what to wear for a photoshoot
These guidelines are just suggestions, not strict rules. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and reflects your style. Forget about shopping for new clothes specifically for the shoot. Instead, bring items from your closet that you love and feel confident in. Whether it's your favorite jacket you’ve had for decades and ripped jeans or something "nicer," the key is to be authentic.
And yeah, I get it. Dressing up in clothes you're not used to wearing can be a drag. So, let's skip the forced collared shirts and dress shoes if that's not your style. I promise you'll enjoy the shoot more when you're comfortable and feel like yourselves.
In the end, my goal is for you both to look and feel like the amazing individuals you are.
These guidelines are just here to help but remember, the focus is on your love, not your wardrobe. Let's create beautiful, authentic images together!
Here are a few guidelines to help pick out what to wear:
I highly recommend bringing multiple options when it comes to clothing. All you need to do is ensure that you bring items that make you feel incredibly confident, which we can then select from.
This allows me to select and mix outfits from the choices you bring, tailored for each location we shoot at. By ensuring that the outfits complement the surroundings, the focus remains on you two rather than any potential distractions caused by the clothing.
Please avoid bringing your entire wardrobe, as it would be time-consuming for me to go through everything, taking away precious time from your session.
Typically, most people bring around 3 or 4 pairs of bottoms and 4 or 5 tops each.
Additionally, you can bring dresses, accessories, jackets, and other items if desired. It's important to note that depending on the shooting location, you may need to change the back of the car on the side of the road.
If you're not comfortable with changing in public, it's perfectly fine to bring just one outfit!
Make sure to send me a few photos of the outfit options in advance, and we can choose together beforehand.
Make sure your attire makes sense with the photo location!
Consider the shooting conditions and locations we'll be in and plan your outfit accordingly.
If we'll be hiking in the mountains, make sure to bring shoes with a good grip to prevent any injuries.
For shooting on a sandy beach, it's best to avoid wearing shoes or something that you’re fine with getting wet/dirty.
When it's freezing cold outside, bring plenty of layers, warm clothes, wool socks, and boots.
If the weather is going to be hot, opt for breathable clothing to avoid visible sweat stains in the photos.
Above all, prioritize your comfort and be as at ease as possible during the shoot.
Stay away from patterns!
Avoid big, loud, chunky, and crazy patterns. Opt for smaller or more subtle patterns or none at all.
Loud patterns can draw attention away from your face, so choose patterns wisely.
Try not to pair too many patterns together to prevent a chaotic and distracting appearance in the photos.
Remember to iron your clothes beforehand to avoid noticeable wrinkles that could distract from your faces
Props don't have to be cheesy; they can add uniqueness and personality to your photoshoot.
Examples of non-cheesy props include:
A gas station pizza picnic
A campfire
A bottle of champagne
A pet (I’ve shot with horses and dogs), or even your motorcycle!
If you have props you'd like to incorporate, please let me know, and we'll ensure they are integrated tastefully and without cheesiness.
In-home sessions follow the same logic but are more relaxed…
Consider wearing something you wear around the house all the time — think of that level of comfort.
Supply a variety of options like tank tops, shorts, sweaters, and jeans to mix and match during the session.
If you feel like wearing a sweater with undies for a few shots or having your partner go shirtless, go for it!
Hair and makeup…
I’ll just say this, I want you to feel like yourself and your best self. If you want to go full glam with a makeup artist, then GO FOR IT.
If you choose professional hair and makeup, I recommend scheduling it at least an hour before you need leave for the shoot to avoid being late.
Additionally, if you want a spray tan, opt for a natural airbrushed spray tan rather than one from a tanning place!
That sums it all up!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We can discuss colors, tones, your favorite outfits from your closet, or your vision based on inspirations you found online.
I'm more than happy to assist you in creating a personalized Pinterest board to ensure this session reflects who you are today.
Ultimately, the most crucial aspect is to wear what makes you feel comfortable and authentic to yourself.