It is important to choose the correct clothing for your portrait sitting. Patterns and logos can draw attention away from the faces – and this could be the difference between a successful portrait and just another picture.

Everyone’s clothing should blend well with the others in the group, but don’t necessarily have to be matching. Having said that, we have made some very successful portraits with everyone in white tops and denims. The important thing is not to have any one person ‘stand out from the crowd’

When you are selecting your wardrobe, spread out all the items: shoes, socks – everything! Then take a careful look at the selection. If your eyes are drawn to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph, and that item should be changed.

Ladies

Avoid stripes, spots and bold patterns. For natural portraits wear the clothes you like best. Choose styles in which you feel comfortable – and not necessarily the newest in your wardrobe. If you are considering that off the shoulder number, then prior to the sitting avoid underwear that might leave a strap mark. Whilst off-the-shoulder can look nice on a formal portrait, short sleeved and sleeveless tops should always be avoided. Under studio lighting bare arms tend to appear pale and unsightly.

Gentlemen

Casual is definitely best, but if do you prefer a more formal look choose a pale coloured shirt to brighten up a suit or jacket. Shave as late as possible before the sitting to avoid “five o’clock shadow”.

Young Children

Avoid clothes bought to “grow into”. It is better for them to wear an old favourite than something too loose or baggy. Clothes should be simple and loosely fitting without modern transfers or slogans. Smocking, lace work or broderie anglaise is very suitable for girls whilst plain shirts and tops with jeans or dungarees are ideal for boys. And if you are unsure, bring along an easy change of clothes for them.

Footwear is not always necessary – especially for babies and toddlers who look much better with bare feet. For adults and older children, choose dark unobtrusive footwear that will not grab too much attention.

Hair and Makeup

Unless you have booked a makeover, you will need to prepare for your portrait prior to your sitting. And by arriving at the studio fifteen minutes early you will be able to undertake those last minute finishing touches.

Hairstyles should be simple and must be off the face. Hair falling down onto the sides of the face will result in distracting shadows from the studio lighting.

A successful portrait depends upon nice even lighting especially on the eyes – the most important aspect of any portrait. Eye makeup should be blended – no sharp demarcation lines between colours. Avoid white above or below the eyes. In a portrait, makeup can often have the opposite effect than in real life. Avoid too much colour above or below the eyes as this will actually draw attention to the make-up and away from the eyes. Foundation can generally be applied a little heavier than normal to cope with the studio lighting. Take care, however to blend it well at the jaw-line so that there is no demarcation between the face and the neck.

Glasses

If your spectacles are very much part of your image, you may wish to wear them for your portrait. However, you’ll want to avoid reflections as retouching costs can add considerably to the cost of your portraits.

Good quality glasses with modern non-reflective lenses can help reduce reflections.  To be on the safe side, consider asking your optician if you can borrow a matching set of frames without any lenses. Many of them will do this so long as you leave a refundable deposit.  This is particularly helpful if your lenses are on the strong side as these can distort the outline of your face.   And it should be considered essential if your glasses are tinted in any way.