Shooting People – What to wear for your photo shoot

So you’ve decided to invest in a commercial photographer to do a professional photo shoot. Whether it’s for personal branding or just to update your LinkedIn profile pic, there is always one big question – What do I wear?

From my point of view, I want my clients to be as relaxed as possible as the majority of people aren’t that comfortable with a big fat camera lens pointing at them. I know that the more relaxed people are, the better the resulting images will be so it pays dividends if clients are ready and informed as to what awaits.

If we’re working in the studio then the one I use is in Whatton, just outside Nottingham, and is fully equipped with various lights suspended from an overhead rack as well as a selection of backdrops in addition to the massive fifteen foot, pure white, infinity cove.  It’s quite impressive and just a little intimidating but rest assured that it doesn’t all get used at once! However, I’m just as happy to come to your office or meet you wherever you like outdoors.

I always advise clients to come to the shoot in whatever they normally wear and if that means you feel most comfortable in trainers paired with a dress then that’s right for you and I’m happy with that.

Also for the client, if you show up in a suit for your photos but don’t normally wear one then it’s going to look a touch odd.  If having an untucked shirt is the norm for you then it’s no problem to accommodate that into the shoot too, and if gym gear is your “business suit” then that’s just as easy.

It helps if you arrive at your shoot hydrated and well rested so avoiding alcohol the night before is a good idea, remember we’re going to be focusing on your eyes and bloodshot is not a good look.

I’m not professing to be some sort of style icon but I do know what looks good and that photographs well and so with that in mind, I do prefer that ladies avoid large prints and busy patterns, similarly for men I advise against a houndstooth pattern or Prince of Wales check as while they look great, they are both a bit too much for our purposes. 

Whatever you wear it should fit you properly so if you’ve lost, or gained, weight and your wardrobe is suffering then a quick trip to a charity shop could prove dividends, you never know what brands you’ll turn up. Also be sure it’s crease free, I can remove them in post-production, but it’s much easier if you look right, however don’t panic as I do have a lint roller to remove the odd stray hair etc.

So my best advice, you be you and I’ll take care of the lighting and create a suitable photography package with images that will help you and your business achieve your goals and aspirations.

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