Clothing

The portrait should emphasise the face more than any other feature. After the face, the hands are probably the next most important feature. Clothing needs to complement the subject and reflect the subject's personality. If clothing is so loud that it distracts the viewer from the face and hands then you have a problem. Here are a few general guidelines to help you on your way:

  Darker clothing is generally better than lighter clothing.

  The more skin that is covered the better.

  Neutral colours are better than psychedelic ones.

 

There will be 1001 exceptions to the above guidelines, like the grease-covered motor mechanic wearing nothing but a pair of jeans or the nude two year old playing at the beach, however its handy to be able to have a few guidelines in order to start discussing clothing. We certainly aren't suggesting brides should start wearing black, blue or green. But then again...!

Hats are a photographer's best friend. The RIGHT hat can add character to a shot and frame the face. The RIGHT hat can take five years off the age of a subject. I'm emphasising the right hat because for every right hat for a person there are possibly 10 wrong hats. After the hat has been acquired, check the tilt from front to back and then side to side.                                                        

 

Ask your subject to bring a couple of changes of clothing - something conservative, their favourite casual outfit, something formal or something outlandish over the top. Requesting this of your subject will start them thinking about themselves, their clothing and their visual image. It also gives you a chance to be selective on the day of the shoot.