For best results I suggest the following general wardrobe guidelines for head and shoulders portraits for your consideration.
Please note that if we are shooting against a green screen it is critical you not wear green.
1. Try to stick to predominantly solid, neutral colours, and mid-tones (ie. not white or black) although a white or contrasting shirt can work underneath a suit jacket.
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| A white shirt works under a suit jacket. |
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| Photo (right) - Unsplash |
2. A splash of colour can also work well and add some spark to a portrait.
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| A colourful scarf can add spark. |
3. Busy and large patterns should be avoided, as well as very small patterns such as fine checks and houndstooth which can cause a distracting moire effect.
4. With a shirt and tie, the shirt should be a solid colour. Any stripes or pattern can make retouching of wrinkles impossible.
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| Photo - Unsplash |
4a. If you are wearing a tie, make sure the knot is centred, fills the space between the upper collar leaves and can be fitted snugly to the top of the tie space. Some slippery fabrics and skinny ties don't make for good knots. Consider a windsor knot, if just for for your photo.
5. With dresses and tops higher cut necklines tend to work better because aesthetically it is preferable for the top of the dress or top to be included within the image frame.
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| Typical head and shoulders crops - 4 great necklines and one less great Photos - Unsplash |
6. With dresses and tops, three quarter or long sleeves tend to be more flattering than sleeveless tops, as long as they are not ill-fitting, and work better with portrait crops. Short sleeves may not work as well visually as sleeves that extend beyond the edge of the portrait frame.
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| The safest option for a flattering head and shoulders portrait will often be long sleeves. |
7. Wear something that is flattering on you (ie. has flattering lines and shape), and fits you properly* and comfortably, without pulling or sagging, not too tight or loose, and without extra fabric in areas such as where the sleeve joins the bodice. Note that in general cardigans look less professional than other options. Beware of undergarments that show through tops; noticeable bumps may be distracting and difficult or impossible to remove in retouching.
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| Avoid sweaters and loose clothes. And watch for distracting wrinkles and bumps that won't be fixed in retouching. |
8. If you wear a jacket make sure you can comfortably do up the top button.
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| Not like this. Photo - Unsplash |
9. Lean towards jackets that zip up or button up to form a 'v' underneath the face, as opposed to jackets that don't have buttons and/or that can't be done up. Also, in general, it is best to avoid double breasted jackets.
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| There are no hard, fast rules here, just a somewhat aesthetically conservative suggestion. |
10. If your outfit allows for it consider wearing pants with pockets. Being able to put hands in pockets can facilitate a relaxed standing pose.
11. Avoid clothing styles that are likely to date quickly (ie. trendy styles).
12. Keep in mind that generally viewers of your portrait should be noticing your face, foremost, as opposed to your clothing or jewellery, so it's often best to keep them understated (unless you are a clothing or jewellery designer).
13. If you are not sure what will look good, time allowing, consider bringing options -- cleaned and pressed and on hangers (not folded).
14. If you plan to wear something that wrinkles easily consider bringing it to the shoot cleaned, pressed and on a hanger to put on right before your session.
15. In the absence of a Hair and Make-up artist be sure to be as camera-ready as possible -- clean teeth, lips moisterized (avoid dry, chapped lips), lipstick, etc. touched up, if applicable. Consider bringing your make-up kit (if applicable) for touch-ups. Due to the pandemic we no longer apply shine reducing powder, for now, so you may want to bring your own.
16. If we are hiring a hair and make-up artist please make sure your hair is NOT FRESHLY WASHED. Freshly washed hair can very difficult to style.
If I have missed anything glaringly not covered please let me know.
* Post-pandemic many of us do not have the quite same bodies we went in with. If nothing fits right and you haven't had to dress for the office in while, please consider buying something new that fits your current self.
Wardrobe is obviously very personal and what is considered to look good is a subjective thing. These guidelines are intended to provide some tips on common pitfalls that can detract from the awesomeness of a professional portrait. Hopefully with these in mind readers will show up for portrait sessions feeling confident and looking great.
kathryn@hollinrake.com
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