What to Wear for a Photo shoot

As a photographer, one of the questions I get asked the most is “What should we wear?” A lot of it depends on what the photo shoot is for and where it will take place. Though it’s generally a good idea to keep things simple, there is always a fun way to change up your clothes. It is also advisable to bring one or two changes of clothes and, if possible, to wear layers. Below are a few tips about what to wear to a photo shoot. However, if you want a little extra help, I do wardrobe consultations and I would be happy to chat on the phone about planning your wardrobe! Feel free to give me a call or send me an email.

Here are a few examples from another great photographer named Kimberlee Schelling, she was awesome enough to make these and share them on her blog.

wardrobe styling hipster, retro, vintage,

wardrobe styling hipster, retro, vintage,wardrobe styling hipster, retro, vintage,wardrobe styling hipster, retro, vintage,

General Tips for Your Photo shoot

  • (1)  Trust Your Photographer: What you think looks great in everyday life might not look as great in photos. It’s important to trust your photographer with outfit style edits. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t voice if there is something you’re absolutely in love with, bring it and depending on the session type maybe there’s a way to work it into the shoot.
  • (2) The More the Better: Bring all the outfits, shoes, and accessories you can carry to the shoot! It gives your photographer more options, which means you will end up getting better images out of your photo shoot.
  • (3) Say No to Cotton: Any cotton outfit is a big “No” if the colors are washed out and have lost their vividness. Also, if any of your clothing has visible lint or fuzz please, please leave it at home.
  • (4) Test Run: Be sure to try on your “photo” outfits ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to send the images to the photographer at least one week prior to the shoot to see if the location and clothing harmonize well together. This will allow the photographer to start thinking about locations and backdrops. Your photographer can give you advice as to whether the outfit would look good in photos.
  • (5) Don’t Let The Clothes Take Over: Keep in mind that your clothes are only there to be a part of your look, not to be the main part of the image.  Often body language and expressions play a key role too. Remember… You own it!
  • (6) Patterns and Fabrics: When it comes to patterns, simple geometric patterns often look good. Any patterns should not be overbearing though. Clean and simple is the key. Please, please, please: AVOID STRIPES, crinkled fabric, polka dots, etc. Be super careful with animal prints! They can come out looking terribly trashy. Wear any animal prints sparingly and with purpose.
  • (7) Style: Anything that is not baggy will look flattering on a slender figure. Try tailored outfits and suits, molded and trumpet gowns, pencil skirts, and any other body slimming style. For women, something with a slightly lower neckline will have a slimming effect, along with any jewelry elongating the torso. If you’re having a hard time understanding what this means just call photographer for examples.
  • (8) Simple Is Great: Don’t spend all your time searching for something very special. Many times the simplest garments out of your closet will be perfect. A side note here, please don’t bring miniskirts, they rarely photograph well. You can bring above the knee skirts, pencil skirts, to the knee skirts, maxi skirts, but please no miniskirts. They can be very limiting for poses and not appropriate in many cases for where the shoot will be held.
  • (9) Vintage and Original Garments: If you happen have some vintage or original clothing tucked away in your closet, by all means bring it! It’s very important for the photographer to be on the same page with you about such looks though, discuss details ahead of time to avoid delays and confusion.
  • (10) Knits and Lace: Nothing says cute and classy quite like knits and lace. Almost anything knitted or with lace looks great under the camera. Just watch out for lint and washed out colors.
  • (11) Stocking, Leggings and Tights: This is another example of “bring everything you can carry”. They add that special touch to just about any look. However, like before, make sure these are lint, run, and hole free!
  • (12) Props and Accessories: Additional interesting props and accessories are a great way to add a special touch. Dig in your treasure chest in the attic, your mother and grandmother’s jewelry (with permission of course) and any other place you can think of. Interesting glasses, hats, jewelry, ribbons, wigs, gloves, belts, masks, etc. Anything you thing looks interesting is worth bringing along. Get creative with it!
  • (13) Fabric Textures: select tops, blouses, and dresses made from silky, shiny, shimmering fabrics over plain cotton. Such garments always look good in photos because they reflect light better and add depth and contrast to the photos.
  • (14) Shoes: Chat with your photographer about what types of shoes you need to bring. You might need to bring heels or boots to complete your look, but be sure to bring something comfortable along for those moments between shots. Location for shoot can be a key part of determining what shoe would be the best fit.
  • (15) Theme: Maybe the most important of all these pointers is the theme or “dress code” as some may call it. Judith Chauvette from Fresh Look Photography says it best in her blog, “When choosing a dress code for your session, make sure everyone is on the same page. If someone is wearing a dressy outfit and another person is wearing a tee shirt, it really isn’t going  to go together. When it comes to clothing options, there is no rule as to whether you should be dressy or casual. It’s all about the look you want and the location you choose for your session.”

I know it is a lot to take in. By following these tips, you’ll always be able to make the most of your photo shoot, no matter where it is! Don’t forget, you can always give me a call or send me an email if you need help.

Thanks for reading!!

 

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