How Should I Dress for a Photo Shoot
Dressing for a photo shoot is exciting, and it should be fun, above all else. But how you should dress for your photo shoot will ultimately depend on the kind of photo shoot you’re doing. Having said that, there are some general guidelines you should follow.
Use a Style Board
If you’re trying to think about what kind of clothing is best, use a style or mood board. Style boards are great visual guides that can help you zero in on what you like, explore different aesthetics, and figure out the outfits that resonate with you most.
Collect photos and images from magazines, blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest, too. A well-done style board can give you a clearer sense of what you like and don’t like. You can also use your style board as a springboard on where to shop.
Decide on a Color Palette
Before you pick out your clothes, decide on a color palette. Here are some choices to consider:
- Earthy colors
- Lighter colors
- Bold colors
- Subdued colors with pops of color
Try to aim for some kind of uniformity. If the colors are all over the place and inconsistent, the viewer’s eye will be easily distracted and won’t focus on you, the subject.
Coordinate Your Outfits
If you’re taking a family photo, coordinate your outfits and mix patterns so that they blend well together. Try to pick smaller patterns that won’t steal attention away from your faces.
Muted colors work especially well with family photos as they create a cohesive tone that keeps the viewer’s focus on your expressions. Think of soft tones like gray, beige, and pastel blues. To give the outfits some depth, though, mix textures like wool, denim, and knits. You’ll get visual variety without the distractions.
Highlight Your Favorite Feature
Highlighting your favorite feature can be a great way to make your outfit feel unique and personal. But more than that, you’ll get to show off your favorite part of your body. If you have long, beautiful legs, wear a miniskirt or trendy shorts. If you have beautiful arms, wear a sleeveless top or dress. If you love your curves, wear a fitted dress that accentuates your waistline.
Besides highlighting your best asset, an outfit that shows off your best features will also give you confidence when posing. And when you feel good about what you’re wearing, that self-assurance will naturally shine through.
Shoes Matter
Don’t make shoes an afterthought. While most photos focus on faces, shoes can still make an impact, especially if it’s a full-body photo. If you pick the right pair of shoes, you can elevate your look. On the other hand, the wrong pair of shoes can be distracting.
Think about where you’ll be shooting, too. If you’re doing a beach photo shoot in the sand, wear shoes that are stylish but comfortable. If your location is all about luxury, don’t show up in your worn-out sneakers. Remember, every detail counts.
Keep the Location in Mind
Location should be at the forefront of your mind when you’re picking out your clothes. Try to pick outfits that complement the location. If you plan to shoot in a field of lavender flowers, for instance, think about wearing a sunny yellow dress. Your goal should be to stand out from your background and complement the background colors as well.
Furthermore, you’ll want to dress for the location. If you’re shooting lakeside, keep your outfit comfortable and wear boots or sandals. You don’t want to be traipsing through mud in high heels.
Avoid Logos and Writing
Portrait photography is often about the emotion between people, so having outfits with logos and bold text can be distracting. Plus, outfits with bold graphics or written text can take the focus away from what matters in the photo: you.
To keep the focus on your face, think about wearing solid outfits and subdued colors. You can add a pop of color – a shirt, a skirt – but just make sure it brings out your features rather than becoming the focal point of the photo.
Wear What You Love Wearing
You don’t need to go shopping for a photo shoot. Wear the outfit you love in your wardrobe. Why? Because it makes you feel comfortable and reflects who you are. Wearing one of your favorite outfits is a great way to let your personality shine through and create authenticity.
The goal of any photo shoot is to capture the real you, and nothing will do that better than an outfit you already love. So, before you head to the store for some clothes shopping, take a second look in your closet.
Emphasize Timeless
Try not to scour the latest magazines, looking for the latest trend. Trendy outfits may look good now, but that may not be the case 10 years from now. Instead, think about wearing a timeless outfit. You don’t want to wear something that quickly becomes outdated and then cringe at your photos a decade later.
Pick an outfit that reflects your style rather than a fleeting trend. Your photos will look more natural and lasting, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Don’t Be Afraid to Accessorize
Accessories can add personality to your photos, so don’t be afraid to wear your favorite hat, necklace, or earrings. Just don’t go overboard. Try to wear just one or two accessories so you don’t overwhelm the photo.
For example, if you decide on a bold necklace, skip the earrings. By the same token, if you wear a hat, keep your jewelry minimal. The key with accessories is to use them with care. Let them highlight a photo, not compete for attention.
Consult a Stylist
If you aren’t very good at picking outfits or deciding how to dress, consult a stylist. Stylists can help you choose clothes that will flatter your body type and align with the photo shoot’s location. They can also help you fine-tune your style.
You don’t have to abandon your tastes when you work with a stylist. Instead, they can suggest ideas you hadn’t considered or help you find new ways to express your style.
Interested in booking a photo shoot? Contact Miami-based photographer Daria Koso.
