What to Wear to Your Photo Shoot
You have a photo shoot coming up! I'm super excited! I want to help you pick the best outfit that represents you and the emotions and style you are wanting from this session!
One thing to remember as you read through all this information is you should wear something you that shows who you are while keeping you comfortable and confident!
What are the things to consider?
The location: Think about the colors, textures, patterns, and vibe of the location where your session is happening. If you want to stand out, try to go for colors/textures that will pop and contrast against the backdrop and allow you to stand out. Take a look at a color wheel for inspiration of colors that POP! If you want a more monochromatic editorial vibe, staying in the same color family of the background will give you that look. Think about how much you want to coordinate or conflict with the aesthetic of the location. For example if we are going to be an urban area, do you want an urban feel to your outfit like jeans and t-shirt or do you want something totally different like a ballgown or a suit that will create contrasting drama. The choice to contrast or coordinate with the location is totally up to you; both work well!
The weather (if outdoor session): Is it going to be hot and humid and you may potentially sweat? If so, maybe consider darker colors like black, charcoal, or navy that won't show sweat as quickly. You could also consider whites. But I would steer clear of gray as it easily shows sweat! Is it going to be very windy? Will your outfit handle that wind without potentially exposing you?
Shopping in your closet or maybe the store: Most likely what you will feel the best in and will look the most like you, will be in your closet! Or maybe you have a specific outfit you wanted that isn't in your closet yet, you can totally go for it! Though, there is no pressure to have a new outfit.
Accessories! How many do you want? Do they add or detract from the focus of you? Most often, you don't need many accessories. If you decide to wear jewelry, I would keep it simple: think about what you wear on a daily basis. Sticking with something similar to your typical accessorizing is often the best. If you are wearing pants, think about a belt that may bring the outfit together and also act to keep your from constantly adjusting your pants. Would sunglasses add to the vibe? Perhaps there is a fun hat that compliments your outfit.
The type of session: If this is your senior/graduation session, think about an outfit that would look good under your graduation attire. That means double checking the color of your cap and gown. Most schools use black, but some go with school colors and it might be tricky to coordinate with that color. Also, do you want to wear some other school attire you have like a letterman jacket, your scrubs from the healthcare program, etc. If you are having a couple's session remember the days of matchy matchy outfits are gone for couples. You and your person should coordinate and compliment outfits, but don’t need to have the same color.
What are the things you want?
Confidence: Do you feel like your best self in your outfit? If yes, heck ya! That is likely a winner! If you don't, try on some others to find something that empowers you.
Comfortability: If what you are wearing is something you regularly have to adjust when you wear it, you may not end up feeling the most comfortable which will translate into your images
Movement: You will be moving during your session! Walking around, standing on a rock, or sitting. Maybe I will ask you to twirl and dance, run around, walk up and down stairs, etc. Additionally, the movement in your outfit can help add dimension and creates dynamic images. When someone is wearing a flowy skit, it can be twirled and tossed to create drama. A jacket can be snugged closely, hands put in pockets, draped over the shoulder, or other things will create additional interest. You get the idea!
What are the things to avoid?
Avoid the weird TV static look: It's called moire'. That weird ripply, staticky, wavy, screen window look that appears on clothes with certain patterns like pinstripes, ribbed material, or a very small gingham. If you notice that on your outfit when you look at it, pick something else to wear as that look will be amplified in your images.
Avoid logos: Often logos can be distracting and take the focus away from the true subject of the image, YOU! I totally get it, some of my favorite clothes are ones with logos, but for your session try to avoid wearing that polo with an alligator emblem or a jacket with that wifi looking symbol - you know the ones I'm talking about! If the clothing with certain logos is meaningful to the session, like wearing a tshirt with your college mascot to your graduation session, then let's go for it!
You have gone through all those things, now what?
Ask me, your photographer: Once you have it narrowed down to a few options, send me an email with the potential outfits and I will be able to give you input about which will help give you the images you are looking for!