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We cannot stress enough how important it is to choose
the correct clothing for your portrait sitting. If the clothing is dominant,
it will draw attention away from the faces - and this could be the difference
between a very successful portrait and just another picture.
Items of clothing should blend well
with each other but do not necessarily have to be matching. Having said
that we have made some very successful portraits with everyone in white and
others with everyone in denims. The important thing is not to have any one
person ‘stand out from the crowd’
When you are finished selecting your wardrobe,
spread all the clothing out: shoes, socks - everything should be included! Then,
take a careful look at the selection. If your eyes are drawn to any one item in
particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph,
and that item should be changed.
Ladies
Avoid stripes, spots and bold patterns.
For natural portraits wear the clothes you like best. Choose styles you feel
comfortable in - and not necessarily the newest in your wardrobe. If you are
considering that off the shoulder number, then prior to the sitting avoid
underwear that might leave a strap mark. Whilst off-the-shoulder can look nice
on a formal portrait, short sleeved and sleeveless tops should always be
avoided. Under studio lighting bare arms tend to appear pale and unsightly.
Gentlemen
Casual is definitely best, but if do you
prefer a more formal look choose a pale coloured shirt to brighten up a suit or
jacket. Shave as late as possible before the sitting to avoid "five
o'clock shadow".
Children
Avoid clothes bought to "grow into". It is better for them to wear an
old favourite than something too loose or baggy. Clothes should be simple and
loosely fitting without modern transfers or slogans. Smocking, lace work
or broderie englaise is very suitable for girls whilst plain shirts, jackets and
jeans or dungarees are ideal for boys. And if you are unsure, bring along an
easy change of clothes for them.
Footwear is not always necessary - especially for babies and toddlers who
look much better with bare feet. For adults and older children, choose dark
unobtrusive footwear. Light coloured trainers will grab too much attention.
Hair and Makeup
Unless you have booked a makeover, you
will need to prepare for your portrait prior to your sitting. And by arriving at
the studio fifteen minutes early you will be able to undertake those last minute
finishing touches.
Hairstyles should be simple and must be off the face. Hair
falling down onto the sides of the face will result in distracting shadows from
the studio lighting.
A successful portrait depends upon nice even lighting especially on the eyes -
the most important aspect of any portrait.
Eye makeup should be blended - no sharp demarcation lines between
colours. Avoid white above or below the eyes. In a portrait, makeup can often
have the opposite effect that in real life.
Avoid too much colour above or below the eyes as this will actually draw
attention to the make-up and away from the eyes.
Foundation can generally be applied a little heavier than normal to cope
with the studio lighting. Take care, however to blend it well at the jaw-line so
that there is no demarcation between the face and the neck.
Glasses
If your spectacles are part of your image them it is probably better to wear
them for your portrait. However, you'll want to avoid reflections as
retouching costs can add considerably to the cost of your portraits. Good
quality glasses with modern non-reflective lenses can help reduce
reflections Better still, visit your optician and borrow a
matching set of frames without any lenses. This is particularly helpful if
your lenses distort the outline of your face and is essential if your glasses
are tinted in any way.
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