Outfits for B/W portraits?

[MichelleCarmen]

My kids are getting their pictures taken next week for preschool and the photos are going to be in black and white. What I'm wondering is what color shirts would look best for the two of them so they'll look good and not washed out.

The coloring of my two kids are opposite from one another. My older son has medium brown hair, brown eyes and slightly olive complexion. Younger one has light to medium blonde hair, green eyes, and light creamy skin.

They'll have pictures taken together and ones taken apart. I have no idea what to dress them in! Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.

 

[belle]

are they going to be studio portraits? what will the background be like?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I have no idea about the background, but the last two times, there were props next to the kids. Like, for fall of 2004, there was one of those pull down screens with trees for the back drop image and then next to the boys were real pumpkins. Then the next series they had during the summer, the background was an ocean blue color and again the photographer used props, like footballs, etc., to add to the photos. So, I''m guessing there will be some sort of additional form along side the kids which may busy up the scene.

The actual setting will have good lighting, but keep in mind these are going to be taken AT preschool, not an actual studio so the lights will be the type that can be carried in.

 

[Kaleigh]

I love kids in a crisp white shirt and jeans, comes out great in a B&W pic. That''s how I had my kids pics taken a while back, and they have different coloring too, but turned out great. JMHO.

 

[gingerBcookie]

Our photographer recommended long sleeve solids and said that for B&W photos, black is actually the best color to wear. Looks crisp and highlights the face.

 

[door knob solitaire]

I agree with Kaleigh and also with GingerB...I see benefits in choosing black or white...

Example: In Family portraits when everyone wears the same it looks great. I have seen everyone in jeans...wearing crisp white collared shirts and it looks fabulous. Have also seen the same group in same jeans but with black turtle necks and it too is fabulous. I think black tnecks are most flattering to the majority of people. I think facial features are more appreciated. But the white shirt shows well in B/W in a natural setting say natural outdoors...it adds a softer innocence. Black clothes in B/W tend to look artsy...contemporary...updated...

I would try to learn what the back drop color is...you don''t want your munchkin to look like a head with a pair of floating hands infront of them....with a black background and wearing black that just may be what you end up with. Like a mime...

I would choose black or white. Cheese!

 

[cymbrie]

I don''t mean to be the voice of dissent but with black and white photos the colors you WANT to avoid are black and white. White will wash out (esp with blondes), and black will look too harsh. The BEST color believe it or not is green it photographs the best in black and white. Also, stick with solid colors, no patterns. Dark red photographs very nice as well. For my headshots I wore a solid red sweater (brick red) and a solid light blue cap sleeve tee-shirt. These colors were recommended to us (acting students) by photographers, acting coaches, agents and casting directors. Just my 2 cents. I think either of those colors will complement your boys'' complexions and features maybe green for the brunette and red for the blonde.

Both colors should be easy to find for the fall season. Best of luck let us know how it goes.

 

[strmrdr]

I used to love shooting b&w.

The best color for most people are mid tones between black and white.
Light to med blue works well.
Avoid red!!

 

[belle]

Date: 11/10/2005 2:12:01 AM
Author: strmrdr

The best color for most people are mid tones between black and white.
Light to med blue works well.
Avoid red!!

i absolutely agree with this. especially if you don''t know what the background color is going to be. a mid-range tone is the safest bet.

 

[eks6426]

I used to take b&W portraits a lot. I found the mid-tone colors to be the most flattering. I agree with the medium green or medium blue. No pattern or prints...Make sure to have long sleeves...and the same shirt & pants for both boys. The stark white or stark black tends to look great in color pictures, but will wash most people out in black and white.

You''ll have to post the end result!

 

[door knob solitaire]

Wow...the color issue great to learn. This board is sooo helpful. I stand corrected...Strike my post!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

How about this shirt? Is it too light?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Here''s a dark denim. I''m not sure about this exact shirt, but what about the color? Would inbetween these two shades look best?

Most kids clothes have patterns or logos, so I''m not finding many shirts of just one shade of blue.

 

[strmrdr]

between those 2 id go with the lighter one, something in between would be good.
light to med brown looks good too in b&w.

green is another tricky color in b&w because you dont know how it will look.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

green is another tricky color in b&w because you dont know how it will look.

Okay, thanks again for your help. My older son looks terrible in green and I''m planning to use the shirts for Thanksgiving, as well, so we''ll stick with blue and play it safe.