What to Wear for your Photo Shoot
Above all… BE YOURSELF! If none of the following guidelines work for you, dress as you normally would and above all… be and feel comfortable with yourself. This is about having fun and exploring the various facets of your life.
Your sense of confidence and calm will be captured through the camera lens.
1. Mid-tones: Avoid plain black or white colors because they may cause lighting trouble. This may result in contrast problems with finished prints, although I should be able to work with these extremities of contrast.
2. Neckline: Is your neck short or long? A V-neck lengthens the neck; a round neckline shortens it. “A” collar frames the face well, without decreasing the length of your neck. A collared shirt with a V-neck or a few buttons undone is most popular. Turtlenecks completely hide the neck, which is very unflattering and should be avoided.
3. Subdued/Light or No Patterns: Avoid bold colors and crazy patterns (i.e., like Mr. T’s chain, a huge Charlie Brown stripe). These will present a distraction.
Loud reds and bold colors will detract from you and focus attention on the shirt, rather than you
4. Glasses: Don’t worry about glasses. Some photographers advise against wearing them but this advice presents it’s own set of issues. Proper studio lighting ensures there will be little to no reflection in the finished images.
5. Personal: Wear something that makes you feel great, confident and relaxed.
6. Limited Jewelry: Avoid distracting accessories, such as large, shiny jewelry. If you have a pierced ear, wear studs or small hoops. No matter how much you love your gold necklace, remember it will take the focus away from your face.
Makeup:
If you do your own makeup, carefully apply foundation with a clean makeup sponge. Then apply a loose skintone powder. Apply blusher with a clean and dry makeup sponge. Then use a soft brush to apply a final layer of loose powder to eliminate harsh blusher outlines. Apply mascara lightly. Use an eyebrow pencil to improve your natural eyebrow line. Apply lip liner and fill in with a good lipstick. Lastly, be careful not to get makeup on your clothes! Dress first and then protect your attire with a cape or plastic cover.
1. Hair: If you want to tie back your hair, do not wear a big bow. Use a barrette or other similar accessory. You may consider fixing your hair differently for different poses. If you do this it is a good idea to bring a hair brush and water spray bottle. If you dye your hair, make sure that your roots are not beginning to show! Many pictures are spoiled by the natural color roots appearing under the new color. Also, dying the hair often leaves it dry and brittle. If this happens, it is a good idea to add mousse or another moisterizer to the hair prior to your photo-shoot. If your hair looks good, your photographer can focus on composition
2. Base: Use a good quality base that covers your skin without caking. You want your natural skin tones to show.
3. Skin Features: Do not hide your skin’s personality! Flaunt your freckles. They are part of what makes you unique. Unusual features make others sit up and take notice. Of course, if on the day of the shoot you are sporting a monstrous zit, use some make-up. But generally, unique attractive features are an asset. Who would ever want to say good-bye to Harrison Ford’s chin scar?
4. Eyeliner: Soft, applied sparingly with a brush, using very little on the lower lid.
5. Straight Hair: You want to frame your face, so if your hair is very straight and long, give it some body to accentuate your face.
6. For Men Only: A light coat of powder will help even out your skin tones.
Otherwise, use make-up very sparingly.
7. Pimples: Etc: Life is full of little imperfections. Use makeup to even it out.
If it still shows, don’t panic. You will be amazed what retouching can do to a photo.
8. Dark Beards: Dark beards usually are accentuated in photos, so some men
may want to use a little cream base to slightly lighten their beards.
9. Haircut: Don’t cut your hair the day before your shoot! It will look like you just got a haircut. Give your hair at least a week after a cut to relax.
Set the Atmosphere
Here are five ways of enhancing the senses so that your photo will flatter you:
1. Sound: Provide music that makes you happy, relaxes you, and makes
you feel more at home.
2. Sight: Bring several changes of clothes, and do not be afraid to use them.
3. Taste: Eat well. Stay energized. Bring something to drink while you
are shooting (and I don’t mean beer… well… maybe…).
4. Smell: Scents tap right into the animal part of your brain. They can help get you in the right mood. If you have a perfume/cologne that makes you feel like a million bucks, or a scented candle that puts your mind at ease, by all means bring it.
5. Touch: Ask if you can bring a close friend who helps you relax and feel at ease with yourself.
