Picking your Photoshoot Wardrobe
Estimated Reading Time: 3 mins
"Oh my god, Alim, IDK WHAT TO WEAR!"
"Should I buy more clothes?"
"Help! Does this look good?"
Save the panicking for something else, we’re here, and your outfit is going to be nothing short of BANGING for your shoot. All you have to do is read this short guide and then make sure you chat to your ‘tog about your outfits, so we can help you get the best out of your shoot!
1. Wardrobe is just one component of styling
Your starting point for styling your shoot should be the visual storytelling element. There's a big difference between a photo that shows how you look and a photo that shows who you are. Don’t stress though, visual storytelling doesn’t have to be a whole novel. Get a pad of paper or open up your notes app and start jotting down keywords and concepts that represent how you want to be portrayed.
If you don’t know your story, you’re the story! Think about your personality, characters and what you represent. Freelancer? Lean back on your personal branding!
2. Coordinate with the location 🏞🌄🏙
By this point, you've considered your visual story and you have an idea about the location. One way to get a real striking look is to coordinate with the location. Picking an effective and simple colour theory like the complementary colours above could mean you're onto a winner. Other colour theories include monochromatic and analogous colours.
3. Express Yourself
A lot of photography blogs will repeat a mantra sounding a bit like this: "avoid patterns", "tone down bright colours", "wear dark clothing" and I don't agree. While there's nothing wrong with dark and plain clothing, a portrait isn't about applying the same vanilla blanket to every single person to achieve some standardised predetermined photo that's been shot of 300 different people before.
A portrait is about capturing the subject’s identity and their story. With this in mind, an outfit is another powerful visual component that can impact how somebody is portrayed (one of the most powerful if you ask me). We shouldn't be scared of outfits that have extra character so long as they're coordinated with the overall aesthetic of the shoot (again, this is something that I can help my clients with on an individual basis).
4. Turn one outfit into many
One clever way to get multiple looks in one shoot without the luxuries associated with switching whole outfits is to layer up. Think: 2 jackets, 1 t-shirt and 2 overshirts for over eight looks!
5. Keep it simple 👕
Puma, Boss, Levis, whatever the brand, try to avoid clothing with big logos or text that’ll distract from your story and your identity.
6. Think comfort 💭
If you feel comfortable, you’ll look more relaxed. So, before you start trying to fit into that shirt a size too small, or that dress with the itchy fabric, remember that you’re making your job that little bit harder.
Our photo routes often involve walking, so you’ll want to make sure that you have some footwear that's broken in and comfortable standing in for multiple hours … if you’ve gotta wear some heels/dress shoes for your shots, consider bringing some trainers to switch into between shoots.
7. Complement, but don’t match outfits
If you're with a group, you don't want one person dressed in a vivid, light colour when everyone else is dressed in pastels — they'd stick out. But going too far the other way and matching perfectly could look bland. Get in on that colour theory action mentioned earlier 😃 🌈
8. Chat to your ‘tog
We’re here, we’ve done this before, let’s get you into an outfit (or a few!) that represents you. We’re happy to check out some links of the garments you’re browsing for online, or if you try something on, then definitely send us a pic. It works both ways as we can build your vision together!
9. Consider crinkles
It’s quite normal to bring a bagful of clothes to your shoot. If that’s what you’re doing, you’ve got to be careful about how you pack your bag, so you don’t get it really crinkly. If it helps, you could bring a misty spray to gently let down those creases (but don’t get too trigger-happy).
10. Accessorise
Watches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, piercings, hats, sunglasses, what else? They’re ALL amazing and provides you with that extra level of class that’ll make you look and feel good. Don’t go overboard, though. You’ll know how much you’re comfortable with, and you don’t need to wear every single accessory.
Tip: if you’re wearing a hat, just make sure you have the option of removing it so that you have the greatest variation in your selection.
Final thoughts
Honestly, there’s no pressure on you. You don’t need to be wearing the best outfit you’ve ever worn. An Alimagery photoshoot is all about celebrating who you are, so dress as you and nobody else.