What do we wear for Family Portraits?
A little thought into what to wear for your family portraits does help.
Some basics:
1. Wear comfortable clothing that fits well. Baggy clothing makes you look larger, skimpy revealing clothing can be considered inappropriate for a family portrait.
2. Consider as a family group whether you will dress formally or informally. (An outdoor setting tends to suit a classic casual look).
3. Be careful about matching your clothes too well unless you really want to look like you are all in uniform. (e.g. some families like everyone in the blue jeans and white T-shirt look - do you?)
4. Coordinating for colour, tone and style helps - note as a general rule with white or pastel you gain 5 kg and with dark or medium shades you lose 5 kg in appearance. Choose a similar tonal range or colour pallet.
5. There is always the exception to the rule, some individuals express their personality through their clothing - and it just wouldn't be right if they were in the family portrait blending in with everyone else - just try not to wear colours that would clash when you are together in a portrait.
However, generally clothing should compliment, not dominate the portrait - bold patterns, stripes and logos can overpower the people in the portrait. Bright yellows, oranges and pinks can alter skin tones and are not ideal. Solid colours, subtle prints and classic casual clothing are always complimentary.
Natural looking makeup can be used to highlight the features and contours of your face. However, be careful with bronzers, they tend to make your skin look orange in photographs.
If you're having your hair cut or permed for the portraits, have it done at least 2 weeks before.
You may like to consider where you will place your portrait - can you coordinate it with the room's colours and decor so it highly complements the room as well.