Wardrobe Choices for Your Fine Art Studio Portrait Session

The magic of a fine art portrait lies in capturing your authentic spirit – the unique spark that makes you…well, you. It's about creating an image that transcends a snapshot, becoming a timeless reflection of who you are - your personality and your spirit.

My belief is that carefully considered wardrobe plays a strong role in creating beautiful portraits. Your clothing should not be an afterthought. It’s a storytelling element that enhances your natural beauty and complements my artistic vision.

EMBRACING YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE

Forget about trends or forcing yourself into something uncomfortable. My goal is to showcase the real you, not create a character.  That's why your wardrobe choice is really up to you, I am here to guide you. Whether it's classic elegance, effortless chic, or laid-back casual…I want you to wear what makes you feel confident and authentic.

VARIETY

To add a touch of visual storytelling, consider bringing a few wardrobe options. This allows us to create variety within the session.  Imagine the siblings together in one look, then changing into another outfit for the family portrait. This will add variety to your final gallery. This also gives me a few options to play with when I see you together as a group - I help put together a cohesive look that will photograph well. During this session shown below, we photographed several wardrobe looks.

TEXTURE & COLOUR:
CREATING VISUAL HARMONY

Think of your clothing as another brushstroke on my canvas.  Texture and colour become additional tools to help create your stunning portraits. Consider the mood you wish to evoke. Rich textures like silk or velvet can lend a touch of luxury, while linen or cotton offer a relaxed and natural feel.

Texture and colour play a big part in this portrait, beautifully framing the client’s face

THE BEAUTY OF BLACK

Don't be afraid to embrace darker tones!  Black is a classic choice, but here's the key to choosing the best black fabrics: look for qualities in the material that have a subtle sheen or texture that will catch the light - silk, mercerized (shiny-ish) cotton, sheer, leather. Texture such as cordurory, knits, and lace will also add visual interest to your images. These details help the fabrics come alive when hit with my studio lights, creating depth.

Casual black…helping the viewers focus go to their gorgeous faces and fab hair!

COLOUR & COHESION

Color can breathe life into a portrait, but harmony is key here. If you are a family, think of your outfits like a coordinated palette. Colours should complement each other without anyone standing out too much. White and light colours work beautifully with my signature dark backgrounds, providing a good contrast.

EMBRACE THE COLLABORATION

Let's create something special together! While you have the freedom to choose your wardrobe, I do ask that you share your outfit ideas with me a few days before our session. Whether it's a specific colour palette or a cherished piece you want to incorporate, getting a glimpse into your vision will help me tailor my lighting and backdrops to bring your unique style to life.

A fine-art portrait session is a collaborative experience, and by embracing your personal style and considering your wardrobe carefully before your session, together we will create incredible images. If you still are unsure, I am also available to have further wardrobe consultation with you before your session.

Building Your Wardrobe Palette: A Few Recommendations

To help you curate your wardrobe for your portrait session, below are a few of my specific suggestions:

• I suggest bringing both a casual and a dressier option. This allows for a range of looks within your final gallery. A few examples: a sleek black dress, or classic business suit for dramatic portraits, a weekend jeans look (great for floor seated portraits), or a flowing maxi dress that has that bohemian elegance! A classic combination like jeans and a black turtleneck or a crisp white shirt never goes out of style. It’s true that timeless styles make for timeless portraits.

• You are welcome to embrace the power of colour. While bold prints and patterns are best avoided (unless mindfully chosen), playing with tones can create stunning results. Think about contrasting a darker outfit, like a rich navy suit, with a great scarf or tie in an interesting colour. If you're part of a family session, I ask that you aim for a cohesive colour palette. Neutral tones are always a safe bet, but you can introduce pops of colour through accessories. take a look at the colour chart I show at the end of this article…these are known as ‘jewel tones’ and work wonderfully with my photographic style, but I want you to wear what you love (and what you already have!), and that may be hot pink…bring it on!

• Sleeve length makes a difference. For a more refined look, consider clothing with 3/4 length or full-length sleeves. This creates a more elegant flow in the final image.

• Fit is key. Reasonably fitted clothing flatters most body types and photographs beautifully. Avoid anything too baggy or overly tight. Something to consider - certain outfits may be fashionable and look fabulous in real life when they are naturally flowing, but can be the wrong choice for a still image (balloon pants come to mind).

• Solid colours are usually the best choice. Busy patterns and logos tend to compete with the overall composition. 

• Having said all this, it is important you wear what you feel good in and please don't feel pressured to purchase new clothing. Your existing wardrobe likely holds gems that are perfect for our session. Choose pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable – these are the ones that will truly radiate in your portraits.

• Embrace simplicity. Fine art portraits thrive on minimalism. Simple, elegant clothing will never go out of style and allows the focus to remain on you.

• I also suggest you review the portfolio pages on my website or my instagram - I feel the wardrobe in all the portraits I share work very well. These images may give you some ideas, and they may be items you have in your very own closet!

Jewel tones work well with my photographic style