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Studio Portraits > What
to wear for family pictures
What to wear for group
or family
portraits
Tips for everyone
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Wear similar tones
of clothing |
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Think in black and white tones; if everyone wears dark blue
and one person wears white, the eye will be drawn to the person
wearing white. If there's a reason that one person should stand
out, then do it. If not, change your color selections.
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Denim in any color for pants and jackets works
well. It's classic, it's informal and it comes in lots of great
colors. Best of all, it never goes out of style. |
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Groom your hands and nails; they usually end
up in some pictures. |
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Avoid patterns, logos, branding, and
busy designs |
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Stripes, plaids, checks and
busy patterns like paisley all tend to be distracting.
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Avoid anything shiny or reflective |
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Avoid large, shiny objects like belt buckles,
bold jewelry and reflective watches. |
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Unless your watch has a story, it's best to
take it off during your portrait session. In fact, it's best
to take it off well before you arrive so the marks on your
wrist have a chance to fade. |
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Classic, elegant jewelry like pearls always
looks appropriate.
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Beware the color red |
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It attracts attention! If you want to stand
out on purpose, wear red. If you choose red for everybody,
it's best if the reds match... |
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| Caveat - if
your personality demands that you break these
rules, then by all means, wear plaid with
stripes in multi colors. |
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Note how the reds fight for your eye |
Note how great the blues look
together |
Look how well these neutral tones allow you to focus on the
faces. |
Even in color, the tones work well together. |
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Portrait Tips for Women |
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Wear long sleeves, or at least three-quarter
length sleeves. |
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Choose v-necks, square-necks and turtlenecks. |
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Avoid cowlnecks and other floppy necklines. |
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Avoid buttondowns and crewnecks unless you have
a very long neck. |
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Classic jewelry, like pearls, always makes a
great choice. |
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Blouses with collars that open and lie flat
look great over a jacket. |
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Layers look great. A single-breasted jacket
over a tight-fit, square-neck top looks fabulous. |
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Fitted tops always look better than loose-fitting
clothing. |
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No matter what you choose, make sure you can
cross your arms comfortably without the shoulders riding up. |
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This woman has a gorgeous, long
neck and gets away with the round neck. |
I think this looks great |
This v-neck is flattering for any neck shape. |
The zippered jacket is both casual and informal and sets a very different tone
from a single-breasted suit jacket. |
This is a classic look. Note the beautiful, light accent of the blouse that barely
peeks out. The dark color choice is professional, neat and forces you to look
at her face. |
This is a great neckline and color for an informal portrait. This works for headshots
or a small business headshot. |
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Portrait Tips for Men |
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The more formal the portrait, the darker your
colors must be. You can get away with light colors for an informal
portrait or location shots in the summer on the beach. |
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Turtlenecks look great, especially
under jackets. |
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Do not wear a jacket that is much lighter than
what you're wearing underneath it. |
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Crewnecks sweaters or layers work fine on men.
Don't be afraid to wear white t-shirts under buttondown shirts. |
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This is a classic look suitable for headshots. |
This is a great choice for the creative executive. Note how
you look at the watch! |
This flecked sweater doesn't work. Choose a solid color. |
If you need color shots, choose a white undershirt instead
of a colored one. |
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Portrait Tips for Children |
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Dress kids in similar tones. Even though kids may
be attached to their superhero t-shirts, let them wear them to
the portrait session, just not during it! |
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Kids can get away with brighter
colors and patterns, but avoid logos and branding. |
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Even though kids love their
cartoon t-shirts, they look dated quickly and are too informal
even for casual portraits. |
Bright, summery colors are fine as are light-hearted props
like these fairy wings. |
Classic, timeless kids clothing. Good as a GAP Kids ad! |
Watch the props. If you can part with bracelets that are
tied on, it's always best. |
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