What should I wear for my PORTRAITS?

This depends on your line of work, and the purpose of your photos. Generally, wear what you feel comfortable and confident in! Here are some tips that will help capture the best image of you. Don’t hesitate to send me photos or descriptions of options you’re thinking about. This can help me prepare, too.

Elevated eVERYDAY STYLE

Wear an outfit similar in formality and style to what you‘d wear on a typical day at work - not too casual, not too formal. For many industries, you may want to dress one level above your everyday, as if you were meeting with a stakeholder or going to a job interview. 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 a jacket or other layer for more options!

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 or freshly cut for the day of the shoot. However, wearing it in an everyday style ensures you’ll feel 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 something 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, and gray and jewel tones can look good on everyone. Textures like pleats, eyelets, denim, leather, and woven knits can add interest. Very subtle prints can work well, too. I recommend bringing more than one shirt to have options, and/or a jacket or sweater for layering. Consider neutral or darker colored bottoms if they will appear in the shots you want.

SOME THINGS TO AVOID

No one wants to cramp your style, but unfortunately 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 or sequins, plaid or checkered prints, polka dots, and other busy patterns. If you have your heart set on something specific, please send me some pictures or let me know ahead of time, so we can work together.

Logos, graphics, and words on clothing are usually distracting. The same goes for 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. If you have a furry friend at home, try to find a lint roller or just dab yourself with some tape! Finally, set aside some time with your iron or steamer before you get dressed - the camera can magnify wrinkles in clothing.