Six Styling Tips for Your Portrait Photos
Here are six of the most common tips I like to share with portrait clients to help them plan for their photos. Get these right and I promise you’ll look great!
Getting the right fit
The clothes you choose should fit well—not too loose or too tight. Loose clothes can look bulky and less flattering in photos than they might seem in person. For most body-types, tailored clothes are best, while baggy clothes can look sloppy in pictures. This is especially true for trousers, shirts, and sweaters. I LOVE to see a flowing skirt or a billowy-sleeved blouse. But each piece still must fit well so you don’t look lost in fabric. On the other hand, clothing that is too tight will feel uncomfortable—and you’ll look uncomfortable in your photos.
Choose photo-flattering colors & patterns
Pick an outfit that helps you stand out from the background in your photos. For example, if you’re in a wooded location, choosing browns and greens could be a mistake. And you’d be lost wearing florals while in a garden—choose solid colors instead.
Be sure that the colors you choose don’t outshine YOU though. Think about your skin tone when selecting your outfit. A lovely royal blue or other rich hues look great on medium-toned skin. Bright hues can look fabulous on very, very dark skin—but should be used in moderation. And, pastels or neutrals are appealing on lighter colored skin. For some people, cool colors like green, blue, or purple look better than warm colors like red, orange, or yellow. Stick with the type of shade you know looks good on you and helps you stand out from the background.
When choosing between patterns and solids, lean toward solids or clothes with a very subtle pattern. Strong patterns or logos can be distracting or even confusing (trust me). Subtle patterns work best in moderation and when layered with solids. As a general rule, solids are the safest way to go.
Outdoor portraits? Dress for the season
Keep the time of year in mind: lightweight clothes and lighter colors in summer with jewelry that is not too chunky; jewel-toned sweaters, jackets, or longer sleeves in autumn. Dress in layers in autumn and winter because they add texture and interest and can produce more looks as you add or remove them.
Hair, makeup, and accessories complete your look
Your portrait should look like you on your best day! Though I’d advise against any dramatic changes, get a haircut or trim a couple of days before the shoot. You may need time to get used to a style change. Have your makeup professionally done (but keep it similar to how you usually wear makeup). If you use foundation, be sure to match the color of your face to your neck. Differences in skin tone will be distracting.
Portraits always look better with accents that complement your outfit. A stylish watch, bracelet, earrings, necklace, sunglasses, hat, or other accessories can make your look complete and tell a story about you.
Trendy can turn into dated really fast. Keep it timeless.
Have you ever looked at your parents’ High School photos and giggled or simply broke out laughing? I’m betting that a dated fashion trend was to blame. Select clothing, hairstyles, and details that are not super trendy so that your photos remain artful and timeless.
Neatness counts
It may seem obvious, but if you’re anxious before your photos, you could overlook some last minute things. Don’t forget to touch up your hair, look at your nails, remove spinach from between your teeth :-), and get rid of clothing wrinkles or stray strings before you get in front of the camera. Take a quick look in the mirror or get someone to give you the once-over to make sure you look as neat as a pin. You will not regret it!
I hope you enjoy these tips. I’d love to hear from you. Call me for a consultation!
(Thank you to Tiffany Pitts—pictured above—for being a great client!)