How to Pick Clothes for Having Picture Taken

Choosing the right clothes for having a picture taken is the essential element to a great portrait. Clothes should blend the subjects together and not make any one person stand out. For a single subject portrait, the clothes should enhance the person, not be too bold, and should look good in the surroundings where the picture will be displayed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide if the portrait will be formal or casual. Everyone in the picture should have the same style.
2. Determine if you want everyone to wear the same colors on top and bottom. This is a great look for light background where everyone really needs to blend well.
3. Choose a central color. If the color is pink, then everyone should have a splash of pink, maroon or burgundy in their outfit. This pulls the subjects together without being overpowering.
4. Wear white or light colored clothing for light backgrounds and darker colors for dark backgrounds. Subdue colors whenever possible. The focus should be on the person, not the color of their outfit.
5. Avoid short sleeves tops or shorts. Short sleeves and shorts cut people off and can make them look heavier.
6. Wear natural-looking makeup. All subjects in the picture should wear the same neutral color pallet. Blend all makeup well.
7. Keep hair moderate and off the face. Remember, this portrait will be with you forever, and you want a hairstyle that is natural and not something you'll regret later.

Tips & Warnings

• People with eyeglasses generally look more like themselves with their eyeglasses on. However, there's no guarantee there won't be any glare. Talk to your photographer first about what they can do to eliminate glare from glasses before you decided whether or not wear them.