Barbara Breitsameter, a photographer I greatly admire, shared this on her blog and I want to pass it along to our readers. Jean and I field many questions about looking your best and looking slimmer during portrait sessions. This is some comprehensive info. Thanks for sharing, Barbara!
We understand that getting custom portraiture isn’t an everyday occurrence and we want you to be happy with your investment. The more information we can share ahead of time, we think the better the outcome will be!
When selecting your outfit, it is very important to keep these tips in mind to help you to look your best for your portrait session:
• Select clothing that fits! Loose & tight clothing will only make you look larger.
• Women: Select the right bra! That’s right. A properly fitted bra can make all the difference in how you look. I highly recommend getting professionally fitted for the right bra and size for you. Most women are wearing the wrong bra and bra size. A good minimizer bra for a large breasted woman can make you look much slimmer.
• Wear shape wear that smooths and minimizes imperfections.
• Avoid clingy fabric clothing.
• Long sleeves are best, however in those humid summer months it is not always optimal for outdoor sessions.
• Vneck blouses are best. They are always slimming and look good on almost every woman.
• Avoid bulky sweaters! A bulky sweater is guaranteed to make you look as if you are 20 pounds heavier.
• Wear clothing that is easy to move in. Stay away from mini skirts, long slim skirts. It really limits the poses we can do that are the most flattering.
• Wear darker colors! Brown, Navy, Olive, Eggplant, Blue, Burgundy. Everyone seems to gravitate to Black, however there are many beautiful and flattering dark colors to choose from.
• Dress Monochromatic — one solid color head to toe.
• Cool, dark colors are more slimming. Warm colors appear closer and larger.
• Wear flat front slacks for men and women. Avoid elastic & drawstring waisted clothing.
• Avoid belts. They cut the body in half and draw your eye to the waistline.
• Avoid bulky pockets on the front and back.
• Avoid wide collars, cowl & turtlenecks.
• Single-breasted jackets are best. Double-breasted adds weight onto your appearance.
• If you are short, avoid Capri slacks. It shortens the leg. The longer your legs appear, the slimmer you will look.
• I am not a fan of tunic tops, especially if you are a short stature. It is optimal that a blouse or top bottom edge be cropped a few inches below the waistline.
• For full length portraits, wear heels. The heels make your legs look longer and slimmer.
