What to Wear

I often get asked what people should wear for their studio sessions. It’s a very good question and something that you may not have thought about, but clothing can have quite a big effect on the ‘look’ of your photographs. So I’ve put together some tips on what to wear (and what to avoid!) at your session. These tips aren’t absolutely ‘must do’ kind of rules, but photographers generally agree that by making you aware of a few points, you’ll get better looking portraits.

Choose clothes that you feel comfortable in – our portrait sessions are about you, not your clothing – but its important to wear clothes that you are comfortable in. Choose clothes that you like and show you how you like to be seen. – let’s capture your personality in the portraits.

In family group photographs, its great if everyone is co-ordinated – which doesn’t mean that your clothes need to match – such as wearing exactly the same coloured tops. Its more about wearing colours and tones which are similar; this visually brings everyone in the group together in the photograph, rather than one person wearing completely different colours and standing out from the rest of the group. Its best to avoid strong colours such as bright reds and pinks which draw your attention to that person in the photograph. We find that plain pastel colours work really well in family portraits because they’re easy on the eye and allow the photograph to concentrate on the people rather than their clothing.

If you like lots of colour, perhaps pick just two colours and make sure that everyone in the family is wearing one or both of the colours. Dressing everyone in blue jeans and white tops is a stylish combination that always photographs well and gives a timeless feel to the pictures.

Wear long sleaved tops – because skin is light in colour, exposed arms will usually draw the eye and dominate the photograph.

Plain clothes work best – avoid clothing with patterns, logos, writing, pictures or anything which will be distracting or will go out of fashion and date the photograph. And yes – it even applies to socks! Its best to stick to plain dark coloured socks for pictures which include your feet. Warm or cool colours, pastels and earthy colours look good in family group pictures. Try to wear something that compliments your skin tone – dark clothes may not work on someone with very fair skin. Textures and layers work well – they add real depth to portraits.

Kids portraits are the exception – they love dressing up, so try to bring a couple of outfit changes. Photographing children is all about fun and letting their personalities shine out and the same goes for their clothes – if plenty of funky, bright colours is their usual look, then bring it on. If they’re into sports or a hobby, why not bring along the kit and any accessories to get some special portraits of this time in their lives – showing your kids as they really are, doing what they love. The same goes for Mums and Dads – why not bring a change of clothes which reflects your hobbies – so if you’re into biking, bring along your leathers – into Rock ‘n’ Roll?- bring those blue suede shoes … you get the idea?

So to summarise, wear comfortable clothes that you feel good in. For family group photographs, try to wear clothes which have similar colour or tones – so no one person ‘stands out’. To get the most from your shoot, bring a change of outfit, particularly for any children.