Imagine that we're painting a picture... the scene has been painted, and we're about to paint you into it!
What are we going to have you wearing in this work of art? Let's find out...
WHY this MATTERS
I created this guide with you (my clients) in mind, to bring you digestible information that walks you through the process of choosing what you wear on your photoshoot!
Hear me out... what you wear can make or break your photos!
What you wear is like the quality of paint you use to create a piece of art. Poor quality, and the art suffers!
So, grab your bestie, get comfy, and take 10 minutes to intentionally walk thought this guide together! I promise you, it will be every bit worth it!
At the end of the day, I want you to feel like yourself when you look back at these photos, and part of that is wearing what most feels like you!
Obviously I'm giving out guidelines and wardrobe expertise for photography, so of course, don't just wear sweatpants and a hoodie. :) But, apply all of this to what you already know looks good on you and makes you feel confident and comfortable!
Here are my creative pointers...
WHAT do you ALREADY HAVE?
Take a look at whatever is already in your closet, and go from there! Don't immediately jump to: "Let's buy something new that I'd never wear in real life!" Totally cool if you want something new and special for your shoot, but just make sure it reflects who you've been all along!
If you want something new, maybe wear it a few times before the actual shoot day, and think about how you like it on yourself!
How does it make you feel when you are in social settings or when you look in the mirror? Same thing with something-you've-always-had, make sure you do love wearing it, and it makes you feel confident/comfortable!
Movement
Make sure you can move in your outfit very easily, and it's a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well!
TRY: Flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, etc... AVOID: Stiff, crisp, business, startchy, etc...
Timeless
Look for a piece that you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could probably still wear it!
All you
Make sure it has that classic, trademark, YOU Stamp on it! Whether it's something old or new!
My recommendations
say yes to:
*comfortable clothes
*anything that makes you feel beautiful and confident
*subtle textures like lace and tulle
*neutral color schemes
*muted tones
*simple is better!
*layers & accessories
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say no to:
*super formal clothes like blazers/business wear
*distracting/trendy patterns
*sports/athletic wear, gym clothes
*casual t-shirts with slogans
*neon or saturated colors
*hair ties around your wrist
*phones in your back pocket
*sunglasses or dark shades
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Let's talk about COLOR...
I always recommend neutrals and earthy-toned colors that visually fit into the natural/earthy surroundings we are shooting in! You want to avoid the highly-manufactured / bright / aggressive colors and tones that just don’t look like they belong in a natural setting, because they will stand out like a sore thumb, and will end up looking out of place in the final photo.
When it comes to color, you do want to stand out from your surroundings, but still look like you belong there.
That said, one or two pops of color pair nicely with neutrals everywhere else. For example, If you do have a pop of color in the outfits, it’s nice to not overcrowd that color (or 2) with other ones.
OUTFIT IDEAS for GIRLS
Flowy dresses oversized/roomy sweaters, jumpsuits/rompers, denim & tee, denim and crop top, denim and tank, statement jacket, winter overcoat, wide-brim fedora hats.
Cosmetics & Footwear
Leather/suede boots, timeless sneakers (non-athletic), leather sandals, or barefoot are all recommended!
Makeup should make sense with the scene/vibe.
Hair needs to move. It’s best worn down!
OUTFIT IDEAS for GUYS
Statement jacket, henley or soft button-up shirt, textured sweater, flannel, denim & tee, khakis, chinos, jeans, winter overcoat.
Cosmetics & Footwear
Leather/suede boots, timeless sneakers (non-athletic), leather sandals, or barefoot are all recommended!
Try to wear your hair naturally or with limited product.
LOCATION and SEASON
When you think about what clothes will look best for your shoot specifically, you want to take into account the location you are shooting at and the season you are shooting in.
Location can oftentimes dictate what the best colors and outfits are going to be, because the location is bringing its own vibe, colors, textures, and theme. Back to the painting analogy at the beginning, think about your location as a painting that is already painted, and now we have to paint YOU into the picture. What are we going to have you wearing? What will look best up against that backdrop? What makes most sense in that location?
Second, take the season into account.
The winter months don’t offer much color (or even light sometimes), so you want to add something with color or bold texture that makes your photos POP and gives them dimension.
The summer months, on the other hand, are a completely different story! You could probably wear all whites/creams or all neutrals and still get away with it (I wouldn’t always recommend this), because the light and the color of the season would be captivating enough on their own!
All that said, I totally realize that this is the most creative-heavy or artistic-heavy section of this guide, so I’m totally here to give the most help in this area!
Final notes
Bring Options!
Bring some options to the shoot! It’s always nice to have different pieces to choose from the day-of.
Keep in touch.
It’s so helpful if you can keep me in the loop about what you’re planning on wearing!
Use Pinterest as a tool to help you!
Pinterest is full of visual ideas! Let's make a visual mood board, separate or together!
Don't. Stress. Seriously!
Last thing: don’t stress about this! We’ll make sure you look real goooood, so don’t worry!
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or text. I cannot wait to get started! I hope you are looking forward to this session as much as I am!
Email: info@laurenannphoto.art
Phone: 707-628-5474
