The question of what to wear for a photo shoot often causes more anxiety than the shoot itself. The wardrobe is full, but it seems that nothing is suitable. One outfit is too plain, another too fancy, and a third only looks good when you’re standing in front of the mirror.
The right outfit for a photo shoot isn’t necessarily the one that stands out the most. The right outfit helps to reveal the person. It should suit your body shape, your mood, the location and the kind of photos you want.
Start by setting the mood for the photo shoot
If the photo shoot is going to be soft and light, the outfit can be lighter, in more subdued tones, with a lovely drape to the fabric. If you’re looking for a more striking portrait, darker clothes, bolder shapes and a cleaner silhouette might work well.
Your mood helps you rule out unsuitable options. If you’re still not sure which direction you want to go in, it’s worth taking a look at gallery and mark which frames are the closest.
Colours that often work well
Earth tones – such as milky white, sand, soft brown, olive, graphite, dark blue, black and muted green – often look lovely in photographs. These colours allow the face to remain the focal point.
Bright colours aren’t off-limits. If they suit you and are part of your style, they can look great. It’s just important to realise that a bright colour will become one of the main elements of the shot.
Patterns, logos and fabrics
Large logos, fine contrasting patterns and very busy textures often draw attention away from the face. If you want a pattern, it’s better to choose a more subtle one that doesn’t jump out at you.
Fabrics are also important in photographs. A coat, jacket, dress or jumper that drapes well often looks better than a garment that pulls, creases and needs constant adjusting.
Choose a colour scheme for the family, not a uniform
It’s best for a family to choose a colour scheme of 3–4 colours and stick to it. That way, each person can have their own individual look, whilst the whole family still looks cohesive in the photograph. I write more about this in the article family photo shoot.
If you’re unsure about what to wear, you can send a few ideas before the photo shoot. And if you’d like to discuss the photo shoot itself, please get in touch via contacts. Depending on the mood you’re after, you can choose the right direction together.
What to do if you’re still unsure
If you’re finding it difficult to choose an outfit, don’t try to find the one perfect option straight away. It’s better to narrow it down to 2–3 options: one that’s more understated, one that’s a bit more dressy, and one that most closely resembles your everyday style. During the photo shoot, it often quickly becomes clear which outfit works best.
It’s worth trying on clothes not just whilst standing in front of a mirror. Sit down, turn round, raise your arms, put on your shoes. People move in photographs, so an outfit needs to look good not just when you’re standing perfectly still. If something is too tight, slips down or needs constant adjusting, it can get in the way during a photo shoot.
The best choice is often not the trendiest one. The best choice is the one where you feel like yourself and can forget what you’re wearing. Then the focus returns to where it should be – on the person, the emotion, the light and the connection with the camera.
Final check before leaving
Before the photo shoot, it’s worth double-checking the small details: are your clothes ironed, are your shoes clean, are there any lint, do your accessories get in the way, and do you have an extra layer in case the weather changes? These details may seem minor, but they save a lot of time during the shoot and allow you to get on with the shoot itself more quickly.
If you’re wondering whether the outfit you’ve chosen is too simple, it’s often worth remembering that you’re the most important thing in the photos. A neat and understated outfit allows the light, your face and your emotions to take centre stage.
