As you can imagine there are many different answers to this question that depend on gender, type of session, location of the session, weather and most of all your style. The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing what you want to wear, is to pick something that you are comfortable in. If you are not comfortable with what you are wearing then there is a good chance that will be reflected in your facial expressions and in turn you will end up with pictures that you don't look as good as you could.
Family Portrait
The most common and tempting thing in family portraits is to have everyone wear the same thing which more often than not is a black or white shirt with khaki pants or jeans. If you like this look and are comfortable in them, then great, your job is done. However, if you would like a unique and different look then choose something casual, comfortable and fun. Tip #1 - Portrait sessions in a studio are suitable for both casual, semi-formal and formal clothing. On location sessions are suitable for casual clothing.
High School Senior Portrait
These portrait sessions can be some of the most fun and creative portraits. Again, you want to choose clothing that you are most comfortable in. Commonly people want to bring a few change of clothes. Keep in mind the location of where the portraits are going to be and how easy it is to change in and out of your outfits. If it is a remote location, changing in a car is an option or even behind some thick bushes. Another option is bring people with you (of the same gender) and hold up blankets that you can change behind. Tip #2 - Guys, wearing a tie on location can look awkward and out of place. Ladies - Bring a pair of tennis shoes even if you don't want your picture in them. Also, heels can look awkward and out of place in locations such as the mountains or hiking trails (save those for more urban locations).
Casual Session
Commonly known as an engagement session the biggest issue that I experience at these sessions is shoes. Again, keep in mind the location and what will look appropriate for that location. If you are shooting in the mountains, don't wear heels or dress shoes. Also for this location, dress shirts, slacks, silk blouses and skirt suits will definitely look out of place. Jeans, boots, and a button down shirt will look much more appropriate.
For an urban setting there is a little more room for choices. You can still wear the same clothes you would for a mountain setting but now you can break out those heels, slacks and silk blouses. Once again ladies, keep in mind that you will be doing a lot of walking so if you are wearing heels make sure to bring some comfy walking shoes. Tip #3 - Don't be over concerned with clashing. Sometimes that can say a lot about you being comfortable enough with each other that you allow the other person to express their individuality.
Props
Lastly, props are great. Here is your chance to express yourself and your personality. For families with little ones, bring some of their favorite toys that can be incorporated into individual and group shots. For high school seniors, bring something related to what you are into at school (i.e. if you are into sports bring things related to that sport, if your are into drama bring a costume, if you are into academics bring your favorite book). For the engaged couple bring things express you as an individual and/or as a couple (i.e. if you love movies from a certain genre bring something that expresses that, if your both into cooking, bring an apron and chef's hat).
Remember that not everyone is a super model and is comfortable in front of a camera. Therefore try to wear and bring things that will help ease any concerns about having your portrait taken.
Posts
