Planning Your Photoshoot Outfit: What to Wear and What Not to Wear

When going for a photoshoot, many people ask the time-old traditional question, "What should I wear?" This is important for many reasons: glare on the face, attention drawn to cleavage or unflattering areas of the body, etc. To help you out, I've come up with some hints on what to wear and some things that should be avoided. 

Let's start with the face, (and yes, most of this is targeted to the women so men, feel free to skip on down some).

• First of all, wear some! If you don't usually wear makeup, put on just a dab or two. It doesn't have to be much but concealer is better than nothing. Powder also helps with any flash or light glare. And yes, I've seen men put on a little powder before a shoot. It sounds silly but their complexion in those pictures tend to come out a little better! 
• Try to avoid makeup that is shiny or glittery. It can actually create glares or even look like spots on your face. It's pretty to the human eye, but no so much on camera. 
• Don't over-do the makeup just because you feel like it won't show up in your pictures. Trust me, the more natural it looks to the everyday you the better. Now is not the time to try out that new makeup artist you've heard so much about fifteen minutes before your shoot. You may get your pictures back and not like them because they don't look like you. Teens- parents usually feel this way especially!

Hair is pretty simple:

• Wear your hair that is in a style that compliments your face. I speak from experience when I say wearing my hair back in ponytails for pictures makes me have a boy-ish look, or it makes my ears stick out. Typically down is best.
• Try to keep it neat. Fluffy fly-away strands are hard to photoshop out.

For what most people are looking for, the clothing: 

• For shirts or tops, try to avoid very bright or bold colors if you are wanting some up-close photos of your face. They can create a glare. For example, stark white creates a very harsh white glare on the face, especially in bright sunlight. Whereas, bright pink for example will definitely give you a pink glow in your face. Eeek! Not always appealing!
• On the same hand, wearing solid black can sometimes cause you look washed-out especially if you're fair complected. This isn't always the case, such as in the picture of Michelle above, so just be careful with black.
• It is also important to avoid anything flashy or shiny. Its the same with makeup, it can create unwanted shine (especially stuff like sequence). Typically cotton is best not only for the "non-shine" factor, but also, it tends to breathe, and here in the South where it's more warm than cool that can be important! 

• If you're concerned with your upper arms or shoulders, try to avoid sleeveless shirts if those areas make you self-conscious. 
• I can't believe I have to say this next one, but here goes: PLEASE avoid shirts that show your belly (women and men!) I mean, unless you're doing a maternity shoot and that's kind of the main focus, why show off that area? You may think it's cool now, but in tens years, these pictures should look timeless, not trashy. 
• Also women, please make sure your shirts aren't low-cut and your shorts/skirts aren't high cut and showing off the goodies. This isn't pleasant for friends and families who are looking at your images. In the long run- it usually leads to embarrassment instead of that "sexy" look you were going for. I will not hesitate to ask you to change or reschedule if I think that what you are wearing is inappropriate. 
• I've noticed that wearing colors that match your eyes really make your photos pop. However, this is completely up to you. 

• Men, shirts with ties can be great if you want to go for a formal look, but a nice button-up shirt without a tie goes well. Typically solid shirts (polos and button-ups are best). Please don't wear a t-shirt that has writing. It's distracting, and we want the focus to be on your handsome face, not what your shirt says. 

For the bottom half:

• Typically, dark pants, khakis, and solid colors are okay. Blue jeans are fine too! Just try to avoid those retro patterned pants that you keep in the back of your closet to wear to those 80's costume parties. Not cool on camera. 

• Again, avoid the shiny fabrics.... and leather tight leather pants are probably not your best option either. 
• Ladies, we all know the bright leggings and skinny jeans are in but unless you want those lime green pants enunciating your derriere (please no) then go with a more muted look. 
• Mid-thigh length skirts, shorts, and dresses are preferable as opposed to anything shorter. Let's not get indecent; plus it makes posing much harder if you're wearing something much shorter. 

Don't forget the shoes!

• I typically recommend wearing shoes that are comfortable for walking, or bringing a pair that is. Since I am an on-location photographer, sometimes the place we need to get to for the "oh so breathtaking backdrop" is a good distance for walking. Shall we say, off the beaten path? Or, these shoes were made for walking... okay enough with the corny quotes. 
• Full length shots are not done for every picture and sometimes aren't done at all, depending on your session and/or preference. Therefore, wear something that you like and that matches the outfit, but I don't recommend going out and buying a brand new pair of kicks just for this shoot. 
• Sometimes a photographer will ask you to try out a shot barefoot. Children especially look cute with no shoes. If you aren't comfortable with this just let me know :)