- Choose comfortable clothes in which you recognise yourself.
- Favour plain or low-contrast shades, with no big logos.
- As a couple or a family, coordinate colours without wearing the same thing.
- Bring 2 or 3 outfits, ironed, with the right shoes.
- Adapt your outfit to the use: professional, lifestyle, fashion.
A successful photo shows someone at ease. A brand-new outfit, one that is too tight or does not look like you shows immediately in the image. Choose clothes in which you move freely and whose cut you like.
- Plain or low-contrast shades: they keep attention on the face.
- Colours that flatter you: those you often get compliments on are good candidates.
- Watch the contrast with the setting: an outfit in the same shade as the background disappears, while a complementary colour stands out.
For a couple or a family, start from a palette of two or three colours that harmonise (neutrals, earthy tones, pastels) rather than wearing the same outfit.
Fluid or matte fabrics (cotton, linen, knitwear, fine wool) photograph well. Very shiny fabrics can create reflections, and very fine patterns (tight stripes, small checks) can cause distracting visual effects in the image. Big logos and written messages draw the eye away from the person.
- Keep jewellery and accessories discreet if you want the eye to stay on your face.
- Iron your clothes and check them in daylight (stains, loose threads, pilling).
- Don’t forget the shoes and the belt: they appear as soon as the framing widens.
- Plan suitable underwear for each outfit.
For a professional portrait, favour an outfit close to the one you wear in your job, plain and well cut. For a lifestyle, couple or family session, look for naturalness: smart everyday outfits. For a fashion project, art direction comes first: see our article Preparing a fashion shoot.
Bring two or three options and let the photographer help you choose on the spot according to the light and the setting. To learn everything about how the session unfolds, read our guide Preparing your portrait photo session or discover the individual photo session.
Professional portrait: a plain, well-cut outfit close to what you wear at work, in shades that flatter you. Lifestyle: smart everyday clothes, with one or two pieces that set you apart. Couple: two outfits that match through their palette without being identical. Family: a shared colour range (for example neutral tones with one accent colour) so that the group looks harmonious.
- Big printed logos and slogans.
- Very fine patterns (tight stripes, houndstooth) that can “vibrate” in the image.
- Brand-new clothes never worn: fold creases and discomfort.
- Outfits that are too tight or that crease easily.
- Colours identical to the setting, which blend you into the background.
- Outfits tried on, ironed and complete (top, bottom, shoes, accessories).
- A spare option for each outfit.
- Suitable underwear, with no visible marks.
- Accessories and jewellery chosen and clean.
- Your brief or inspiration images within reach.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as long as the outfit makes you feel comfortable. The photographer adjusts the exposure; what matters is checking the fabric and the cut. Just avoid very shiny outfits or very fine patterns.
Two or three are enough: they let you vary the images without lengthening the session.
