It is important to wear clothing that fits the occasion giving rise to the taking of photographs. If photographs are to be taken at a wedding, jeans and sneakers are not appropriate; nor is formal attire ever appropriate for photographs taken at a picnic. Clothes classically styled work best. Clothing colors are important as well. Avoid patterns and loud or unusual colors that will detract from your face and others who may be in the photo. Colors such as navy, black, white, dark green and most earth tones work well.
Also take into consideration the background that will be used for the photographs. If the background is light, wearing light clothing will make you disappear into the background so wear dark clothing for a light background and lighter clothing for a dark background.
Photographic lighting can wash out coloring making the person photographed appear pale or sallow skinned. For those who wear makeup, apply it a little more heavily before having a picture taken. Even if you don't wear makeup, use loose powder on your face; men should do this as well. Don't forget to take makeup with you to the event where your photo is to be taken.
Many simple tricks will help a person appear slimmer in photographs. Some of them are as follows: wear darker colors on those parts of the body that are biggest; don't wear textured or shiny clothes; don't wear patterns; position yourself at an angle to the camera-don't face the camera head-on; keep your chin raised slightly, but don't pull your head back; and wear long sleeved garments. Men should make sure that collars are not too tight. Contrary to the discussion above, if you are overweight, you may want to blend a little more into the background. Wearing lighter colors for a light background and darker colors for a dark background will de-emphasize your size. Lighting that is a little above and in front of you is more flattering than light that is directly in front of you.
