What to Wear for your Shoot

One of the first things a client asks me is "what should I wear?" Then my reply is "whatever makes you feel comfortable." While this is true, I can't go through the person's closet and offer my professional advice. I then read this post from Apple Brides on what to wear for your engagement pictures. I read it and I have to say that every point was correct. After reading some more blogs on fashion and with my own experience, here are some guidelines to look at when finding that perfect outfit.
 
 
 
1. Be comfortable. I said it once and I'll say it again. Wear something that makes you feel like you and that makes you feel comfortable. Some women cannot stand to wear a dress, while others can't stand to wear jeans. Whatever it is, try to be true to who you are and what your personal style is. Anyone can make a dress or jeans trendy. As a general rule, do not wear sweat pants and look like you just came from running a 5K. Put some effort, because a photo lasts forever especially with the internet.

When you are comfortable, your confidence shines through!

 
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Whether it is outside in a park or inside a studio, dress appropriately for the scenery and weather. If you're shooting in a posh urban store-front setting, then you should wear something a little more upscale (ex. a nicer dress and heels). On the other hand, if you are shooting in a park or rural setting, then you can get away with a casual dress or even jeans and a nice blouse. Then dress according to the season. Do not try to wear shorts when it is about 50ยบ outside. Even if you love those pair of shorts, you may become a little uncomfortable with being too cold. Same goes for wearing jeans in blazing summer heat.
This shoot was in an outdoor shopping center

While this one was at a graffiti wall!


 
3. Coordinate colors. When doing a group shot (whether it is a couple or larger group) you want your outfits to match. Now, they do not need to be matchy matchy or all one color, but they do need to compliment one another. For example, one person can wear some color (light pink) while the other can wear a neutral color. Pairing a color with a neutral is a safe bet.
This couple paired cream with a light blue gingham.
 
The girl chose to wear a bright electric blue (which is a very statement color), but it's not over exaggerated because her boyfriend chose to wear white which helps softens it.
 
4. Prints. Do not be afraid of a pattern or print. These can look good in a photo if executed correctly. Try to go with a pattern that is not so detailed in busy. Also if you plan to take photos in a field of flowers, stay away from a patterned outfit.  The photo will look too busy with your outfit and all the colors from the flowers. So, if you know your scenery is going to be busy with lots of colors and such, try to stay away from a really small, detailed pattern. A larger pattern or solid colors will work best in those situations. Also, make sure the pattern looks good on you. They can be risky, but if you are confident in what you wear then you will look amazing.

Her print works because the white background in the dress goes well with any backdrop
 

On the other hand, while these two prints are attractive, they do not work with each other. Another point is that when trying to coordinate a print, make sure they blend well with each other (i.e have same color scheme). Her dress isn't too overwhelming because she is wearing a black cardigan which breaks it up. His patterned button down would work perfectly if he were to do a single portrait. So when taking pictures, keep the pattern simple in design and colors.
 
5. Make sure your clothes fit. It may seem like a no brainer, but if your clothes do not fit properly you will be able to tell in the photos. I personally will not completely photoshop a photo to change the subject's outfit or their overall body (I will tweak facial acne or hair strands). When buying clothes anyway you should make sure that they fit properly on you.
Courtesy of Google Images
 
 
6. A compliment does mean something. If there was one outfit that got you a lot of compliments, consider wearing it for your shoot. You know that tons of people like it and that they think it looks good on you. So why not?
 
I am glad these guys wore these shirts because I love the colors on all of them! PS they were posing how they thought girls pose in photos ;)
 
7. Being trendy. When picking out an outfit, you should consider what is "in," but only to a certain point. Now don't go put an outfit together that is only seen on the runways (unless you are modeling for a fashion magazine/fashion shoot). Some of the extra things they wear can be borderline ridiculous anyway (like extravagant headdresses). Try to stick to the basics for trends (ex. floral for spring, cardigans and layers for fall). You want to wear something that is fashionable, but not so much that a few months you will be embarrassed you ever wore it. Specific trends (like the 80s) comes and goes, but the basics are forever.
My sister LOVES the tribal trend. It's lasted for a while, but for her senior pictures I recommended something not from the runway. She chose to wear a graphic tee and white shorts. She couldn't part from her feather earrings though! A small item that stands out works perfectly in senior photos!
 
8. These shoes were meant for walking. But sadly not all shoes were meant to do an hour and a half shoot in. For women, heels can be our best frenemy. They will make your legs look long and gorgeous, but after a few hours, they can really do some damage. If you are in pain and try to mask it, the pain will still be shone in your eyes thus your photographs. So if you wish to wear a pair of heels, consider bringing a pair of flip flops or flats to change into when walking around with the photographer. Then you can switch back into the heels when the photographer is ready to shoot you. And as a general rule for everyone, wear shoes that you have worn before. Do not wear a new pair you bought the day before. It takes about a day to break in and get used to a new pair. For you to be comfortable, you need to be able to walk in your shoes.
Caitlin chose to wear cowboy boots to her shoot. These were perfect because she was comfortable walking around in them and it went well with her other casual outfit for the shoot.
 
 
9. Accessorize. You may want to try and overload on accessories. Don't. Pick a few staple pieces, like a simple necklace and earrings. You don't want to put on so many that will take away from you. If you like hats, wear a hat and a pair of stud earrings. Scarves are also perfect because they can be used in many different ways. Your photographer can probably come up with some brilliant ways to incorporate it.
 
She chose to wear her rings that are iconic to her. Wear pieces that make you, you but don't wear your entire jewelry box!
10. The make-up of a person. If you don't normally wear make-up, for your shoot you may want to consider it. You don't need to pack it all on. Still try to look like you and not a clown or Snooki. The basics of a base, blush, eyeliner, mascara, and a little eyeshadow can make a difference. It will help you to stand out and make your eyes pop. Your eyes are one of the most important aspects of the photograph.
This is Snooki. Ladies, please do not overdo it on the makeup.
 
11. A change is always good. I allow all my clients up to three outfit changes. Other photographers can be different. I highly recommend the outfit change. Preferably something casual then nicer, or for women a dress then shorts/jeans. Men can wear a nice button down shirt with nice slacks and then jeans and your favorite shirt.
 
 
She chose a skirt....

 
and jeans for her senior pictures! (Pss if you're taking senior pictures, wear a letterman if you have one!) 


12. Don't be a walking billboard. Yes Abercrombie is a wonderful brand, but try to stay away from wearing a shirt that says "Abercrombie." Same with any other name brand. You are just giving that company free advertisement, for one. Also what if you despise that brand a few years later? You will forever have a professional photo of you wearing that brand. I am not saying don't wear anything name brand. Just try to stay away from having the company name written across the shirt as clear as day.
 
See no giant label in sight!
 

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