What to wear to your photoshoot?
As your photographer we here to tell you, what you wear for a photoshoot can make a huge difference in how amazing your portraits become. Clothes that we love in-person or is just comfortable don't always photograph well. We want your photos to be amazing, so we ask that you take a few minutes to consider a few tips to help you look your very best on the big day.
1. Individual Clothing Tips:
It's important that you choose clothing that represents your personal style and flatters your body.
* Incorporate layers and clothes with some texture this will add visual interest to your look and give you multiple posing and styling options. I'll give you a few ideas to work with.
(1) Layer sheer pieces over opaque ones. Clothing such as sheer chiffon, mesh or lace. These will add to your look, while at the same time feeling breezy.
(2) Outerwear that's loose and drapery, that also has a structured shoulder. The structure will allow your jacket to hang off itself and not cling to you.
(3) Ditch sleeves. This can make you look more casual and maybe be a bit sexier.
(4) Sheer kimono. A sheer kimono can create a boho look, they're lightweight and breathable.
(5) Color and print. Clothing with patterns or print-blocking can create an effect. Not the same as layering, but will still create a look that will be more interesting then wearing solid-color clothing.
(6) Layer accessories. Belts, necklaces, bracelets (wrist, belly or ankle), even a cross-body bag can add interest to your look.
(7) Short tops. Crop tops, belly t-shirts, lacy bralette and midriff tops. Can be sexy and help keep you cool.
Don't forget bra closures are not attractive or pretty. Try a pullover of front-closing bra styles are ideal for open back tops and dresses.
(8) Clothing that appears layered. Some clothes only appear to be layered, when in reality, the under layer is attached. This creates the effect of layers without the weight of actual layers.
(9) Consider shorteralls. Shorteralls can have various patterns, colors and even textures. Also they should skim over your hips and thighs, not too tight, not too loose. Plus they work great with crop tops, while not baring your midriff.
(10) Choose clothing that shows movement in photographs. This simple thing can make a world of difference for your shoot. Dresses that catch the wind and flow behind you, or something like a jacket that you can work into various poses, such as: open, closed or wrapped around you in different ways. Clothes that flow and show movement not only make images more impactful, but aid creativity with your posing, giving you variety and more options for where to place your hands and posture.
2. Group Clothing: Subtle Coordination:
For this tip coordination is the key, but there is a limit and where you match too much. That being said, don't choose identical outfits. Instead choose colors that work well together, that each person can make unique with various textures and styles, including accessories that go well with the colors you have chosen. It's important to keep to keep in mind the location of you shoot can also play an important role in the colors you select.
A simple example would be: everyone wears jeans, all the ladies wear the same color top, all the men wear a different color top then the women, but the all the men also wear a matching color top. It doesn't matter the style as long as the men and women follow this simple clothing choice. It creates a very nice and well balanced portrait.
3. Accessorize:
Accessories can add both subtle or dramatic visual interest to an image, depending the accessory. The most important thing however is that the accessory doesn't draw the focus away from the subject.
(1) Jewelry - Earrings, layered Necklaces, Bracelets, Watches, Rings, Leather wrapped bracelets, Ankle bracelets, Toe rings, Belly piercing.
(2) Sunglasses, Belts, Scarves, Handbags - are items that add variety to your images and give you more posing options.
(3) Suspenders, Bowties, Hats - don't be afraid to think outside the box and get creative, have fun, but don't stray too far from your usual style. Try things you wouldn't always wear that might give your images that extra wow! Don't limit this note to just accessories, this can be true for example you don't normally wear dresses, but have one that you make look amazing.
Important Note for Glasses: if you always wear them, plan to wear them in your photos. We can take photos with and without them, giving you options. DO NOT WEAR TRANSITION LENSES to your session. Dark lenses don't work well with images unless that is your intention, i.e. sunglasses.
4. Fabrics & Patterns
(1) Horizontal stripes - can make you look thinner.
(2) Vertical stripes - can make elongate your figure and make you look taller.
(3) Dots - larger dots are more widening compared to smaller dots. Distance and color between the dots also create an effect. Light colored dots on a dark background will make you appear wider when they are placed close together and the print is dense. However, dark colored dots on a light background appear less widening when they are close together. So to sum this tip up, the only 2 kinds of dots that will create a slimming look are:
*Small dots on a dark background that are placed far from each other.
*Diagonally arranged dots on a dark background.
(4) Be selective with white - your eye is automatically drawn to the lightest area of a photograph. That being said, light colored clothing such as white and khaki can accentuate our bodies and create an illusion making us appear to have a larger frame then we do. Darker colors and patterns are our friends.
*Never wear anything under white, except for white unless its intentional because the color can bleed through white, depending on the material and its thickness.
*Darker shades and colors like blues, purples and browns for example can help hide flaws and create a slimming illusion.
5. Grooming
This could go without saying, but it's important to groom before your session, so you look your very best. These tips will have you looking your best.
*Manicured nails - Hands are shown in many poses. We recommend that you trim, file and polish your nails. Remove any chipped polish. Consider treating yourself to a manicure the day before your photo shoot.
*Hair - For dyed hair it's important that your hair is the color you desire and don't forget to touch up those roots! Shape your eye brows, pluck any wild hairs. Don't forget to clean up the center of your brow. Have a beard? Shape it, a shaped beard make you look great in photos. and lastly remember to trim nose and ear hair.
6. Dress for your location
Keep in mind where it is your session is. Make sure your clothing selection reflects your location. This simple item can have a great impact on your photos. Here's a couple examples:
*Downtown? - Think urban style. Hats, layered clothing, handbags, boots, sneakers, casual style or even something classy.
*Beach - Consider flowing fabrics, linen pants or shirts, sunglasses, hats, sandals or barefoot.
