What to Wear for Your MODERN Portrait
Your Wardrobe Should Fit and Flatter
- Nothing flatters more than clothing that fits properly.
- Please try everything on in advance.
- If you aren’t sure, it isn’t the right size.
The Clothing You Choose is Important!
- Dressy Casual to formal clothing – dark colors are slimming, stand the test of time, and ensure we photograph you at your very best.
- Styles come and go and for many, this modern portrait is one your family will cherish for a lifetime.
- In a portrait, your face and eyes should draw the attention, not your clothing.
- Because not everything that feels right photographs well, following our recommendations is essential to your successful session.
Let Your Family Shine
- Arrive well rested and well fed; you can’t hide a bad mood, or fake a good one.
- Details count. If you see it, so will the camera.
- This is where you have control over how you will be remembered in 20, 40, or 100 years.
- Dressing your best as a family means you won’t look back on a missed opportunity and experience the regret of wishing your family had dressed up more.
Remember the focus of this art piece…a beautiful portrait that showcases the relationship and personalities of each person in the portrait.
Be Stylish and Dress Up
This artwork will be treasured for a lifetime and beyond – we hope your great grandkids will cherish it!
Styling your clothing means you will look your best. This is your family’s time to shine, where everybody looks and feels their best.
Since these are very special portraits that are designed to be heirloom pieces, we suggest you come in clothing that is less likely to go out of style. Choose modern 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.
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.
Essentials for Everybody
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Arrive with well styled hair.
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We recommend that you don’t cut your hair less than a week before the session.
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Hair should not block the eyes.
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Bangs should be short enough to allow both eyes to be seen.
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Eyeglasses should have a non-reflective coating.
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Clothing texture adds dimension and interest.
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Barefoot is often best for kids under ten, but shoes count for everyone else.
Essentials for Ladies
• Dresses photograph exceptionally well and flatter most women.
• We recommend dresses – even formal gowns or dresses that fall below the knee can be fun.
• Manicures and pedicures matter.
• Your makeup should reflect you at your best.
• If you color your hair, be sure to get a touchup before your portrait session.
• Tasteful jewelry enhances your look.
• Little girls look adorable in party dresses.
Essentials for Gentlemen
• Wear your best GQ look!
• A dress shirt looks great under a jacket, especially with dark slacks.
• Layering adds depth and dimension. If you choose not to wear a tie, a dark jacket with an open neck shirt is a great choice.
• Men and little boys always look super cute in a casual suit.
Our white background allows for a variety of clothing palettes from light to dark.
For a modern look, we recommend that shades that will pop against our white background – bonus points for textured fabrics!
This family chose a solid but dressy theme with a pop of pink. Don’t they look fabulous?!
Dark colors tend to make you look slimmer.
Short sleeves are fine, but we suggest that long or three-quarter length sleeves are more flattering.
Our background and lighting are tailored to render your portrait as a modern work of art where your family’s bond and personalities are the center of attention.
Essentials for Children
What to Wear:
- Children can wear light to darker tones, long pants are encouraged (no shorts).
- For girls, we encourage a fun party dress.
- For boys, a dress shirt looks great.
- Nails should be clean and unpolished, or neatly polished with a neutral tone.
- Children are requested to not wear makeup of any kind, and to wear their hair down and as naturally as possible. This is a chance to keep things nice and simple, so they can see the truth of their loveliness.
Want Clothing Suggestions?
What Not to Do
• Clothing with white, light and mid-tone elements won’t make you look good, and is a distraction.
• 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.
