What clothes should I wear in portraits?
This is a question always asked and can have a big effect on the outcome of your photographs. It’s a good idea to have a few different outfits and bear a few things in mind :
1. Be comfortable!
The key to a good photograph is getting the subject to be relaxed. if your model is happy and comfy in what they are wearing you have a good chance of capturing them looking themselves.
2. Clothes for context
A persons outward appearance really does say a lot about who they are and what we think of them and the clothes worn convey meaning. Telling us something about the person. For this reason think carefully about what you’re trying to achieve in your images.
If you want to go crazy do so with bright colours and crazy patterns, if you are wanting a more formal shot dress accordingly.
3. Dark and plain clothes
A simple dark top really allows the focus to be on the persons face, another bonus of darker clothes is that they tend to be slimming.
Be careful with this though as depending on a persons complexion it can have negative effects – someone with a fair complexion can leave too much of a contrast whilst someone with dark skintones can leave you with not enough
4. Colours and patterns
Bright colours can be a great way to get some life and vibrance into your photos, especially with children.
If your a photographing a group be careful not to clash colours or patterns
Different shades and tones of colours can work well throughout a group leaving you looking in sync with each other without having fallen into the boyband trap of all wearing the same outfit.
5. One last thing
Remember if you are planning on showing these photos off on the walls for a few years you don’t want them to end up looking dated so consider that in your style choice too!
Have fun experimenting, always remember the best way to find things out and see what does and doesn’t work is by trying it for yourself. If you do get any great results or maybe things that haven’t worked quite so well post them on here so everyone else can see.
