Planning a successful Portrait Session

Some guidelines to help you

The following information is intended for the more formal of studio portraits. If you are thinking of having a very relaxed and informal location portrait session, then relax, be yourselves and wear what you would normally wear.

To assist you in preparing for a portrait session I have put together some guidelines, if you are able to follow them, your efforts will be rewarded when you view your portrait photographs.

Your choice of proper clothing is critical in the preparation for a successful portrait. If the clothing is noticeable it could become a distraction. 

What is needed is clothing which in itself does not attract attention (unless of course you have commissioned a portrait to be taken whilst in full uniform or regalia) because the focus of the viewer’s attention should be on the subjects face.  

Low & high key portraits
A low key portrait is one taken against a dark background and the results produced can be striking. Darker colours tend to slenderise the subject and when taken against a dark background help to blend the bodies thereby focusing attention on the face, which is the most important part of a portrait photograph. 

It follows then that a high key portrait is one taken against a very light or white background. These are also very effective and work equally well for single portraits and family groups. A nice contemporary look for a relaxed high key family portrait is a very casual jeans and white shirt look, with bare feet all round. 

Cover up
Wherever possible try to avoid wearing short sleeve clothing and short trousers. If you have bare arms and legs showing in the photograph the eye will be drawn to the lighter/darker areas of skin and divert attention away from the face.

If you require a more formal style of photograph then ladies, if wearing a collarless blouse or pullover, a plain scarf loosely tied around the neck can help to frame the face beautifully. Head scarf’s can be used providing the above criteria are followed.

Gentlemen, if wearing a tie it should definitely be toned down in both colour and pattern. 

In general the colour of one’s clothing should always be toned down. Bright colours attract attention as do any patterns and/or prints. Wherever possible wear plain simple, dark coloured clothing for a low key portrait and white or very light plain coloured shirts or blouses for high key portraits. Avoid vivid colours overall and even pastel colours near the face. Keep items of clothing near the face neutral. 

Group portraits
If you are having photographs taken in a group, no matter how small, then it is very important all persons get together to discuss what they will be wearing prior to the session. Clothing should be carefully selected to help the bodies blend together. 

As a general rule of thumb, decide beforehand whether the clothing is to be of a warm tone (browns etc.) or a cool tone (dark blues, greys, blacks etc.) and then consider the advice listed above. 

Necklines
Clothing which comes up to the base of the neck such as a turtle neck or v-neck can be most flattering. It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.  

Eye Glasses
If you wear glasses on a daily basis then you should wear them for your portrait, however be aware they may cause problems with unwanted reflections. If you have non reflective lenses it would be a great help. Ideally you could try to obtain a pair of glassless frames from your supplier. 

Reactalite lenses really should be avoided if at all possible as studio flash or even indirect sunlight will cause them to darken significantly. Contact lenses are not generally a problem although some types which colour the iris can cause unnatural effects in the eye on the finished portrait.  

Be prepared
It may help by laying out all of the clothing you intend to wear for the portrait on your bed, including the shoes. If your eyes are drawn to one particular item, the same will happen in a photograph. That item should be replaced. Clothing should not be too tight or too loose. Clothing below the waistline should be darker than above.