“What should we wear?” This is one of the most common questions I get as a photographer. It can be hard enough to choose outfits for everyday wear, much less for the portraits that will hang on the wall or live in an album on the coffee table for decades to come. But don’t worry – I’m here to help!
Here are a few tips to help you look your best on the big day.
Color
There’s an art to picking the best colors for photos. Harmonious color balance can induce specific emotion and change the perceived value of a thing. The most advantageous for a photo shoot in the city or in nature are beige, light gray, light brown and gray-blue clothes.
As an accent to beige, you can add: blue, pink, light yellow, light orange, light green. Light brown or gray colors go well with blue, cherry, emerald green, mustard (but not dark and not acidic shades – softer and more muted).
Please try to avoid plain white tops and fluorescent colored tops. Plain bright white tops will be the brightest thing in the image and will distract from your face. Bright fluorescent colors on top reflect their tones onto your skin. Now, a nicely textured white top under a gray cardigan would look great!
White and light pastel colors will be a great choice for young girls in a romantic spring or summer photo shoot.
Red color is psychologically perceived as the color of aggression and excitement. It is better to use it not as the main one, but as a bright accent (it will look especially advantageous during winter photo shoots).
Of the bright and dynamic colors, orange will look more successful in combination with blue and white. This color will cheer you up and invigorate you.
I do not recommend choosing black as the main one, if we are not talking about stylized gothic or black and white photography. Black, of course, is contrasting and well emphasizes the plasticity of the body, but in color photographs it does not look expressive and often carries negative energy.
Subtle coordination
Coordination is key, but there is such a thing as matching too much. Don’t choose identical outfits. Instead, choose a color palette that each person can make unique with variations of texture and style, accessories, or a subtle pattern.
Perhaps the simplest, but at the same time stylish option: jeans and white t-shirts. For a winter photo shoot, knitted cardigans, sweaters, vests. If the photo session is outside, do not forget to coordinate outerwear, either elegant coats and fur coats, or down jackets for all family members.
All of the above applies not only to clothing, but also accessories and shoes. At the same time, shoes should be comfortable and correspond to the general style and season.
If you decide to go to a photo shoot in heeled sandals in the summer, be sure to bring interchangeable ballet flats with you – in Prague, paving stones and thin heels can be damaged if they get between the stones while we move from location to location. It is better to give up heels altogether if the photo session is planned in the park with walks on the lawns.
Accessories
Accessories are one of the biggest contributors to visual interest in your look. Sunglasses, Belts, Scarves, Handbags – all add variety to your images and also give you more posing options. Bring whatever you have and we can add them, or not, based on the look. If you always wear them, plan to wear them in your photos. We can always do some photos with & some without so you have options.
What not to wear
- T-shirts or clothing with large logos or writing.
- Outfits that show a bra strap or any under garments.
- Identical clothing – for example, jeans + white t-shirts for everyone. When everyone is identical, your photos will have more of a “staged” look that will look dated in the future.
Bonus: if you book one of my sessions, it includes one-on-one wardrobe advice. You can even send me a photo of your outfits, and I’ll give you advice on how to piece it all together.
