Clothing Guide

Often the first question we are asked  is, "What clothing is best to wear for our family portrait?"   

These are suggestions  only, to help bring your family portrait together. Bring a suitcase of optional clothing along with your main set, to use  along with your chosen accessories. We will be shooting closeup and full length shots along with sibling groupings and solo shots  so a clothing change will be an asset to your portfolio of portraits. As well comfortable clothing for sitting, standing, kneeling and maybe action poses. Being able to move or sit  freely will be an advantage.

• Plain colours: including white rather than florals or patterns. Burgundy, brown, dark green, rose, red, navy blue. Solid colours work best. Darker skin tones can use more or brighter colours, i.e.  red, gold, blue, green or white, colours. Lighter skin tones require more blending tones to bring out the face and features.

• Necklines:  V necks give a flattering line and will strengthen the face. Polo and cowl neck lines should be avoided. Shirt style collars are best for a crisp uncomplicated appearance.

• Sleeves: Longer sleeves are more elegant in a formal style portrait. Avoid sleeveless, short sleeves and off shoulder styles, especially with fuller figures. For those with darker and olive skin tones it's ok.

• Hems: This depends on your age and style of dress. In family portraits, where informal sitting may happen, generally hems are better longer, over knee length.

• Trousers: Plain colours, to contrast or match with tops, or light coloured trousers, matched with the top.  Denim is always good. For men, full length trousers work best.

• Jewellery: Simple is better, or choose a feature piece,  wristlet, or necklace. Bring options if unsure. For men, accessorise a plain shirt with a solid colour jacket and fine patterned tie.

• Footwear: Shoes, heels,  runners , boots, according to your dress style or you can choose to be barefoot.

• Include accessories to enhance your “look ” i.e. musical instruments, boots, jackets, stockings, nets, hats, jewellery, your pet?

For fashion and model folios it will depend on the style you wish to portray, but bring a selection of tops, or styles and colours to mix and match. 

Let the photographer use backgrounds and lighting to enhance the picture. The portrait background is equally important  for the right effect to match with your  desired end result.

Remember Hi-Key (everything white) requires just that, skin tone and make up are also important.  Or you may contrast with it  by using bright colours as a features: i.e. ribbon. hats, shorts, underwear, jackets, shoes etc. Family  Hi-Key shoots with a common colour or effect i.e. spots or stripes, black and white etc.  for all the group to wear goes well, or a lone colour contrast (e.g. red socks) to contrast or feature, will enhance the shots. An at home dress rehearsal or a dress check may be the way to go.

The opposite for Low-Key photography where you would want  darker colours to blend into or with the background. Skin tone becomes the feature with few other distractions or colours i.e. lipstick/eye shadow. 

For Maternity & Bump shots with couples, semi nude will require lighting to suit. Back lights and high lights will be used for effect in the image and preserve the sensitive nature of the portrait (Female photographer available on request.)