What should I wear for my PORTRAITS?

This depends on the purpose of your photos and your industry, but generally wear what you feel comfortable and confident in! Here are some more tips that will help capture the best image of you. Please don’t hesitate to send me photos or descriptions of options you’re thinking about to discuss. This can help me prepare ahead of time and even choose a location that will make you pop!

EVERYDAY STYLE

Wear an outfit similar in formality and style to what you‘d wear on a typical day at work - not too casual or too formal. This way, the photos will work in a variety of contexts. If you’d like both more professional and more casual shots in one session, bring several pieces and we can do some quick changes!

SIMPLE grooming

Just like with clothes, it can be tempting to go fancier or bolder than usual with your hair or makeup. If you wear makeup, a mostly natural face with a little color on your cheeks and lips reads as approachable. It may be tempting to get your hair professionally done, but wearing it in an everyday style ensures you’ll look like yourself and won’t be distracted. Don’t forget to time any facial hair removal - get up close and personal with your mirror as you tweeze, trim, and shave.

SOLID COLORS + TEXTURE

I don’t recommend buying new clothes. Instead, pick a top that you feel great in and reach for again and again. Bonus points if it’s something you get compliments on! Find an outfit you know to be flattering for your skin tone and figure. The goal is for your face and personality to be noticed - not your fashion.

I recommend a solid colored shirt or sweater. Mid-range color tones or neutrals photograph nicely. Gray and jewel tones can look great on everyone. Textures like pleats, eyelets, denim or chambray, leather, and loosely-woven knits or cable-knits can add interest. Very subtle prints work well, too. I recommend bringing more than one shirt to have options, and a jacket or sweater for layering. Consider neutral or darker colored bottoms if you wear separates.

SOME THINGS TO AVOID

Some features don’t translate well on camera or can be tricky to photograph in certain light. These are best to leave at home: pure white clothing, stripes, neon colors, shiny fabrics, sparkles, plaid, checks, polka dots, and other busy patterns. If you have your heart set on something specific, please send me some pictures and let me know ahead of time so we can work together.

Logos, graphics, and words on clothing are usually distracting. The same goes for most scarves and hats. If you prefer to wear accessories or jewelry, the fewer and simpler pieces, the better.

Attention to detail

Please check all your clothing for loose threads, stains, pilling, and holes. Finally, set aside some time with your iron or steamer well before you get dressed! The camera can magnify wrinkles.