1. Memorable portraits take careful planning and the clothing you choose is very important. These guidelines will help you.
2. In a family group, proper co-ordination is critical. Choose clothing in the same shades of colour so that no single member of the family stands out because the clothing is too light or bright to the rest of the group.
3. The goal of any portrait is to direct the viewer’s attention to the face or faces in the portrait. Simple, long-sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown, burgundy, green or blue are pleasing choices when photographed against a dark background.
4. Bold stripes, plaids, checks and prints are confusing.
5. Bright colours, will completely overpower the face and ruin the portrait, when taken against a dark background.
6. Couples or small groups should choose simple garments within the same colour ranges.
7. Light and dark tones together create visual confusion.
8. Clothing helps set the mood for the portrait.
9. For a portrait in which you want the eye to go straight to the face, the clothing must be very simple in style, whether formal or informal. A formal dark velvet dress or a casual denim outfit will drive the eye to the faces when photographed against a dark background. The same is true for simple white or pale pastel clothing when photographed against a light background.
10. If brothers and sisters are to be photographed together, similar colours and styles should be worn.
