Family Photos- Look your best!

Often one of the most important things overlooked, or the least educated about, in getting your portrait done is what you wear. Your clothing choice really can make all the difference in how the final image turns out. The next time you are ready to have your portrait made, remember these important thoughts.

• Not everyone has to look identical. Almost everyone remembers being in or at least seeing a family portrait where everyone is wearing a clone outfit of the person next to them. It tends to feel too contrived. It’s more important to coordinate than to match. For example: A family of four might all wear khakis in lighter shades and pastel shirts and blouses. If the family is a father, mother, son and daughter than the mother might wear a soft pink blouse and the daughter a soft yellow blouse. The father may wear a light blue shirt and the son a pastel green. If at all possible, try and have everyone wear the same style.
• Avoid patterns and logos. These types of clothes are distracting and pull the eye away from you, the subject of the portrait. Logos, especially sports teams and clothing brands, tend to date a photograph and after a few years it may turn into one of those photos where others point out “the fashion of the time”. Patterns such as flannels or lines in clothing can cheapen the look of the photograph. Patterns do sometimes work however, but rarely and you should talk with your photographer before the portrait is made so you can get his or her advice.
• Cover up your skin. Long sleeves are the best choice even if you’re on-location in the summer. Long slacks or pants are usually a better option as well as our calves see the least amount of sun and can be a distracting pasty white. Covering up keeps our eyes away from the arms and legs and on our faces where the portrait needs to keep focus. This is an important point to remember when you’re considering your portrait.
• Limit the amount of makeup. Too much makeup can often times be harmful in a photograph. Just about any photographer is able to achieve the look you want with the computer. Photographers can reduce wrinkles, lines and blemishes; add color to the face, etc. However, if you are still insistent, consult your photographer as he or she might be able to recommend someone that has experience applying makeup for film, video and photography.
• Say no to vibrant colors. As a general rule, colors that are strong or bright, such as reds, fluorescents, and bright blues should be avoided. This point sometimes can be broken if your photographer thinks it appropriate. Whites and blacks can sometimes be too much as well, though not as often. Here again, consult your photographer.
• NEVER, EVER wear a fake smile. We all think that photos will be better if we smile. This isn’t always true. Ultimately, the worst thing you can wear is a fake smile. Fake smiles often happen when someone really doesn’t want to be there. Teenagers and fathers are usually the ones guilty of this. Be sure everyone is in good spirits before the portrait session starts. And mothers, never tell your children or husband to smile while the photographer is taking the photographs. Allow the photographer to work and do what he or she does best.

With proper planning and these simple points your next portrait will turn out great!

Like always, have fun Central, PA!