Planning the proper clothing for your studio portrait.

At STUDIO 44, we believe that the selection of proper clothing for your portrait is a critical factor in the preparation for a successful portrait. If the clothing is noticeable in a portrait, it could easily become a distraction. Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the ultimate goal.If you observe the following tips for making your selection, you will not go far wrong!

DARK CLOTHES TENDS TO SLENDERIZE

Darker clothing helps to blend the subjects of the portrait with the background, so that the faces are the most important part of the photograph. Light colours seem to add weight to the subjects of the portrait. The colour of the clothing should always be toned down. Bright colours attract attention away from the face. Colours MUST be dark and not bright. Pattern in clothing - no matter how small - may also become a distraction.

SHORT SLEEVE CLOTHING

Long sleeved clothing is a MUST! For casual portraits, it is equally important to wear long trousers instead of shorts. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera, there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face, itself. This is a major distraction.

White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect. A scarf loosely tied around the neck also helps to frame a face beautifully when a colourless blouse or sweater is worn.

GROUP PORTRAITS

Clothing for group portraits must be carefully selected to blend bodies together. First, decide weather the basic tone of the clothing will be warm-toned (browns, etc.) or cool-toned (blues/blacks/greys etc.) Then, make sure to follow all of the above instructions.

PROPER NECKLINES FOR A PORTRAIT

The most flattering neckline for anyone is some that comes up close to the neck. A wide -open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck e.g., a v-neck top is the most flattering. It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.

Finally, lay out all the clothing on a bed and take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any on item in particular, you can be sure the same thing will happen in a photograph. That item should be changed.

Clothing should not be too light or too loose. Clothing below the waistline should be darker than above. Otherwise, even light jeans worn below a darker top could easily attract attention to the lower part of the body and away from the face.

For high key (white background) portraits it's a good idea to dress in light coloured clothing - white, if possible. This will help focus attention on the subjects only, blending their bodies together. This is essential, particularly in a group portrait.

I hope you find this useful!

Michael and Fidelma (STUDIO 44) Tel No.028-79627233