Comments on: “Does my butt look big in this?” – What Clothes to Wear in Portraits

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:12:08 +0000

For family portraits, I start with keep it simple. However I suggest that they choose a scheme of a few colors that work well together or a monochromatic scheme so they don’t look too matchy. I also tell them that if they want to add a little pattern in, such as in a little girl’s skirt or something, that it can add interest. That sounds different from the opinions here but I don’t usually want the portraits too formal and I think it gives it a fashion magazine kindof look.
Also when I think of photographing one subject I think of seniors. I think it’s okay for them to break the rules and use bright colors, patterns, even logos sometimes because for them it’s all about the fashionable clothes and they definitely like that fashion shoot magazine look. However I think they should have something solid as well so I can get some shots that focus on them alone.

By: ElaineM

ElaineM — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:35:14 +0000

These are my rules:
Solid colors, no prints. They are way to busy;
Solid colors in the same family, such as blue or red. when doing a group
No white–it bleaches out faces especially as people age. it also makes the subject look larger an it is the bright spot in the photo.
I like the effect when one color for shirt and pants or skirt, as in the first photo in this article. It produces an uncluttered look and lengthens the line of the subject

By: Cyrus Butt

Cyrus Butt — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:48:33 +0000

Great work. Very thanks. Btta5200

By: Rinchen

Rinchen — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:12:42 +0000

Just had my portrait taken with my husband. He wore a batik shirt with a collar and I wore a a plain colored collared sweater, picking up on the colors in his shirt. We had a variety of poses. The one we liked the best had my arms wrapped around him and highlighted the matching buttons on the 3/4 length sleeves of my sweater. It seemed to draw it all together.

By: DDHall

DDHall — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:12:20 +0000

All of the comments have helped me. My two children, teen and preteen, are going to have their portraits done and I’ve struggled over what they are going to wear. I don’t want them to matchy-matchy. I would think that would be too distracting since they are very diffent. (Boy-girl / 6′4″-5′4″ / brown hair-blonde hair) I want their personalities to shine. I’m glad to hear the comments against the white shirt and jeans. I’ve seen that so many times. I also appreciate the suggestion to look for dark colors but not necessarily black for paler complextions. (Both are fair and lightly freckled) And the suggestion about collars, who would have thought? I am thinking about having them choose a collared pullover and bring a complementary button-down shirt to add if needed. What do you think?

By: bogart

bogart — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:51:09 +0000

ya the color of the clothes of the subject plays a major role. Sometimes the dress would potray the occasion or event.

By: Millard

Millard — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:56:35 +0000

I’ve always trusted this to the individual or ask the model to bring a friend since I can’t afford a fashion adviser. Good advice anyway.

By: cole

cole — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:50:59 +0000

i think that no one should wear any clothes. to show that everyone is different. :)

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:03:24 +0000

Samantha, Have your photographer utilize depth of field so the flags are there but slighty out of focus. The idea will come across but you’ll be the center of attention in the shot. I would try a solid white and solid black shirt, have him shoot you in both and see which is better. The dark shirt should have less shadows in the end and thus hide some of the curves. However, thinking back to my 20 years in the Navy, he probably want’s to see as many of your curves as possible. Or like take2 and Colin said, clothing optional is an option, if your quick!

By: Samantha

Samantha — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:43:47 +0000

This was really helpful… but I have a couple questions regarding a specific portrait i’m having done. My boyfriend is deployed in Iraq, and with it being the time of year that is is, my town has this field full of American flags. My friend (an amature photographer) had the idea to take some photos of me in this field of flags to send to him while he’s overseas. So my question is, with the bright colors of the flags and the grass as the backround, what should i wear? Also, I’m a curvy girl, what ends up looking better on film when the subject has a chest? Any comments help! Thanks everyone!