To Start
Gentlemen, bold and classic wins every time. If you’ll be posing for these images with a woman whether it be your mom, wife, fiancé, etc., it can be helpful to let her choose her clothing first, and then build your outfit around hers.
Prepping Your Man
I understand that most men aren’t overly eager to take photos for over an hour. Sometimes it’s because they don’t have an idea of what to expect or why it’s so important to you, or maybe they’ve had a negative experience with family photos in the past. Take a few minutes to chat with your guy. Tell him why you chose me and my style of photography. Express to him how much it means to you and hopefully, he will lighten up about the experience.
The Best Fit
Dapper and strong never go out of style. Long, well-fitting pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from the legs and feet and place it where you want it – on his handsome face. That said, it’s best to leave the cargo shorts and flip-flops at home as well as pants that are loose or baggy.
Dress pants or fitted colored pants with a collared shirt work great. For senior guys, well-fitting jeans are great, too. Solid shades of brown, gray, or navy are a strong compliment to most colors, whereas pants with pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I recommend staying away from graphics and logos on t-shirts unless they have a special meaning that directly contributes to the images.
Layered Looks
Next time you walk by the men’s department in the mall, notice how the male mannequins and models are typically wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say that it’s worth a little discomfort for great photos that will last you a lifetime! Adding another piece will bring extra dimension to your photos. Sweaters, blazers, vests and coats take any look to the next level so don’t be afraid to get a little creative! And don’t be afraid to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport-coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and breaks up the color tones. I’m a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
It’s All in the Details
Leather dress shoes compliment almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a shirt and pants. Ties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any formal outfit for men and boys alike. If your look is informal, even attention to belt and shoe combination and the color of your watchband will spruce up your look all the more. And don’t forget to pick out the right socks, they will show in your photos.
To Shave or Not to Shave?
It’s up to you! Some men have their hairstyle and facial hair on lockdown. Some men, on the other hand, might welcome some input form the woman he adores most about what she wants his hair and face to look like on picture day. If you love his look right after a trip to the barber, make sure he’s got an appointment scheduled pretty close to your session day. And if you love a little extra length in his locks or when his jawline is scruffy, let him know you’d love it if no one came near his head with scissors or a razor when picture day is coming up!
Final Note
Make sure he wears clothes he is comfortable and confident in as well as ones that allow for movement, because when all is said and done, I want this session to be a time for him to be himself and enjoy it. Let’s have fun, laugh, and all take care of the rest!
