What Should I Wear to a Photoshoot?

It’s a common enough question.  Everyone wants to look their best when they’re having their picture taken…when they’re preserving their image for years to come.  What should I wear to a photoshoot?

When asked this simple question, there are a few guidelines I like to give my clients. But before going through what styles, colors, and patterns should and should not be worn, I must state this simple advice: Wear what you are comfortable in. Trust me, as a photographer, I want you to be comfortable. This actually helps me with my job! If you are not comfortable, you will have a much harder time looking natural and relaxed in your photos.

Now onto the technical stuff! Styles…there are different tastes when it comes to style, and everyone does not have the same taste. I understand that. My suggestion to my clients is to match the style of your clothing with the type of session and location where you are getting photographed. Are we doing your shoot in a barn? Overalls, jeans, calico…love it!  How about a session in your grandmother’s old Victorian house? Dress it up a little bit! Or are we shooting in your newly remodeled living room? Clean lines, jeans, dress/casual would fit the occasion. You and your surroundings together make for great portraiture!

Just a note: my style of photography is more classic, sometimes even a little rustic. This is something that I’d like you to consider as we work together on your photo session.

Colors…this can be a little more tricky. You may remember the color wheel from art class. If not, I have one posted here for you to look at. Complimentary colors are a great place to start. You can find the complimentary colors on the color wheel. They are the ones directly across from each other: green and red, blue and orange, purple and yellow, etc. So, how do we include complimentary colors into your photoshoot? If your session is for more than one person, coordinate!  If  you will be the only one in the image, then think of the surroundings. If you are going to be outside, in front of greenery, (red compliments green) that might be a good choice. As I said, colors are tricky, and not everyone can wear certain colors. But it’s good to take a moment and consider what colors go well together.

Patterns…honestly, I like to “downplay” patterns. Simple prints and patterns (gingham, calico, plaid, occasional polka dots) these can work. But for the most part, avoiding patterns is helpful. Patterns can detract from the face and make a photograph too busy. And if you have multiple people in the photograph, they might just clash! When dressing my children, I encourage them to wear a solid top with patterned pants or visa versa. The same rule applies in a photo. You might match in and of yourself, but do you match the person you are standing next to? Are you both wearing different patterns? Solids are generally safer and more readily lend themselves to composing the photograph around you!

I hope these tips have been helpful! I look forward to working with you soon! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a photo shoot, please be sure to Contact Me and take a few minutes to view my Portfolio.

Sonya