If you have booked a photo session with us, you may be wondering what to wear for the occasion. Choosing the right outfit can make a significant difference in how you look and feel in front of the camera. Whether you are planning a family portrait, a corporate headshot, or a personal photoshoot, here are tips and tricks to help select your outfit and get the best results. We can make this process easy and seamless because we are an award-winning studio that has a diverse photography portfolio that covers a wide genre and highlights our talent and style such as wedding, portrait, commercial, event photography, and more.
The selection of proper clothing is a critical factor in the preparation for a successful photo session. If the clothing is noticeable in a photo, it could easily become a distraction. Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the goal. It could be the difference between a successful photography session and just another picture. We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to observe the following criteria.
Below are helpful tips & tricks for a successful photography session. However, we have a customer-first philosophy so if you have more questions about your photography session or clarifying questions from the below tips & tricks feel free to reach out to us to answer any questions. In other words, you can consult with us about the style and theme of your photoshoot. We have extensive experience in different genres of photography and can offer you some suggestions and guidance. We can also help you choose the best location and props for your photoshoot.
Define the photoshoot style.
The first aspect you need to consider is the style and purpose of your photoshoot. Are you going for a casual, formal, or creative look? Do you want to highlight your personality, your profession, or your passion? Depending on the type of photo session you are having you may need to dress differently or may want to consider a different feel for multiple looks to use on different platforms. For example, if you are doing a wedding photo session, you may want to wear something elegant and romantic, such as a wedding dress or a tuxedo. If you are doing a portrait photo session, you may want to wear something that reflects your style and interests, such as a leather jacket or a floral dress. If you are doing a commercial photo session, you may want to wear something that suits your brand and industry, such as a suit or a uniform. Keep in mind the end way you will be using the photos first.
Choose a color palette.
One of the most important aspects of dressing for a photo session is choosing the right colors. Colors can affect the mood, the contrast, and the harmony of your photos. You want to choose colors that complement your skin tone, your hair color, and your eye color, as well as the colors of the background and the props. An effective way to choose a color palette is to use the color wheel. You can either go for analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel), complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel), or triadic colors (colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel). For example, if you have blue eyes, you can wear blue (similar), orange (complementary), or purple (triadic) to make them pop. Another tip is to choose muted tones that are a bit subdued, as they tend to look better on camera than bright and flashy colors.
The color of the clothing should always be toned down. Bright colors attract attention away from the face. Colors must be dark and not bright, this is essential! However, in a portrait, you can use the guidelines to stand out. As an example, wearing red (a power color) and bringing attention directly to it.
Darker clothing helps to blend the bodies with the background so that the faces are the most important part of the photograph. Dark colors tend to slenderize the subject. Light colors add weight to the bodies. Clothing should not be too tight or too loose. Clothing below the waistline should be darker than above. Otherwise, even light jeans worn below a darker top could easily attract attention to the lower part of the body and away from the face.
Finally, lay out all the clothing on a bed. Shoes, socks, stockings (dark hose is mandatory) – everything should be included… shoes, too! Then, take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any one item, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. That item should be changed.
A note on prints and patterns
Prints and any kind of pattern – no matter how small – become a distraction. In the case of digital portraits, in particular, small patterns in clothing (even a small herringbone or checkered pattern) can cause terrible distortions to appear in the portrait that is not originally there. This is what we call the Moiré pattern, and you find out more about this by googling it if you want.
Avoid Short Sleeve Clothing and Short Pants
Long-sleeved clothing is necessary! For casual portraits, it is equally important to wear long pants instead of shorts. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera, there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face itself. This is a major distraction. White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect. A scarf loosely tied around the neck also helps to frame a face beautifully when a collarless blouse or sweater is worn. Neckties should be toned-down in color and with a minimum of pattern.
Proper Necklines for a Portrait
The most flattering neckline for anyone is something that comes up close to the neck. A wide-open neckline tends to thicken the neck in a photograph. On the other hand, a neckline that comes up to the base of the neck – a turtleneck or a V-neck top is the most flattering. It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.
Do hair and make-up.
Another way to enhance your appearance and confidence for a photo session is to do some hair and make-up. You do not have to go overboard with this, but a little bit of grooming can go a long way. For hair, you may want to style it in a way that suits your face shape and your outfit. You can also add some accessories, such as a hat, a scarf, or a headband, to add some interest and texture. For make-up, you may want to apply some foundation, concealer, blush, mascara, and lip gloss to even out your skin tone and accentuate your features. You can also add some eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lipstick if you want to create a more dramatic look. However, avoid using too much or too dark makeup, as it can look harsh and unnatural on camera.
Hairstyles should be simple and must be off the face. Hair falling onto the sides of the face (currently very much in style) creates distracting shadows. Bangs that come down too low onto the face will keep light from getting into the subject’s eyes – the very most important part of the face. Eye makeup should be blended – no sharp demarcation lines between colors. You should avoid white above or below the eyes. It does not photograph well at all. Too much color above and below the eyes attracts attention to itself. It takes attention away from the eyes, rather than attracting the viewer to the eyes. Foundation makeup should be blended at the jawline so that there is no demarcation between the face and the neck.
You might consider having professional hair and make-up artists do the job for you. They have the skills and experience to create flawless looks that suit your photoshoot style and theme. If you do not have an idea of where to go with this, we work with many talented hair and make-up artists and would be glad to suggest them.
Wear something that makes you feel confident.
The most important thing to remember when dressing for a photo session is to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. You want to wear something that fits you well, flatters your body shape, and expresses your personality. You do not have to follow any rules or trends if they do not suit you or make you happy. You also do not have to buy something new just for photoshoots unless you really want to. You have everything you need in your closet already. Just pick something that makes you feel good about yourself and that you enjoy wearing.
You can also trust us to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during your photo session. We have heard that we have a friendly and professional attitude. Because of our “customer first” belief, will listen to your needs and preferences and work with you to create amazing photos that you will love.
Glasses
Eyeglasses may or may not be worn. Non-reflective lenses, of course, are a tremendous help. Better yet, sometimes it is possible to obtain a matching set of frames without any lenses. This is particularly helpful if your lenses sometimes distort the outline of your face.
Sunglasses can be a very cool prop so you might want to bring them along. It only works well as a prop if everyone in the photograph will have one so keep that in mind for your “prop inventory!”
Dressing for a photo session can be challenging but also rewarding. By following these tips and tricks, you can create an outfit that suits your style, your purpose, and your photoshoot. Remember to have fun with it and enjoy the experience!
KRR Photography, Ltd has become the image resource that is totally client-focused by employing a total quality and client satisfaction philosophy. Our photography studio is in the historic downtown Annapolis, Maryland outside of gate 3 of the United States Naval Academy.
KRR Photography. Ltd.
229 Hanover St #109, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 280-3535. Email: [email protected]
Annapolis, MD. Photography Studio For Portraits | Wedding | Mitzvahs | Galas | Celebrations | Quinceañera | Reunion | And More