What to Wear for Your Portrait
A little preparation goes a long way. Whether you're updating your professional headshot or creating a timeless portrait, what you wear should reflect who you are.
Choosing Your Outfit
What you wear for your portrait session can make a difference in how your final images look and feel. The goal isn't to dress like someone else. It's to choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and most importantly, like yourself.
Solid Colors
Solid colors are always a great choice. They help keep the attention on your face rather than your clothing. Neutral tones like black, white, gray, navy, and earth tones photograph beautifully. Rich, bold colors can also work well when they complement your skin tone and personality.
Patterns
Simple is usually better. Busy patterns, large logos, and bold graphics can distract from your expression. If you love patterns, choose something subtle that adds personality without overwhelming the photograph.
Fit
Wear clothing that fits you well. Clothing that's too loose can appear bulky, while clothing that's too tight may feel uncomfortable or restrict movement. Choose something you feel good wearing, whether that's a tailored jacket, a favorite sweater, or a simple shirt.
Textures
Textures can add depth and character to your portrait. Fabrics like denim, linen, wool, and knitwear can photograph beautifully, especially when paired with simple colors. Layering different textures can also create visual interest without being distracting.
Colors for Warm Undertones
If your skin has golden, yellow, or peachy undertones, warm and earthy colors can beautifully complement your natural complexion. These colors help bring warmth to your portrait while keeping your skin looking vibrant and natural.
Recommended Colors:
Earth Tones: Terracotta, rust, camel, chocolate brown, and warm beige.
Greens: Olive, moss, sage, and forest green.
Pink: Peachy pink, salmon, coral pink, warm blush, dusty rose, and warm rose.
Yellows: Mustard, golden yellow, and honey.
Neutrals: Ivory, cream, warm taupe, and soft brown.
Blues: Teal, turquoise, and warm navy.
Colors to Consider Carefully
Icy pastels, cool grays, and stark white may create stronger contrast against warm complexions. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but softer, warmer alternatives may feel more harmonious.
Flattering Colors for Your Undertone
Choosing the right colors for your portrait session starts with understanding your skin's undertone. Your undertone is the subtle color beneath the surface of your skin. Unlike your skin tone, which can change with sun exposure, your undertone generally stays the same. Here are two simple ways to help you figure it out.
The White Paper Test
The ‘white paper test’ is the simplest method for finding your undertone. Commence with a makeup free face in a space with natural light to best examine your skin. Take a piece of pure white paper and hold it up to your face and consider how your face looks in contrast. If you notice subtle gold, yellow, green or light brown tones beneath the surface, you have a ‘warm’ undertone. Conversely, if you find pigments that veer more towards blue, rose or pink, your undertone is cool. Find your skin seems ashen or gray? You are looking at a neutral undertone. Some skin conditions such as acne or rosacea can make it difficult to determine your natural undertone. In such scenarios, have someone hold the paper test near the crease behind your ear, as it is far less susceptible to being affected.
The Vein Test
Unlike the paper test, you don’t require any additional items to do the ‘vein test’. Simply take note of the color of the veins in your wrist and hand. If your veins appear more blue or purple, that is a sign of a cool undertone, while a green hue suggests a warm undertone. If it doesn’t seem like it is quite either of those? That indicates a neutral undertone.
Colors for Cool Undertones
If your skin has pink, red, or bluish undertones, cool and jewel-toned colors can beautifully complement your natural complexion.
These colors can help create a fresh, balanced, and polished appearance in your portraits.
Recommended Colors:
Light Gray: A versatile neutral that works especially well with cool undertones.
Bright Magenta: A bold, cool pink that adds energy and personality.
Teal: A blue-green shade that can complement both cool and neutral undertones.
Yellows: Mustard, golden yellow, and honey.
Royal Blue: A strong, flattering choice for cool undertones and professional headshots.
Burnt Orange: A warm, earthy color generally associated with warm undertones.
Benefits of Portrait Photography
A quality portrait makes a lasting difference. Here are a few reasons why it matters.
Professional Image:
Brand Consistency: Consistent and professional portraits across all platforms (website, LinkedIn, business cards) help reinforce the brand image and maintain a cohesive visual identity.
Marketing and Promotion:
Versatility in Content: Professional portraits can be used across various marketing materials, including websites, brochures, social media, and press releases. They are versatile assets that enhance visual content.
Credibility and Authority:
Expert Positioning: For businesses in fields where expertise and authority are crucial (e.g., consulting, law, healthcare), professional portraits of leaders and key personnel can enhance their credibility and position them as thought leaders.
Personal Connection:
Humanizing the Brand: Portraits of team members, executives, or employees add a personal touch to the business, making it more relatable and approachable. This can help build trust and foster a connection with the audience.
Employee Morale and Engagement:
Recognition and Value: Featuring employees in professional portraits can boost morale by showing that they are valued members of the team. It also creates a sense of pride and belonging.
Networking and Business Development:
LinkedIn and Online Presence: A strong, professional portrait is essential for LinkedIn profiles and other professional networking sites, enhancing visibility and attractiveness to potential clients or employers.
Scheduling an Appointment
For a high-quality headshot portrait, book an appointment with professional photographer Ole Hongvanthong at PhotOle Photography. Visit us at 114 East Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. To schedule your session, call us at (717)417-0653 or complete the form below.