What To Wear
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Whether these photos are for you or your child, individual photos are a time for the subject to shine. Choosing the appropriate attire will help a subject to stand out and show their personality in a unique way.
1. SOLIDS AND LARGE PATTERNS
Solid colors paired with large patterns, textures or stripes will look spectacular. If you prefer a dreamy look, choose pastel colors, off-whites, and soft prints. If you are wanting to achieve a dramatic look, choose colors that are bright and bold. Don’t be shy about mixing colors/patterns. Be creative.
2. AVOID SMALL, TIGHT PRINTS
Small prints and stripes do not photograph well. The camera reads them and creates its own unique pattern called “moire” and it isn’t desirable. Staying away from small, tight stripes and prints will save your photos!
3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ACCESSORIZE!
If you want your subject and attire to be the focus of your photos, keep accessories to a minimum. Too many will take away the spotlight from your outfit. If you have an accessory that makes a statement, minimizing your other accessories, as well as keeping your clothing patterns simple, will allow it to stand out. Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!
4. BUILD YOUR OUTFIT
I recommend finding clothing with a lot of visual interest. Look for clothing tops with lots of texture, layers, and ruffles. Pair these textures and layers with something simple on the bottom. Subjects young and old will photograph best in something that they feel comfortable and confident in!
FOR GROUPS
Group photos are an important, cherished way to document relationships. Whether it is a relationship between a couple, family, or larger group, similar rules apply for getting the best photo results.
1. COORDINATE—DON’T MATCH
Current trends have left behind the group photo where everyone was wearing the exact same thing (i.e. blue jeans and a white shirt) and changed to a coordination mentality. This means that you may have a few colors in your color scheme and the group chooses their clothing based on those colors. This method allows for more creativity and individuality. For a family photo, mom may want to choose what she is wearing first and ask the rest of the group to coordinate around those colors.
2. AVOID SMALL PRINTS, PURE WHITE
Small, tight prints and stripes do not tend to photograph well. The camera reads them and creates its own unique pattern called “moire” and it isn’t desirable. Too much of a good thing can happen, so it’s best to avoid too much pure white. Pure white is difficult to expose for and can distract from the people in the image. Creams, tans, and grays still photograph light and airy!
3. MINIMIZE ACCESSORIES
With more people taking the spotlight, this rule is even more important. Too many accessories will take away the spotlight from the group and relationship being photographed. That being said, an important family heirloom or matching jewelry should be highlighted! Please let me know if you have sentimental items!
4. SAY “NO” TO BRAND LOGO SHIRTS
It is possible that this is more a personal preference than a rule. Logo t-shirts are fine for everyday, but they will quickly date a photo and will distract from the subject and relationships.
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