Choosing clothes on a day to day basis is hard enough. And now you’ve got a photography session booked and have absolutely no idea where to start with outfit selection. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple to pick out some options that will help you and the photographer feel good before and during the shoot. Ahead, find my favorite tricks for wardrobe selection.
Talk to Your Photographer
It’s likely that before your session, you will have a consultation call with your photographer where you will discuss what vibe you’re looking for, and how and where the photographer is going to take the pictures. The photographer generally uses this meeting to get to know you better, so they can deliver you exactly what you are expecting. They will ask you questions like “what kind of clothes make you feel the most comfortable/sexy/glamorous?” If they don’t - this is your opportunity as a client to offer up this information about yourself to guide them in the direction of your style. This meeting can also function as a pitch to you, the client, from the photographer and many photogs will come prepared with location options. They will use your response to the options to better inform future decisions. You can use their options to help you decide what clothes to bring with you. This process will be even easier if you send a few photos of outfits you’d like featured before the meeting. Your photographer will then have a leg up in selecting locations and shooting style.
No Busy Patterns, No Logos.
This is rule for everyone. Busy patterns often have the effect of an optical illusion, taking the focus away from the subject (you). Nobody wants that. yoKeep it simple and clean, unless specifically instructed otherwise by your photographer. Same goes for Logos - these are a big no-no, since all company logos (like Nike, Adidas or Calvin Klein) are copyright protected, making the ownership of the photos a tad legally murky. And please, value your photographer’s time and don’t ask “you can fix that in Photoshop, right?” The answer is technically yes, but fixing things like logos or stains can take up valuable time that would be better served making the whole photo look amazing.
Find Interest Points
Posing for photographs can feel so awkward. Many of us (myself included) freeze the moment a camera is aimed at us. Remember the best thing to do is be yourself, but adding points of interest to your outfits like flowing fabrics, collars, pockets and buttons, even hats or scarves, can take the edge off that awkward feeling. Because you have something to fidget with (there’s a reason fidget toys are so popular, after all) that also enhances the movement of the photo. So again, talk to your photographer to figure out what kind of “flair” you can add to you outfit to make it feel that tiny bit extra special.
Bring Things That Make You Feel Like YOU
I’m a New Yorker, so to me, a black outfit is always a safe bet. But if you have that one emerald green dress you’ve been aching to wear because it makes you feel like a goddess, bring it up to your photographer and watch how they take inspiration from you to make a work of art. Now's also the time to dive into your accessories box and pull out an old favorite, family heirloom or something you've been saving. What makes you uniquely and recognizably you? Those are the things we as photographers and viewers want to see in a portrait.
Like this article? Please follow me on Instagram @Sarah_jay_halliday for more tips, tricks and final products.
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