Deciding on the perfect outfit, or even worse, the perfect coordinating outfits for a portrait session can be just as challenging as finding a photographer or deciding on a location. These are pictures that you are hoping to cherish for several years to come, and it can be hard to know where to start when picking clothes to wear.
Below is a list of clothing suggestions in order for your images to be the best they can be. Use these tips when deciding on a wardrobe for your portrait session and coordinating with other family members.
The R Family's Portrait Session in the Brecksville ReservationFamily Porrtait Session at Station Road Bridge in the Brecksville Reservation near Cleveland, Ohio
1.) Choose from the same color palette, but don't match.
The days of everyone wearing jeans and a white t-shirt are over! Choose a handful of different colors and clothing that fit an overall color scheme.
Kiara: Senior Portrait Session in Worthington, OhioKiara's Senior Photography Session at Antrim Park and Thomas Worthington High School in Columbus, Ohio
2.) Limit Patterns
You should be the focus of your images, not what you are wearing. Stay away from busy patterns or logos that may be distracting. In a group of several people, one pattern can work to bring the other colors together, but not everyone should be wearing them.
The C Family: Lifestyle Portrait Session in BrecksvilleThe C Family's Lifestyle Newborn Portrait Session in Brecksville, Ohio near Cleveland
3.) Consider Your Home Decor
Since you will likely be displaying the images in your home, think about how the colors of your clothing will match your color scheme.
Lindsay: Senior Portrait Session in Columbus, OhioLindsay's Fall Senior Portrait Session at Glen Echo Park in Columbus, Ohio
4.) Accessorize!
Don't be afraid to accessorize with items like necklaces, ties, or hats (or even a musical instrument!). Accessories can add interest and detail to images, and also be fun to play with during the session. Keep accessories simple and minimal, however, in order to not distract from the subject- you!
Sunflower Portrait Sessions at Maria's Field of Hope in AvonMicro Mini Portrait Sessions at the Prayers from Maria Field of Hope Sunflower Field in Avon, Ohio
5.) Avoid Black and White
Try to avoid clothing that is all white or all black (a little is ok though!). It's easy to lose detail in photographs with these colors because of their high contrast.
Emily & Brett: Winter Engagement in Brecksville ReservationEmily and Brett's Snowy Winter Engagement Portrait Session at Brecksville Reservation and Station Road Bridge in Cleveland
6.) Don't Shy Away from Textures
Something as simple as a scarf or belt can add interest to an image. If it's cold out, bring a blanket!
7.) Choose Classic, Simple Clothes
Trends come and go, but your images should last a lifetime. Choose timeless clothing that is unlikely to go out of style.
Tara & Pat: Engagement Session at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Wade OvalTara and Pat's Spring Cherry Blossom Engagement Session at Wade Lagoon and the Cleveland Museum of Art
8.) Consider Your Background
Think about where you will be taking the images and how the colors will work together. Wearing a navy shirt in front of a black wall, for example, will make you blend in.