What to Wear When Taking Self-Portraits

Be comfortable in your clothes when taking a self-portrait.

You can take a self-portrait as an artistic photograph, to use on business cards or on your social networking profile. Although the reasons for taking a self-portrait may differ, the common goal is to look your best. When choosing what to wear, you need to consider the message you are trying to portray in your self-portrait.

Instructions

1. Determine the message you are trying to portray. If the self-portrait is for business ventures, your outfit should be more formal than if the portrait is for a more casual display, like a social networking profile. Choose a button up shirt, dress or dressy sweater for more formal portraits. Avoid clothing that is too tight or too low cut.

2. Choose a color that complements your skin tone, but is not too bright. Dark, neutral colors like brown, black and navy work well for self-portraits because they are slimming, but not too overwhelming. Avoid white, which tends to wash you out.

3. Wear a solid color and stay away from busy patterns, which can distract from the focus of the photograph: you.

4. Decide on bottoms. Many self-portraits just show the face, but if your self-portrait is a full body shot, you have to consider the bottoms you wear. Choose dark trousers or a pencil skirt for professional photos. Opt for dark jeans if your tone is more casual. Choose close-toed shoes, like pumps or a loafer.

5. Remove your eyeglasses. The lenses in eyeglasses reflect light and the frames cast shadows on your face. If you feel that eyeglasses are part of your personality and you don’t want to remove them completely, take the lenses out. This corrects the issue of reflections.

6. Keep any visible jewelry to a minimum. Statement jewelry is not only distracting but it can also reflect light from the flash, giving your self-portraits an undesirable effect. Choose simple pieces, like stud earrings, a chain necklace or a leather or silver watch.

7. Keep makeup simple. Makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not look like it was applied with a paintbrush. Use neutral tones, like golds, browns and nudes, especially for professional photographs.

References

• Lifescript.com: Self-Portrait Tips That Will Make You Stunning
• Steves-Digicams.com: How to Take a Professional Looking Self Portrait