of what was important to you at this time in your life. This is a very valid reson to get a nice portrait done that will be a talking point for generations.

If you are someone who is always up on the latest trend, You might want to take portraits at regular intervals to capture images of you in the height of style of the time. I have looked at some pictures from the past and thought, “Wow, she had that style nailed. She is the perfect example of the height of fashion at that time!”

How I Can Help

If you book a portrait session with me, I will talk to you about the reasons you want a portait and what you want in a finished image. I love to discuss clothing choices with you and will help you pick outfits if you would like. I want you to be as happy and proud of the finished portrait and I want it to be something that will be cherished for generations. Planning what to wear for your session is one important part of creating art you will love.

For more information on this topic you might want to look here: https://digital-photography-school.com/clothing-for-portraits-how-to-tell-your-subjects-what-to-wear/