Clothing
One of the most important questions my clients have during the Pre-Portrait Consultation is regarding clothing. And indeed it is a very important one since it can really make a difference in the quality of the photographs. Here are some tips that I have gathered over the years with my experience:
1. Be Yourself. I encourage my clients to dress in a way that is their “style.” I advice them to wear things they are comfortable with, and feel confident about themselves. If you like wearing a dress, go for it
2. Coordinate but you don’t have to necessarily match. Jeans and white shirts for all work great especially for large groups, but there are lots of other ways to coordinate the clothing for kids and spouses. It’s always nice to lean a little on the “dressy” side when it comes to pictures. After all, how often do we go out and get family portraits done? Maybe once a year – at the most. Putting in that extra effort pays off when you will be looking at the photographs on your wall or album for a long time.
3. Accessorize! Those extra little things like hats, scarves, jewelry and headbands go a long way in adding to the photographs. I sometimes even suggest the moms to get their hair done (or do it themselves) because it matters, especially when you blow up the pictures and put it on your wall. And pay attention to shoes. Shoes are just as important. No crocs or neon laces please!
4. Patterns or solids? Solids are definitely safer and easier, but checks or patterns can work well too. As long as not everyone in the family is wearing a different pattern! This is where your coordination skills comes in. We don’t want our eyes to only go to the patterns, but they can add to the pictures.
5. Some clients like to shop while others like to work with what’s in their closet, and maybe get one or two things. Both are fine. Sometimes clients will email me pictures of what they are thinking of purchasing and ask for advice, and I love it! Coordinating clothing is a huge task but the results really pay off. I am always super impressed when my clients do a terrific job of their wardrobe, and here are some great examples of what I am talking about
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“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence…”
From the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
