Clothing, Make-up and Prop suggestions for Portrait Photography
Clients often ask questions about clothing when scheduling a sitting. Depending on the type of portrait or the intended use, recommendations vary. Below is a list of suggestions for a wide range of portrait types. As always, guidelines are simply that – guidelines! Feel free to contact the studio with questions and comments.
Family portraits can be both formal and casual. The suggestions listed below will cover both types.
Formal – Male
A dark (Black, Charcoal, Navy Blue) jacket with complimenting or contrasting slacks. Collared shirts with a tie to compliment the coat and slacks. Ties can be considered optional.
Formal – Female
Dresses or Skirt & Blouse in conservative color pallets, Black, Navy Blue, Maroon pieces. Fabric texture or print should compliment the rest of the family. A bold and bright floral print might not fit well with dark solid clothing worn by the rest of the family. Sleeve length should be something that makes you feel comfortable. Scarves should match or compliment with the outfit.
Jewelry – Either complimentary to the outfit or suit your personal taste.
Casual – Male or Female, Think about having fun with the casual styles. Perhaps you’ve got a special outfit and/or hat to explore that hidden part of your personality.
Slacks and shirts can be the same color for all family members or can be selected to separate males from females or sub-families of a larger family. Clothing color or styles can be chosen to show a theme.
High School Seniors
Clothing selection by high school seniors and parents may be at odds with each other. Seniors, consider Mom or Dad’s requests for clothing. Remember – your family has been waiting for this wonderful event for 12 years! In addition, seniors can make clothing changes to demonstrate their particular fashion statement. It might be that favorite t-shirt or jeans. Maybe the high school letter jacket or sports uniform. tom-szabo.com will work with everyone’s taste so everyone is happy!
Props
The real you goes beyond hair, clothing and makeup. As a true individual you have special interests, hobbies or a passion. You can incorporate those interests into your portrait session through the use of “props”. Maybe it’s sports equipment, musical instruments, your car, or other items that reflect who you are. Please contact the studio to discuss the best way to add props to your sitting.
Executive Portraits
Consider the purpose of the portrait, i.e. press release vs. framed in the Boardroom. Clothing may also reflect the audience – formal vs. casual attire. Both may be done for multiple audiences or markets. Props may also be considered to reflect market statements or professionalism.
Personal Portfolio
Multiple outfits are common and may be chosen to reflect the image end use or recipient: Professional, Family, Friend(s), Significant Other
Hair and Make-up
- Hair style(s) can be normal and/or not normal for you. This can accommodate the intent of the portrait.
- Have hair cut a couple of weeks in advance for a more natural look.
- Bring your personal hair and/or makeup products to the studio for touch ups or to change style.
- Contact the studio to discuss skin problems or blemishes before your sitting. Some of these issues can be handled through touch-up prior to printing.
Sunburn/tanning
Stay away from the sun prior to your sitting. Sunburn can accentuate facial features and can require significant touch up. Give the sunburn some time to fade a bit before your portrait sitting!
A nice tan can certainly enhance your appearance. Uneven tanning, especially on the face can require touch up to smoothen skin tones. If you have some significant variations in skin tones, consider bringing your make up with you.
