What To Wear For Your Photo Shoot
After a decade of experience prepping and picking photo shoot outfits, I’ve learned a few tips, tricks, and suggestions for the best wardrobe selection.
Business Headshots
Blouse, Dress Shirt, Maybe a Jacket.
The most important piece of clothing for your headshot is your top. I’ve learned that V-necks offer a great line directly to your eye. I also recommend 3/4 length or long sleeves over capped sleeves (unless you love your arms and can go more casual.
While your top will be the focus, please also bring matching bottoms. They may not always show, but if they’re in the shot, let’s make sure they look good!
Color, Texture, and Patterns.
When selecting your colors, keep in mind there’s a psychology behind your choices. Blue is trustworthy while purple conveys luxury. Check out this blog post on Color Theory for more tips on color selection.
Leave the busy pattern at home, but add lots of textures. When you wear textures - sequins or leather for example - they make the image pop and get a viewer’s attention quickly.
Comfy Shoes Are Best.
You think that headshot sessions are simply sitting, smiling, and snapping the camera. Nope! I’ll have you in poses that feel like you’re doing yoga - because they will have you looking AM-AZ-ING. If you bring in heels for these poses, I’ll be impressed, but it’s unnecessary. These photos will go no lower than the knee, so no shoes or comfy ones are best.
Be You and Style Accordingly
If you work in a conservative office, then maybe we leave the hot pink halter top in the closet and opt for the traditional blazer and blouse look. However, if you’re comfortable with color, work for yourself, or have an amazing job selling wine (see Allison’s shot below), then select clothes that really show off your style and brand.
Think Casual
Comfortable, but Cute.
This look is for those who love a good white t-shirt and jeans, a graphic tee, or workout attire. If you live in your leggings, bring them in! Let’s show that side of you as well. My general clothing rules apply - no super busy patterns and keep clothing form-fitting for the most flattering look.
Let’s Add Movement!
One of my favorite items to suggest in this category is a flowy dress or something that will move if I have you bust out a little dance in the studio. So, think a long dress that sways when you walk, fringe that shimmies when you shake it like a salt shaker or a layered dress that we can toss up and will gracefully fall as I snap my camera.
Get Fancy &
Glamorous
Head to the Back of Your Closet.
Find that dress that you bought but haven’t had a good reason to wear. Bring something a little over the top - like you’re heading to the Oscars! A nice little black dress also works wonders.
What Makes You FEEL Beautiful?
Half of the outfits you bring are usually chosen because they make sense or they will look good on camera, but for this look, find something that makes you feel like you own the world. Your photos will show that confidence and radiate the energy you have during the shoot.
Feeling Sexy?
My Favorite Items.
I can make magic out of a black body suit, a white button-up shirt (flowy, somewhat see-through, and not too stiff are best), and something shear like a wrap, robe, or piece of fabric. Anything additional is just a bonus.
What NOT to Bring
Lingerie is a fine choice when it comes to a more boudoir-focused shoot. However leave the baby doll styles at home since they will make you appear larger than you are, and no one wants that! Stick with choices that are form-fitting, but don’t indent into your skin too much.
Or More Dominant?
If you’re coming in with a suitcase full of options that have leather, lace, fishnet, and other fun, we can probably go a little bolder with colors. Black and red are obvious choices, but also venture out into rich jewel tones that will stand out against your skin tones. With this feeling of images, we’ll I’ll shoot you from angles that convey confidence that you’ll be nothing proud to show off!
Are You Flirty and Innocent?
During our consultation, we’ll discuss how much (if any) of your shoot you’d like to spend in a boudoir style. If you’re just dipping your toe in and trying this out, we may want to choose outfits that cover the goods but imply a more sensual feel to the image. Pastel colors or neutrals work well, along with a flirty smirk and soft gestures.
Accessories & Props
Shoes.
If there’s an outfit that has perfect shoes to match, go ahead and bring them. But, for most photos, your feet won’t be in the shots. One caveat to that is when we’re aiming for a sexy shot where heels add to the look. For the boudoir-style images, throw a few stilettos in your bag and we’ll incorporate them into the detail shots.
Jewelry.
If you wear it, bring it. Select options that are timeless or bold, based on the outfits you have collected. If you’re not sure, toss it in the pile then we can review and assist in accessorizing your look once you arrive in the studio.
Show Your Product or Passion.
If you’re doing a business headshot and you’re the queen of selling plants, bring your prized roses or hoya so that we can show those off! Love reading books or have a favorite lipstick that you’re known for wearing? Bring those too - they’ll only make your photos more unique to your own personal style.
Props.
My general rule of thumb is that props aren’t needed, but add a layer of depth to the photo if they have meaning to you. But certainly don’t feel like you need to bring anything other than yourself (and clothes if you would like!)
