Wardrobe Tips

A fabulous wardrobe is essential to a shoot. It can "make" or "break" your final image in a lot of ways. I've created some tips to help you create a timeless look!

Use Well-Fitted Clothing

Attempting to hide size with oversized tops actually makes a subject appear larger in a photo rather than smaller. Make sure your top and bottoms are properly fitted to your body.

Use Small Patterns

Patterns can add interest to your portrait, but they should almost look undetectable. I like to use the example of throw pillows on a couch. I realize the more pillows you have, the more complicated it gets, but nonetheless, it CAN be done! Imagine each of your pieces (tops and bottoms) were made into a throw pillow. Would all of those pillows work on the same couch? If your patterns aren't matching up on the couch, they probably won't match well in the portrait. Also, consider exploring with different textures instead of color too.

No Branding

You don't want to be a billboard for a brand in your portrait. Large wording and logos can distract the viewer from appreciating the portrait long-term. Do your best to hide branding, or use clothing whose logos are small and almost undetectable.

Add Personality

Sometimes adding layers like vests, jackets, and hats can add some fun personality to your family members. Make sure it speaks to them and it reminds you of something you love about them that will jog your memory for years to come.

Use Colors That Look And Feel Good To You

For an analogous look, use the color wheel to the left. Start with a neutral base, then move toward your pop color of choice. See the "droplets" that surround your color and use those as a base for your palette.

For complimentary looks, add some of your favorite pop colors to your neutral base(s) of choice:

Family Group of 1-3 members: 0-1 pop color, 1-2 textures
Family Groups of 4-6 members: 2-3 pop colors, 2-4 textures
Family Groups of 6 or more members: 3-4 pop colors, 4 or more textures

Beware of using WHITE as it draws attention to the eye. When adults wear it, the effect can be large (unless everyone in the group is using the same or nearly same color). Use cream or beige instead when mixing with other colors, and the members wearing them should be small (for example, babies and small children).