The first consideration is comfort – if you are not comfortable, it will show on your face. I usually recommend people wear solid colors that complement their skin color. In general, most people should avoid white and black clothing, especially close to the face. These are fine if used as layers in an overall “look”. If you are getting your senior portrait done, then by all means bring your school sweatshirt or jersey – that’s an important part of your life that needs to be documented.
We highly recommend long pants – jeans or khaki’s for a portrait session or engagement shoot would be fine. Bring a variety of tops. The average portrait session lasts between 1 and 2 hours, so you’ll have time to change tops. Many women wear a simple cami under their shirts, so they can quickly change tops without looking for a private dressing room each time. If you are a woman, and you typically wear makeup, then wear makeup for your session. Think “simple, clean, and pretty” – and that will show in the photos.
I recommend that you shower and wash your hair the same day as your portrait. While the camera does not capture smell, you’ll feel fresher, and your photos will look better. Men should shave the same day as their portrait (if they are clean-shaven). If “five o’clock shadow” is a concern, then consider shaving later in the day, or just before the appointment.
The best time for a portrait or engagement session is later in the day. I like to start about an hour and a half before sunset. Have you ever noticed how the light gets golden right around sunset? Doesn’t that make people look warm, healthy, vibrant, and attractive? That’s how I want you to look. If we shoot at high noon, the sun casts harsh shadows down our faces, and the photos will not look as good. We’ll start shooting, and keep going as the sun goes down. Depending on the location, we might get a sunset, and we might get a some dramatic night-lit scenery behind you for your photos.
As always, if you have any questions, please ask.