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 boo, get comfy, and take10 minutes to intentionally walk through 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 feels most 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/comfortable!
Here are my creative pointers…
What do you already have?
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 feels most like you.
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, but just make sure it reflects who you’ve been all along!
If it’s new, maybe wear it a few times before the actual shoot day, and give yourself some time to think about how it looks on you and how it makes you feel when you are out in social settings or when you look in the mirror! If it’s 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, light, airy, whimsical, fun, etc. Avoid: stiff, crisp, business, starchy, etc.
Timeless
Look for a piece that you won’t regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that may has already stood the test of time. Use What I call: “the 10 and 10 rule.” 10 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 10 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!
Colors
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 standout 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. on the right are some recommended neutrals and colors!
Outfit Ideas for Girls!
Flowy dresses, oversized / roomy sweaters, jumpsuits / rompers
denim & tee, 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!
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
Up in the midwest, the winter months don’t offer much color (or light), 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!
I totally understand 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!
Want to know what to avoid?
Here’s a few things…
Avoid crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted or overly formal. stay away from blazers or business-wear. We want a comfortable, cozy, fun version of you! At all costs, avoid sports / athletic wear, gym clothes or gym shoes.
If logos or branding are bigger than a quarter, try to look for something else without any branding or words on it! last thing: stay away from trendy patterns and bright / neon colors!
Final notes…
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! Also, check those Pinterest boards that were sent in the email! They are full of visual ideas! Last thing: don’t stress about this! We’ll make sure you look real goooood, so don’t worry!
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 boo, get comfy, and take10 minutes to intentionally walk through 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 feels most 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/comfortable!
Here are my creative pointers…
What do you already have?
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 feels most like you.
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, but just make sure it reflects who you’ve been all along!
If it’s new, maybe wear it a few times before the actual shoot day, and give yourself some time to think about how it looks on you and how it makes you feel when you are out in social settings or when you look in the mirror! If it’s 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, light, airy, whimsical, fun, etc. Avoid: stiff, crisp, business, starchy, etc.
Timeless
Look for a piece that you won’t regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that may has already stood the test of time. Use What I call: “the 10 and 10 rule.” 10 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 10 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!
Colors
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 standout 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. on the right are some recommended neutrals and colors!
Outfit Ideas for Girls!
Flowy dresses, oversized / roomy sweaters, jumpsuits / rompers
denim & tee, 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!
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
Up in the midwest, the winter months don’t offer much color (or light), 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!
I totally understand 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!
Want to know what to avoid?
Here’s a few things…
Avoid crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted or overly formal. stay away from blazers or business-wear. We want a comfortable, cozy, fun version of you! At all costs, avoid sports / athletic wear, gym clothes or gym shoes.
If logos or branding are bigger than a quarter, try to look for something else without any branding or words on it! last thing: stay away from trendy patterns and bright / neon colors!
Final notes…
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! Also, check those Pinterest boards that were sent in the email! They are full of visual ideas! Last thing: don’t stress about this! We’ll make sure you look real goooood, so don’t worry!
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