-Turtle necks or V-necks are flattering provided that neither is exaggerated in style. Avoid very wide or particularly drop V-neck garments or bulky cowl neck sweaters that completely hide the neck.

-For close-up portraits, long sleeves are critical for teens and adults, as bare arms call attention to themselves and will overpower the face.

-Women being photographed in full length should wear long skirts, trousers or dark stockings in order to keep the eye from being directed toward the legs and away from the face.

-If feet are to show in the portrait, assure that shoes and stockings/tights are in keeping with the visual intent of the portrait.

-Men should be clean shaven or facial hair should be carefully groomed, with their hair cut about one week before the portrait session. Women should be photographed whenever they are happiest with their hair in relation to the time it is styled.

Memorable portraits take careful planning. The clothing you choose is very important to your portrait’s success. These guidelines will help you to make important decisions about the clothing and style of your artwork.

The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer to the face(s) in the portrait. All other elements should be secondary. For individuals, simple long-sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown, grey, burgundy, green or blue are pleasing choices when photographed against a medium or dark background.

Because darker clothing is slimming, it often is a good choice for close-up, full-length or three-quarter length portraits in which a medium to dark background is used. Bold stripes, plaids, checks and prints are visually confusing and do not photograph well. Bright colours such as pink and orange will overwhelm the face and ruin a portrait. Light colours that approximate flesh tones will overpower the face and make the subject look unusually pale.