First, please wear what makes you feel comfortable. This is a guide to helping you find what photographs well but that doesn’t mean to go out and buy something you don’t love, just because it falls into the (looks great in pictures) category. Feeling comfortable is key to looking relaxed and natural.
Mix it up!
Bring dressy and casual options to your session to add a multitude of looks to your final gallery. Look for outfits that make you look like you dressed for different occasions. Don’t bring all shorts, all jeans or all dresses.
Long dresses and skirts photograph well because they allow for movement. Short dresses are great too, as long as they are not too short to sit comfortably on the ground or limit the posing options. The same goes for very low-cut tops, which can limit poses. One tip is to try everything on and move around, spin, sit, stand, bend over, in front of a mirror at home. Does everything stay where it is supposed to? Do straps fall or pull? Do necklines bunch or sag? Make sure everything is comfortable.
Dress for Different seasons
If your pictures are being taken in summer, that’s not to say you can’t wear a fall or winter outfit. Depending on the location, outfits for all seasons can work and add a lot of variety.
Opt for colors and textures that photograph well
Muted color tones are ideal in a natural setting. That isn’t to say bright won’t look great, especially in a more urban setting, but overall, rich and muted colors photograph best. Avoid very bright pink, yellow oranges and any neon colors. Those reflect colored light onto the face and then make it nearly impossible to color correct.
Avoid shiny and velvet fabrics as they too can reflect light and be distracting. Matte type fabrics photograph best.
Avoid tight patterns like tiny, tight stripes and checks, they can create a moire effect when viewing on a screen. Bigger and random patterns are okay, however again, a muted pattern lets you take the spotlight.
Organize and Accessorize
Put your outfits on hangers. Put jewelry you’ll wear with each outfit in baggies. Bring any props you would like, such as sports equipment, college tees and pennant flags.
Definitely add accessories, even more than you would normally wear. Those extra steps add the extra wow factor to your photographs.
Be creative and have fun!
Do you have an adorable top that you love, but haven’t gotten the nerve to wear anywhere? Let’s try it! Photographs are meant to showcase the real you, but also how you dream of looking! Outfits that are a little extra can add such a fun factor to your gallery!
Selina Phillips Photography 