what type of clothing works best for portraits?

The clothing you choose for your portrait session is critical to creating a successful portrait. Simple clothing photographs best. Choose clothing that does not attract attention to itself; the most important part of the portrait is you, not your clothing.

When selecting your clothing, consider how the portrait will ultimately be used, or where it will appear or be shown. The style and color of clothing you wear should complement the environment in which your portrait will be hung, the Web site on which it will appear, or the publication in which it will be printed. If your portrait will be shown in family members' homes, a casual look may be appropriate. If your portrait will be hung in a formal environment or printed in a professional publication, more formal clothing might be appropriate. Consider the impression you want to create in the environment.

general guidelines:

• Avoid loud patterns and colors; solid colors tend to photograph better than patterns.
  
  
• Avoid solid bright white.
  
  
• Avoid shiny fabrics, reflective buttons, and large and/or reflective jewelry.
  
  
• Medium to dark clothing creates a timeless look.
  
  
• If being photographed with other people, all subjects should wear clothing of similar tonality, even if actual colors are different. They should also all be similar in level of formality or casualness.
  
  
• Jeans are OK for a relaxed look, but avoid T-shirts with patterns or large words on the front.
  
  
• If being photographed on a dark background, wear darker colors; if on a light/white background, wear soft/light colors.
  
  
• Generally, dark backgrounds provide a backdrop that is more pleasing for portraits because it recedes, allowing the subject to be the focus of attention.
  
  
• Adults and teens should wear long sleeves; avoid sleeveless tops (bare arms don't photograph well).
  
  
• Avoid extremely high-collared sweaters or jackets.
  
  
• Bring an extra change of clothing (e.g., one casual, one more formal); one style might be more flattering for you in front of the camera.
  
  
• Bring face powder to reduce shiny areas on face.