When I’m working out the details of a shoot with a client I inevitably get asked “What should I wear?”. The answer to this question differs from shoot to shoot since some of what I shoot is themed or we are shooting specifically to create artwork for their living room so I want it to coordinate with their decor. However there are a few “rules” I, and many other photographers, generally stick to to so I thought I’d share a few of those tips.
Coordinate without matching
The photos of everyone in the family wearing the same color jeans and top were trendy in the ’90s but we’ve moved on from there. The most pleasing photos nowadays have everyone in the same color scheme but without all the matchy-matchy goodness of the past. Try picking four or five colors that you want everyone to wear that go well together like brown, navy, cream and mustard. The mustard makes for a nice “pop” color too! Another combo that works would be grey, red, teal and pale green. If you need help finding palette inspiration check out design-seeds.com Find a photo you like and go off that palette or choose a hue you know you want to use and let them create a palette for you!
Keep pattern and contrast in mind
Rather than explain this one I’m going to just share another blog with an amazing graphic to explain it. Check out this post by Laska. She geared hers toward maternity shoots but it relates to every one. Basically, it explains how to mix darks with lights, brights with neutrals, and patterns with solids.
When I’m working out the details of a shoot with a client I inevitably get asked “What should I wear?”. The answer to this question differs from shoot to shoot since some of what I shoot is themed or we are shooting specifically to create artwork for their living room so I want it to coordinate with their decor. However there are a few “rules” I, and many other photographers, generally stick to to so I thought I’d share a few of those tips.
Coordinate without matching
The photos of everyone in the family wearing the same color jeans and top were trendy in the ’90s but we’ve moved on from there. The most pleasing photos nowadays have everyone in the same color scheme but without all the matchy-matchy goodness of the past. Try picking four or five colors that you want everyone to wear that go well together like brown, navy, cream and mustard. The mustard makes for a nice “pop” color too! Another combo that works would be grey, red, teal and pale green. If you need help finding palette inspiration check out design-seeds.com Find a photo you like and go off that palette or choose a hue you know you want to use and let them create a palette for you!
Keep pattern and contrast in mind
Rather than explain this one I’m going to just share another blog with an amazing graphic to explain it. Check out this post by Laska. She geared hers toward maternity shoots but it relates to every one. Basically, it explains how to mix darks with lights, brights with neutrals, and patterns with solids.
Keep location in mind
If we are going to the beach then heels are probably not the best choice. Likewise, flip flops are not wise if we’ll be traipsing through tall grass. Those are practical choices that are sometimes forgotten when we are deciding which shoes look cutest with our outfit at home. On a similar note, wearing beige to the beach or green to a forested location might also be unwise. Check with your photographer if you are unsure!
Be yourself
You are not going to fall in love with images of yourself wearing a brightly patterned floral dress if you are a woman who almost always wears black. Similarly, men forced into a button down and vest that always wear rock band T-shirts are going to think they look ridiculous. If your usual style is not the sort of thing you want to hang on your wall then find a happy medium. When you purchase photographic artwork you are doing so because you want to remember the love, joy and experience of now in the most beautiful way possible. Stay true to your family and yourself when making wardrobe choices to make that happen.
Don’t wear white during midday shoots outside
A photographer will almost always want to meter their exposure settings so that your face is perfectly exposed and in midday sun, even in the shade, that can often mean a white outfit will come across as blown out.
Most of all, have fun with your wardrobe and photoshoot. Don’t stress about it and if you have any questions just ask :)
If we are going to the beach then heels are probably not the best choice. Likewise, flip flops are not wise if we’ll be traipsing through tall grass. Those are practical choices that are sometimes forgotten when we are deciding which shoes look cutest with our outfit at home. On a similar note, wearing beige to the beach or green to a forested location might also be unwise. Check with your photographer if you are unsure!