Portrait photography captures not just faces but stories, personalities, and emotions. One often underestimated factor that can significantly influence the outcome of a portrait is the wardrobe. Your choice of clothing can either elevate your portrait to new heights or detract from its overall impact. So let's go over outfit ideas for your next portrait session.
Tips for Selecting Outfits:
Consider the Location: The setting of your portrait session should influence your wardrobe choice. If you're shooting in a natural, outdoor environment, earthy tones and casual attire can work beautifully. For an urban backdrop, consider modern, stylish clothing. Take a look at my On Location Portrait Portfolio for inspiration.
Match the Mood:Â Think about the mood or theme you want to convey. Soft, pastel colors can evoke a romantic, dreamy feel, while bold, vibrant colors can add energy and personality to your portrait.
Coordinate, Don't Match: For couple or family portraits, it's essential to coordinate outfits rather than match them. Choose a color palette and have everyone wear different shades within that range for a cohesive look.
Avoid Logos and Busy Patterns: Simple, solid colors or subtle patterns tend to work best in portraits. Avoid clothing with distracting logos or overly busy patterns that can detract from the subject. A thick stripe pattern works fine, but fine, close-together lines like pinstripes don’t photograph well. It’s best to choose a pattern that’ll photograph clearly and not distract from the subject.
Comfort and Confidence: Above all, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When you feel good in your outfit, it will show in your expression and posture.
Bonus: Idea to Get More Out of Your Portraits Outfit
Make your outfit go further with a jacket, sweater, or other top layer that can easily be taken on or off. A jacket or cardigan not only adds dimension to your outfit, it also provides an opportunity to capture a different vibe simply and quickly.
In portrait photography, every detail matters, and wardrobe choices are no exception. Your clothing is a powerful tool that can either enhance or detract from the impact of your portrait. By considering the location, mood, and coordination of outfits, you can ensure that your clothing becomes an asset to your portrait, allowing your personality and style to shine through. The right wardrobe choice can transform a good portrait into an exceptional one, leaving you with a timeless image that tells your unique story.
So, before your next portrait session, take a moment to plan your wardrobe carefully, and if you’re still questioning what to wear before our session, don’t hesitate to reach out with options or bring choices with you to the shoot. Book your session with us today!