Tips about Clothing, Color, Tone, and Style
from RUNNING STUDIO

 The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer's attention to the face or faces in the portrait.

CLOTHING

  • Proper clothing allows the face to dominate the portrait. All other elements should be secondary.
  • Darker shades are more slimming.
  • Casual outfits in earth tones or white shirts & jeans work best for outdoor photos.
  • Middle tones or deeper solid colors are best for formal portraits.
  • Avoid large prints or patterns or stripes that distract from your face.
  • Adults usually look better in long-sleeves rather than short-sleeves.
  • Bare shoulders or “spaghetti straps” often make adults look heavier.
  • Solid colors photograph best: Bold stripes, plaids, checks, and prints are confusing and draw the eye away from the face. Bright colors, such as red and orange, will completely overpower the face and ruin a portrait.
  • Couples or small groups should choose simple garments within the same tonal ranges. Mixing light and dark tones together creates visual confusion, as one subject comes forward and the other recedes.
  • We prefer you to not wear shoes as they tend to “date” your portrait. If shoes are necessary, make certain shoes and stockings are in keeping with the visual intent of the portrait.
  • Turtle necks or V-necks are flattering provided that neither is exaggerated in style. Avoid very wide or particularly deep V-neck garments as well as bulky cowl neck sweaters that completely hide the neck.
  • Women being photographed in full length should wear long skirts, pants, or dark stockings in order to keep the eye from being directed toward the legs and away from the face.

 CLOTHING GUIDELINES FOR FAMILIES

In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. Choose clothing in the same tonal ranges so that no single member of the family stands out because the clothing is too light or bright as compared to the rest of the group. Very simple garments always photograph best.

 HAIR
Wear your hair in a style you’re used to. Avoid new cuts or styles near your portrait session. You should allow about one week from your new hairstyle date!

GLASSES
Distortion problems can arise if you wear tinted or thick glasses. The best way to prevent this problem is to have your optometrist let you borrow a pair of empty frames for the portrait session.

SKIN CONDITIONS
If you develop a skin rash or blemish just before the shoot, don’t worry. We can retouch the problems away! We also can take care of “tan lines” you may have.

BRACES
We can retouch portraits to remove braces for an extra charge.

FOR GIRLS
Wear makeup but keep it natural and fresh. You do not have to apply any more or less than you normally wear. Use plenty of Lip Gloss! You may want to re-apply throughout the session. We have a well lighted makeup area in your dressing room.

FOR GUYS
A fresh shave is a must! If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it's neatly trimmed.