CREATING A TIMELESS PORTRAIT

SKIN TONE CONSIDERATIONS

Whether working with light or dark complexions, the objective always is for the face to dominate the portrait. Accordingly, skin highlights must be the lightest, brightest, most intense areas of the portrait. So when a medium to dark background is used, all subjects photograph best in medium to dark tones, whatever the skin tone.

CLOTHING FOR SMALL GROUPS

Couples or small groups should choose simple garments within the same tonal ranges, keeping in mind how the clothing and background selection will affect the stylistic intention of the portrait.

When subjects appear in a mixture of a light and dark tones together, there is visual confusion –as the light color comes forward, and the dark color recedes. When this happens (see example below), one person becomes dominant and appears heaving than in reality.

CLOTHING FOR FAMILIES

In a family group, proper clothing coordination is critical. When decorating a home, a major concern is to coordinate the colors and tones of the walls, carpets, drapes, and furniture. Similar coordination is necessary when selecting clothing for a group portrait. Choose clothing in the same tonal ranges so that no single member of the family stands out because the clothing is too light or bright as compared to the rest of the group.

CLOTHING FOR INDIVIDUALS

The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer's eye to the face(s) in the portrait. All other elements should be secondary. For individuals, simple long-sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown, rust, burgundy, green, or blue are pleasing choices when photographed against a medium or dark background.