The main idea is to focus attention to the face or faces in the portrait. Below is a listing of colours and tones for different types of scenarios and backgrounds.

• Darker shades are more flattering and slimming when using a dark background.
• Simple long-sleeved clothing in medium to dark tones of brown, burgundy, green, rust or blue are some good choices.
• Avoid light tones such as beige, peach, pink, tan, yellow and white when using a dark background because it draws away from the face which is the most important aspect of portraits. Light colors are more appropriate against a white or pastel background.
• In group picture, clothing coordination is very important. Choose clothing that is in the same tones or color range so that no family member stands out.
• Mixing light and dark tones causes visual confusion as it tends to make one person stand out and the other recede in the photograph.
• Clothing in medium shades compliment portraits made in outdoor environments.
• Bold strips, prints, checkers or plaids are very confusing and do not photograph well so avoid these types of clothing patterns.
• Never use red or orange as your clothing tone. These colors will overpower facial features and ruin a portrait.
• Simple garments always photograph best.
• Turtle necks or V-necks are flattering provided that neither has an exaggerated style.
• Avoid wide, V-neck garments or bulky cowl neck sweaters that hide the neck.
• Long sleeves are essential for teens and adults because bare arms will overpower the face.
• Women photographed full-length should wear long skirts, pants, or dark stockings in order to keep the eye from the legs and away from the face.
• If feet are to show in the portrait, make certain shoes and stockings in coordination with the visual intent of the portrait.
• Men and women should have their hair cut about one week before the portrait session. If you decide to have a new hairdo days before it will not look right as newly cut hair takes a while to settle.
• Do not overpower your face with too much makeup as it gives you a clownish effect around the eyes. Simple makeup is better as well, for men use chapstick to give a bit of luster to the lips.
• If you wear glasses in your everyday routine wear them at the session. There are programs today that can minimize the glare/reflection of glasses in portraits but not all glare can or will be removed.
• Do not go out and get a new suntan prior to the session. This will cause any lines visible on your skin to draw away from the face because of the contrast of dark and light.
• Khaki is a good alternative when doing a portrait. It blends well with both dark and light colors and is a simple but effective tonal quality.
• Bring a change of clothing for everyone, particularly young babies.
• If you are bringing a family pet(s) please keep them in their kennel or leashed during the session until they are required to be photographed. Because a studio session holds very expensive equipment any accident that might cause damage to the equipment, photographer and pet need to be avoided. If necessary take turns staying with the pet or have someone who is not going to be photographed come with you and tend to the animals, especially if the pet is a young puppy or cat.
• If you have toys or props that you want to bring to the session please do so. Familiar things to children and pets are more soothing and will make the session much smoother.