Dressing For Posterity

Tue., May 28, 1996

Shanna Southern Peterson Correspondent

Having a family portrait taken is an excellent idea. Most professional photographers recommend having your picture taken every two to three years following the birth of your oldest child.

For your portrait to truly be a success you need to plan what everyone in the picture will be wearing so you do not end up looking like a group of really well-dressed strangers who happened to show up at the same place on the same day. According to John Mark of Dorian photography studio, a few simple suggestions will ensure a beautiful portrait you will treasure for years to come.

Choose a main color, one that is complementary to everyone in your group, and use that as a starting point. The best colors to choose include navy, taupe and tan. Try dressing the men in navy and the women in taupe, burgundy or gray.

Stick with solid colors. Stripes and plaids tend to make people look heavy.

Avoid prints and patterns. They divert attention away from the people and tend to age a portrait quickly. That blue and green paisley may have been great in the ‘60s but it looks dated today.

If anyone needs a haircut be sure to have it done no less than four days before the sitting. This avoids that “just cut” look and gives you a chance to get used to the style. Do not make any radical hairstyle changes until after the sitting.

Choose either a formal or casual style for everyone in the party. Do not mix the two styles. A popular casual style recently has been the denim look. Everyone in the group wears denim shirts and tan slacks or skirts. Most people feel comfortable in these clothes and that translates into a more natural portrait.

Pictures taken outdoors at a local park during autumn with everyone wearing sweaters and slacks is another popular idea that will bring beautiful results.

If you are planning to display this picture in a particular room of your home, think about how it will look with the color scheme in that room. If you have decorated in pastels you may want to avoid dressing everyone in bright red for the picture.

Whatever choices you make for your family portrait, remember that 75 years from now when your great-grandchildren look at this picture you want them to admire their handsome ancestors, not laugh hysterically at the bell-bottom pants and polyester shirt on Uncle Frank.

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