• The proper clothing selection can make the difference in a quality photo or an exceptional portrait.  Clothing should enhance the visual experience and not distract or take away from the subjects.  Dark clothing not only slenderizes but blends well with the backgrounds.  This enhances the facial features for a superb portrait.

• Bright colors can be very distracting in a photo as well as print fabrics which take away from the subject.  Digital images enhance prints and colors more than the standard portraits which may provide less than acceptable results.

• Remember the greatest asset of any photo is the subjects face.  When clothing is worn that exposes to much flesh such as short sleeve shirts or pants this can lessen the dramatic affect of the portrait.

• Eyes have a tendency to be drawn to lighter areas and less to darker areas.  With this in mind clothing below the waist should always be darker than the clothing above the waist.  This will drawn the eye to the subjects face.

• Fad clothing for many are fun and part of the free spirit of a person.  Remember that photographs last a lifetime and the clothing in them will be viewed for generations.  Unless you plan to have frequent portraits made, fad clothing is best left out of the picture.

Group Clothing Selection

• The above tips apply to groups as well as individuals.  An added tip is to select clothing that will enhance and blend the various bodies together.  Selecting a similar color scheme makes for the best group portrait.  When there are wide ranges of colors and patterns this will distract from the overall affect of the group.

Neckline Selection

• Wide necklines have a tendency to thicken the neck in a photo.  When selecting a neckline, one close to the neck not only is flattering and slimming but it will frame the face perfectly.

Hairstyle Selection

• Hair near and around the face can give dramatic shadowing which will take away from any portrait.  The best style should be simple and away from the face and forehead to allow the light to enhance the facial features.

Make-up Selection

• The most important tip is no "demarcation", or sudden lines where make-up stops and starts.  Make-up should be well blended and as natural as possible.  Light colored shadow above and below the eye will not come out well in a photograph.  Also, intense color will take away from the subjects face and draw the eye to the make-up.  

Eyeglass Selection

• This is a personal decision and for many, eyeglasses are very much part of the person's personality.  When selecting to wear them, a non-reflective lenses will photograph the best.  Frames that do not distort the facial features will prove more complimentary.  Some have selected to wear frames without lenses to ensure the picture replicates them as well as ensuring the glare is not distracting from the lenses.