Clothing guide:
What to wear to your photoshoot

The most important thing that can make or break your photoshoot is clothing. Clothes we love in-person don't always photograph well, so be sure to loop Natalie in as you prepare your looks. Here are a few tips to help you look your best on the big day.

1. individual clothing tips

It's important to choose clothing that represents your personal style and flatters your body.

• Incorporate layers and clothes with some texture to add visual interest to your look and give you multiple posing and styling options. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, textured fabrics -- all of these things add that extra umph, making the difference between a basic image and an extraordinary one.

• Choosing clothes that show movement in photographs can make a world of difference for your shoot. Dresses that catch the wind behind you, or jackets that you can work into your poses - open, closed, or wrapped around you. Clothes that show movement not only make images more impactful, but also help your posing, giving you more variety and options for what to do with your hands and posture.

2. group clothing: 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.

3. ACCESSORIZE

I can't stress this enough, accessorize! Accessories are one of the biggest contributors to visual interest in your look.

• Jewelry - earrings, layered necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings, leather wrapped bracelets.

• 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.

• Suspenders, Bowties, Hats - don't stray too far from your usual style to the point that you aren't comfortable, but think outside the box. Try things you like but wouldn't always wear that might give your images that extra wow factor.

A NOTE ON GLASSES: 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. Do not wear transition lenses to your session. There will be a fee per image for retouching dark lenses.

4. SUBTLE, MEANINGFUL PROPS

Bringing things that represent you can also add variety and visual interest to your images. Play an instrument? Bring it! Love to paint? Let's come up with a concept that incorporates your work. Books, sports equipment, balloons, flowers, pets (we love to include your furry family members!) are all welcome. Just be sure to tell us ahead of time so we can come up with a great way to include them in your shoot.

5. FABRICS AND COLORS TO AVOID

• Avoid cotton tees or tanks: While they can be great in real life, they're often too tight for photos. General rule of thumb: if you can see your belt loops through the shirt, it's too tight.

• Be selective with white: Your eye is automatically drawn to the lightest area of the photograph, so white and light colored clothing can accentuate our bodies, and simultaneously make us look larger than we are. Darker colors & patterns are our friends!

6. GROOMING

This section may go without saying, but it’s important to groom before your session.

• Manicured nails: Hands show in many poses. Remove any chipped polish or treat yourself to a manicure pre-shoot.

• Sort out your hair! Stray nose hairs? trim them. Beard? shape it. Gloriously bushy brows? Clean up the center/use a brow brush to shape. And touch up those roots if you dye! They’re a real pain to photoshop.

7. ONE LAST THING…DRESS FOR YOUR LOCATION!

Don’t forget to keep in mind where your session is. Choosing clothing that fits the vibe of your location is key for overall impact of an image.

• Shooting downtown? Think urban style - hats, layered jackets, handbags, boots or sneakers.

• At the beach? Think flowing fabric, linen pants or shirts, sunglasses, sandals or barefoot.

Questions?

natalie@postproductions.com | 425-466-6693