WHAT TO WEAR TO A PHOTOSHOOT
Outfits and accessories can really make or break a photoshoot. They have the power to set the tone of the photos, show off your personality, and really make your photos look special. But sometimes, outfits and accessories can become distracting or even come off as sloppy and unfashioned. So today, I'm sharing tips of what to wear and not to wear to a photoshoot.
Whether these photos are for you, your child, or your family, choosing the appropriate attire will help a subject to stand out and show their personality in a unique way.
SOLID COLORS AND SIMPLE BOTTOMS - Pair solid color tops with simple bottoms. If you prefer a dreamy look, choose pastel colors, off-white, and soft prints. Rich and deeper greens, purples, and blues are all great options. If a neutral is preferred, gray is the best, even better than black. Earthy and warm brown are good. Large prints do not photograph well. The camera reads them and creates its own unique patterns called 'moire' and it isn't desirable. Staying away from heavy prints and patterns will save your photos!
MINIMIZE ACCESSORIES - If you want to be the focus of your photos, keep accessories to a minimum. Too many will take away the spotlight from your outfit. If you are wearing a piece of statement jewelry, go for more simple accessories. Keeping your clothing patterns simple will allow it to stand out. And also remember to take off accessories you don’t want to wear (i.e. winter scarf, pocketbook or sunglasses).
COORDINATE-DON'T MATCH - Current trends have left behind many family photos where everyone is wearing the exact same thing (i.e. blue jeans and a white shirt) and changed to a coordination mentality. To prevent that from happening to your family photos you may want to add a few colors in your scheme. This method allows for more creativity and individuality.
SAY 'NO' TO BRAND LOGO T-SHIRTS - It is possible that this may be more of a personal preference than a rule. Logo t-shirts are fine for every day, but they will quickly date a photo and could be a distraction to the family portrait.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
While none of these outfits or accessories below are per se 'bad', I think you'll agree that they may not be the best choices for photos.
Too many accessories
Strong patterns
Colors that blend in too much with the background
Logos
Dressing too trendy
A style you are not comfortable with
Uncoordinated fashion
Fashion that matches too much
Too loose of clothing
Too much makeup
See-through/sheer clothing
Clipped nail polish
Wrinkled clothes
If you aren't doing the shooting in a studio, then the weather will definitely be a factor to consider when choosing your outfit. If it is expected to be windy, pull up your hair or bring a cute elastic band so you can tight back your hair. If it is expected to get chilly, wear different layers so you can feel warm during the photoshoot. And… one last note, please remember to empty your pockets; keep your wallet and phone somewhere else!
Find something that makes you feel comfortable and confident in it! And always keep your session location in mind when choosing your outfit. If your session is happening in a city setting, dress up a bit more than you'd normally do to match the bustling vibe of the city. If you've selected a more natural environment, choose something a bit more casual.
Are you still wondering what to wear for your next photo session? Shoot me an email with your questions and I will get back to you!
