A Lifestyle photographer's best tips for selecting outfits that photograph beautifully and stand the test of time.
It's the age old question - "what do we wear?!". And it is my job as your photographer, to guide you through your outfit choices, too.
Because here's why what you wear in a photo shoot - truly does matter.
Colours. Colour choices should be kept neutral and simple, to not draw attention away from faces, natural lighting and skin tones. The colours should compliment your skin, not work against it!
Matching the environment - wearing colours that clash with your environment, like a neon orange at the beach or bright blue in the lush, green of a forest. These create stark contrast. Earthy tones or pastels are chosen to blend perfectly with natural backdrops.
I always suggest earthy, natural tones (olive, tan, brown, cream), natural blue denim and some whites when it comes to choosing your outfit colours.
Fit for purpose of shoot - If you plan to shoot at the beach for example, you may want to wear jeans or pants that you are able to roll up, or hold to get your feet a little bit wet. When it comes to beach shoots, barefoot is a non negotiable! For comfort and just the ease of moving around, while you look relaxed in the photos and like you were always meant to be there.
Flattering the subject - Bright whites can be too harsh at times, overexposing the subjects or creating blue/grey tones in edit. Some white is okay, especially when paired with denim. But it's those mid and earthy tones that are universally known to be the most flattering.
Camera limitations: Saturated, bright colours (especially hot pink or bright red) can cause "posterisation," making the colours look unnatural and are difficult to edit. Plus too many busy patterns, will distract from the people and faces in the photo.
Couples + Family, don't feel the pressure to be matching with everyone in your shoot. It is easy to compliment each-others outfits by keeping one similar tone throughout, or theme.
And lastly, phones, keys, wallet, sunnies. These are not removed in editing as simply as you might think, and sunglasses of course cause glare and reflection, especially in bright light situation's, so make sure your pockets are empty and your sunglasses are kept off your head and in the car.
Above all else, I want my clients to feel confident and comfortable in what they choose to wear to a shoot - there is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable - wearing something itchy or that constricts you from moving. Choose to wear something tidy and that best reflects your style, makes you feel like you and that will set you up for a breezy photo shoot with stunning photos at the end.
