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Clothing for Families
In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. Choose clothing in the same tonal ranges so that no single member of the family stands out because the clothing is too light or bright as compared to the rest of the group. Know ahead of time the type of portrait you would like your family to depict. Bare feet, kaki or denim, and solid color polos create an informal portrait for a laid back family. Shoes, kakis, button down shirts, and sweaters provide an elegant touch to your family portrait.
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Turtle necks or V-necks are flattering provided that neither is exaggerated in style. Avoid very wide or particularly deep V-neck garments or bulky cowl neck sweaters that completely hide the neck.
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For close up portraits, long sleeves are essential for teens and adults, as bare arms call attention to themselves and will overpower the face.
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Women being photographed in full length should wear long skirts, pants or dark stockings in order to keep the eye from being directed toward the legs and away from the face.
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If feet are to show in the portrait, assure that shoes and stockings are in keeping with the visual intent of the portrait.
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Men should be clean shaven or facial hair should be carefully groomed, with their hair cut about one week before the portrait session. Women should be photographed whenever they are happiest with their hair in relation to the time styled.
Popular examples:
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Males in one color tops and females in a different color
(all members should wear same color bottoms)
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White tops with khaki or denim bottoms
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Black tops with khaki or denim bottoms
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Shades of tans, browns, and creams
Clothing for Small Groups
Couples or small groups should choose simple garments within the same tonal ranges. When subjects appear in a mixture of light and dark tones together, there is a visual confusion-as the light color comes forward the dark color recedes. When this happens, one person becomes dominate and appears heavier than in reality.
Clothing for Individuals
The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer’s eye to the face(s) in the portrait. All other elements should be secondary. For individuals, simple long-sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown, gray, burgundy, green or blue are pleasing choices when photographed against a medium or dark background.
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bold stripes, plaids, checks, and print are visually confusing and do not photograph well
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bright colors such as pink and orange will overwhelm the face
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Light colors that approximate flesh tones will overpower the face and make the subject look unusually pale.
Seniors
While there may be many trends that are “in” at the moment, it is good to remember to keep it simple! You don’t want to look back on these photos and say, “What was I thinking?!”
Solid clothing always photographs well. A diversity of colors will allow for a wider variety of backgrounds to be utilized.
Avoid any drastic changes in hairstyle or other appearances before you photo session. Let the pictures represent a natural you. Quick and easy changes of hairstyle or clothing are accepted with an hour appointment, but keep them quick and simple, in order to make the best use of camera time.
No need to worry about braces, tattoos, piercing, blemishes, etc, that you don’t want to be remembered for. The photographers are able to just about anything you’d like them to when it comes to retouching; just ask for details!
Don’t forget any props! Sports equipment, instruments, snow and skateboards, old vinyl’s, personal artwork-anything that defines or creates who you are can be incorporated to your portrait.
Children
At ages 2-3 your child will be more independent; being able to walk and run will allow for a more challenging session. Bring in your child’s favorite toy or stuffed animal to add a personal touch to your portraits!
Ages 4 and up your child will be talking well but is most likely shy to strangers. Arriving a few minutes prior to your scheduled time will allow some time for your child to become acquainted with the studio and the photographer, resulting in more natural and relaxed session and photos.
Infants
Diapers, diaper covers, and/or onesies in white or pastels such as pink, blue, green and yellow are preferred. Infants, having small features, tend to get lost in clothing so photographing them as natural as possible is best. Babies may be smiling, not smiling, drooling, sleeping and so on; all of which are cherished.
Babies able to sit up also usually respond with smiles. They are also able to stand while balancing on a prop of some sort; therefore many different poses can be made. Clothing selection at this point is up to you! The photographers will accommodate to the clothing selection of your choice making sure backgrounds and props coordinate accordingly.
Pets
We recommend taking your pet for a walk just before the appointment in order to release any excess energy or excitement. Arriving a few minutes early will give the pet a chance to sniff around and become accustomed to the sounds and smells of Moto Photo’s portrait studio. For dog appointments a leash is required. All animals welcomed!
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