What to wear for your Photo Shoot – Top Tips for Style & Colour
Stylist Natasha from Appearance & Attitude has very kindly given us her top tips and ideas on what to wear when you come along for your photo shoot!
Having a professional photo shoot can be exciting but it can also be scary, and that’s why you need to feel comfortable. Firstly find a great photographer that you feel comfortable with and outfits that you like, feel good in and are in flattering colours. Don’t try new things, have a makeup look and hairstyle that you feel happy with to ensure you feel you’re most confident.
There is nothing worse than having your photo taken and then being disappointed when you see the end results because it is clear that you wore the wrong outfit or were encouraged to wear bright red lipstick when you normally opt for a nude shade. There are several things you can do with regards to the clothes you wear so that you can be sure that you will be happy with the photos.
Choose Clothes You Feel Good In
Select an outfit that makes you want to smile. If you wear something that you feel isn’t you or that you hate you aren’t going to be happy. This will show up in the photograph and rest assured you won’t want to look at the photos that you paid all that money for!
Don’t Match Up Your Outfits
One of the worst things you can do in a group or family photograph is have everyone wearing the same colours and fabrics. This can make the photograph look overdone, and inevitably someone is not going to look their best, remember not everyone looks good in the same colours. Instead choose colours that compliment each other; you’ll be far happier with the photograph.
Choose a Style
Group photo shoots can be great, especially when everyone is on the same page. It’s important with group shoots to choose a particular style such as casual or smart. That way you don’t have someone turn up in a suit and someone else in jeans and a t-shirt. If this does happen it can throw off the balance of the photo.
Consider Using Props
Props are nice whether you’re having your photo taken alone or with a group. Props can help you to get different looks for different photos. A hat or a piece of jeweler might work with a dress, or a sports team may want to have sports equipment in the photo. Props can help to define your personality and you’re business.
Keep Your Destination in Mind
Destination actually plays a bigger part than you might think when choosing clothes for your photo shoot. For example, if the photo shoot is taking place at work and you work for a big lawyers, you might want to wear a suit. However, if the photo shoot is at your college or a more casual location you should choose something more casual, just make sure you don’t look out of place.
Avoid Busy Patterns
Too many loud colours and dominating patterns in a photograph can cause problems for everyone. However, if you balance out your patterns with solids, this will help keep your photo from looking outdated in a few months. Fashions change overnight and sticking to classic solids and patterns will ensure your photographs don’t end up looking outdated in a short amount of time. Choose colours that work for you and compliment your skintone.
What about Headshots…
Head shot photos are really important, I once had a potential client refused to talk to me as I had used my logo and not my head shot. He felt he couldn’t see the real me, and felt I was hiding behind my logo. In my role he was right, so think about what message you want to convey. For example, many businesses use photographs of staff for their websites and these require a professional look. One of the most important decisions to make for your head shots is what to wear — and your favorite outfit for every day may not be the best option for the photos. That’s because you should keep your clothing simple for a head shot, so your face takes center stage.
Keep It Solid
A top in a solid colour works best in a head shot. Patterns and bold prints have a tendency to look loud in photos and distract from your face. The same goes for shirts with logos. Choose a colour that flatters you, though — stark white isn’t the best choice because it can wash you out, and vivid red doesn’t usually work because it’s such a strong colour. If you have light skin and cool undertones, choose a top in a shade like blue, gray, navy or purple. For light skin with warm undertones, go with a green, brown or rust coloured top. Medium and darker skins can get away with most colours, but don’t choose one too close to your skin tone. If you plan to wear a pattern, such as a striped or polka-dot top, add a cardigan, jacket or jumper in a solid colour over it to help tone it down.
Play with Texture
While patterns and prints can be overwhelming in a head shot, choosing a top in a material with a fine texture can add interest to the photo without distracting from your face. Try layering a leather blazer over your button-down top, or wear a denim button-down under a blazer to create some contrast. A corduroy blazer with fine ribbing can be flattering over a simple top as well, or consider wearing a cable knit sweater or cardigan for added visual interest.
Minimize Your Accessories
When it comes to accessories, it’s best to keep things simple. Some photographers recommend avoiding jeweler completely because it can be distracting in a photo. If you want to wear jeweler, choose small, classic pieces. Stud earrings are usually the best option, but if you prefer earrings that hang, choose a style that doesn’t dangle more than an inch from your earlobe. If you want to wear a necklace, opt for a delicate chain with a small, understated pendant. Men wearing a suit and tie for the head shot should go with a tie in a solid or simple striped pattern; avoid silk ties with a reflective, shiny finish that can be distracting.
Have a Few Options
While you may be confident in the dress, shirt, blazer, sweater or other top that you’ve chosen for your head shot, it may not turn out to be the best option once you sit down in front of the camera. Bring a few other pieces with you to the photo shoot, so you can change if the photographer feels a shirt is too distracting. Take some different pieces for layering to change up your look, as well as tops with different necklines to find the most flattering option. A V-neck is flattering on most people, but collared shirts can work well too.
Remember your Photographer will guide you how to stand, how to position your body and one the most flattering poses, if you need any help with clothes, makeup or colours then contact me to arrange an Image Consultation.
I can also be present on the day of the photoshoot to style you and assist with your makeup & colours.
Most importantly to get the best photos just enjoy yourself and relax!
web. www.appearanceandattitude.com t. 07825 509318
To book your shoot with me please contact me here
