This artwork will be treasured for a lifetime and beyond – we hope your great grandkids will cherish it!
Since these are very special portraits that are designed to be heirloom pieces, we request you come in formal attire or at least clothing that is classic and less likely to go out of style. Choose timeless clothing with character, personality, and style.
Likely, you will have dozens or more pictures in a casual setting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something just a little different. If you dress too casually, it’s just going to clash with our goal, very similar to walking into a 5 star restaurant in shorts; it will just feel out of place.
For most clients, their natural makeup and hair styles work best, and it’s not necessary to see a makeup artist prior to your session.
Solid colors are a safe bet for black-and-white portraits as they tend to photograph well and create a strong impact. Opting for solid hues eliminates the potential for clashing and allows the focus to remain on you and yours, enhancing the overall composition of the portrait.
Textures are crucial in adding depth and interest to black-and-white photography. Fabrics like knits, lace, or tweed can introduce tactile elements that enhance the richness of the portraits. The delicate twisting of lace or the wooly quality of tweed can create captivating contrasts and subtle variations in tone, adding dimension to the portrait, and infusing it with character, warmth, and visual depth.
Carefully chosen accessories can add a splash of character to black-and-white portraits without distracting or overwhelming the overall portrait. These subtle additions serve as accents that complement the attire and show off your individual style. Whether it’s a bold statement necklace, your great-aunt’s brooch, your favorite felt hat, or a floral scarf, accessories can contribute to the narrative of the portrait, offering glimpses into your personality and interests.
• Without the distraction of color, the viewer’s attention is immediately drawn to your expressions–to your eyes and face. While you and the ones you love are undoubtedly the main focus, your clothing plays a supporting yet integral role in the storytelling process.
• Choosing your outfit isn’t just about looking good for the camera; it’s also about making sure your portrait stands the test of time and feels like you. Oftentimes, your wall portraits become something you want to keep in your home and your family forever. Your look tells a story, showing off your personality and style in every fabric and fold.
• Whatever your style, when deciding on outfits for your portrait session, take a moment to consider what look you all want to have. With the right outfit, you can turn your portrait into a timeless masterpiece, brimming with your personality and style.
• While there aren’t any hard and fast rules about what to wear for black and white portraits, it’s worth noting that by favoring factors like structured fabric, textures, solid colors, and a more simple or classic style, you can be sure your portraits will pop with personality and charm.
• Clothing with bright white elements are a DISTRACTION in a black and white portrait.
• AVOID busy patterns, stripes, and clothing with words, logos or pictures.
• Polo/golf style shirts and casual cotton pants should be LEFT AT HOME.
• Don’t FORGET to apply common sense to your outfits.
• Everybody should NOT wear the same thing.
• You can’t FIX clothing that doesn’t fit by rolling up the sleeves.
When choosing attire for your black-and-white portrait session, it’s best to steer clear of busy patterns or large logos that can be distracting in the final portraits. Instead, go with solid colors or subtle textures that will translate well in black and white and keep the focus on you and your unique expression.
Avoid bright neon colors. While these hues may be vibrant in color photography, they can appear overly intense and distracting in black and white. Opting for softer, more subdued tones will ensure that the focus remains on you, creating a more harmonious and captivating portrait.
When posing with your loved ones, it’s important to strike the right balance between coordination and individuality. While matching outfits may SEEM like a good idea, they can often appear dated and lack visual interest in black and white. Instead, consider opting for complementary colors and styles that highlight each individual’s personality and flair.
To make sure your black-and-white portraits look their best, wearing clothes that fit well is key. Fitted is better than looser fitting clothing. Well-fitted outfits not only make you look better but also help you feel more comfortable during the shoot. So, choose clothes that flatter your body shape and avoid anything too baggy or tight. When your clothes fit just right, you’ll feel confident and look great in your portraits, capturing your true self with style.
Wearing shorts in the studio tends to draw the viewer’s eye to the legs instead of to the face. Sleeveless tops also draw attention to upper arms and armpits, and in general, are best avoided for the most flattering results in our portrait studio.
Choose clothing carefully considering the tones!
CLICK HERE to check out our original Vision for these portraits on our Vision Board
BE SURE to see how different palettes of color translate to black and white JUST CLICK HERE to see color before photos and black and white after portraits.