Making the most of your portrait session:
Creating a perfect portrait takes a little planning. Fine portraiture captures facial expressions and mood while clothing, accessories, and props are secondary and shouldn't create distractions. Careful selection of these items will also avoid dating your portraits.
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In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. When decorating a home, a major concern is to coordinate the colors and tones of the walls, carpet and draperies and furniture. this kind of coordination also is necessary when selecting clothing for a group portrait. Choose clothing in the same tonal range 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.
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Avoid bold patterns and contrasting colors in clothing. For couples and small groups simple garments within the same tonal range photograph best.
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Teens and adults should wear long sleeves. Bare arms call attention to themselves and will overpower the face.
If feet are to show in the portrait, make certain shoes and stockings are in keeping with the clothing worn.
Men should have their hair cut about one week prior to portrait session. Women should be photographed whenever they are happiest with their hair in relation to the time it was styled.
Women should avoid shorter skirts and dresses.
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Pastel and light colors draw attention away from the face. Medium to darker solid colors are more flattering and slimming. Pastel or light colors are typically appropriate only against a white or pastel background. Lighter and dark tones together create visual confusion, as one subject appears coming forward and the other recedes.
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With couples or small groups it is especially important to dress in the same or similar colors to capture their relationship.