What should you wear on a photoshoot?
One of the most frequent questions before a photoshoot is what should we wear? What will look best on the picture? This question is especially hard if we need to coordinate the outfits of multiple people, for instance on a family shoot. For my work the most important thing is for my clients to enjoy themselves during all stages of the process. It’s important to stay true to yourself, not to wear something that makes you self conscious, nervous or uncomfortable. Not to wear something that isn’t you, even if according to the following tips it would look better on a picture. Align my advice to your tastes so you can really shine on your photos! During the following I’ll list some tried and tested tips, and a few things that usually don’t look good on images. Naturally, before every shoot I discuss personally with my clients what would be best for their style, and for their concept. Because there’s no two identical people, nor are there two identical photo shoots.
Different patterns and materials?
Plaid, floral pattern, panther spots, striped, polka dot… etc.
Silk, PU leather, knitted, velvet, lace… → the different textures bring exciting interest to the picture.
Thin stripes, overly small patterns → they blend together and can cause strange effects on the image.
Large prints/logos/text → Gigantic prints bring too much attention to themselves. Unless this is our goal, we should avoid such clothing.
Mixing different patterns, colors and materials can produce exciting results, but we should be careful not to be too wild while doing so, because it can take attention away from the most important part. You.
Matching colors?
Be it one or multiple people on the picture, it is important for the colors of the chosen clothing and accessories to match. On group pictures it can be worth it to organiye clothing to a theme. For instance: earth tones, pastels, blues…etc.
Be careful so that the clothing is not the be the exact same color! Exactly the same color (for instance if everyone is wearing white t-shirts or if everyone is wearing similar shade denims), can result in the people on the picture blending together!
Comfort and self confidence!
Wear something you feel comfortable in!
Don’t wear something uncomfortable! Overly tight, overly big or does it just not fit your style? If you are not at ease it’ll be visible on the pictures too.
Think about the details!
A watch, neat necktie, pretty jewelry, manicure, fitting shoes or a fitting belt for the outfit are very important accessories and can seriously improve a picture.
TIPP! Bring something like a leather or denim jacket, scarf, sunglasses or a suit-jacket! -> This can make for a more varied photo series without a full outfit change!
With or without shoes indoors?
The answer is yes and no!
If you are wearing elegant clothing, I strongly encourage taking and wearing clean shoes during the shoot.
IF you are wearing something casual or bohemian pictures can look great even in socks or barefoot.
Clean changing shoes, single color socks or stockings (same color for everyone on group pictures).
Street shoes, different color socks.
TIPP! For nylon stockings, fishnets and other vulnerable pieces of clothing it is worth to take an extra piece for safety.
| Plaid, polka dot, floral pattern, stripe pattern.. etc. | |
| Overly tiny or gigantic patterns, prints or logos, thin striped clothing. | |
| Silk, PU leather, knitted, velvet, lace… etc. | |
| Don’t mix too many patterns and materials! | |
| Matching colors (pl. earth tones, blues..etc.). | |
| Exact same color clothing (especially on group pictures). | |
| Be yourself and fell comfortable wearing it! | |
| Too tight, too big or simply uncomfortable? DON’T wear something that you don’t feel at ease in. |
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| Single color socks/stockings, changing shoes, barefoot | |
| Street shoes, patterned or varied color socks. |