What to Wear for Your Legacy Portrait with Mark
We thank you for investing the time to prepare for what will become your family’s most enduring and treasured heirlooms
Essentials for Ladies
• Dresses photograph exceptionally well and flatter most women.
• Your natural makeup style is usually best.
• Manicures and pedicures matter.
• Jewelry enhances your look.
• Little girls look adorable in party dresses.
Essentials for Gentlemen
• Coats and jackets are required for men.
• A dark dress shirt or t-shirt looks great under a jacket, especially with dark jeans.
• Layering adds depth and dimension.
• Boys also look good in jeans, cable knit sweaters, and canvas or denim shirts.
All Clothing Should be Black or Very Dark
Our background and lighting are tailored to render your portrait as a timeless work of art and require very dark clothing to ensure that your family’s faces and features are the center of attention.
For that reason, absolutely every piece of clothing must be either be entirely black, navy, or otherwise very dark in tone. As we photograph in black and white, colors never clash, so navy and black photograph well together.
Your Wardrobe Should Fit and Flatter
Nothing flatters more than clothing that fits properly. Most children look best a size or two smaller than one would normally expect, so please try everything on in advance. If you aren’t sure, it isn’t the right size.
Be Stylish and Dress Up
This is your family’s “night on the town” where everybody looks and feels their best. Choose timeless clothing with character, personality, and style. Be sure everything is clean and camera ready. For most clients, their natural makeup and hair styles work best, and it’s not necessary to see a makeup artist prior to your session.
Bring Multiple Options
Please bring 3–5 different wardrobe options for each family member. Because not everything that feels right photographs well, choice is essential to your successful session.
Let Your Family Shine
Arrive well rested and well fed; you can’t hide a bad mood, or fake a good one. Details count. If you see it, so will the camera.
To maintain the integrity of the artwork, only families who are properly attired can be photographed.
Essentials for Everybody
• Arrive with well styled hair.
• Eyeglasses should have a non-reflective coating.
• Texture adds dimension and interest.
• Barefoot is often best for kids under ten, but shoes count for everyone else. Dress shoes are preferred, and all choices should be classic, not trendy.
• We would love for you to bring that favorite stuffed animal, musical instrument, or other prop.
What Not to Do
• Clothing with white, light and mid-tone elements won’t make you look good, and is a distraction.
• Sweats are never a good idea.
• Avoid patterns and large logos.
• Polo/golf style shirts, casual cotton pants and sweatpants should be left at home.
• Don’t forget to apply common sense to your outfits.
• Everybody should not wear the same thing.
• You can’t fix clothing that doesn’t fit by rolling up the sleeves or pinning it in the back, and dirty clothing will photograph poorly.
