What to wear for a photoshoot

What to Wear to a Photoshoot

The first step to answering what to wear during a photo shoot is to ask “What do you want from the photo shoot?” And you need to ask “What do you want from the photo shoot?” for most any subject including yourself, kids and even pets.

A lot depends on your taste in fashion, what you will be using the pictures for and how you think that fashion will look in 20 years.

Your Taste in Fashion

Why is this important?  It’s easy to see that you will feel most comfortable in clothes that you like!  And your comfort level translates to the lens, every time.  If you are comfortable and relaxed, you’re going to see that in the pictures.

What Are You Using The Pictures For?

If you need headshots for acting, chances are that you won’t be wearing the same thing to a family portrait shoot…

One good example is most High School Seniors want to do high fashion looks for their senior pictures.  And who can blame them?  They are about to graduate high school and take on the world, they should be remembered with flair.  Chances are though that some of your family (maybe the older population) would much prefer some more traditional portrait pictures.   We have you covered there, too – just bring multiple outfits.

For family portraits, I would recommend casual to dressy clothing that will not look “dated” in 20 years. What the heck do you mean by that? If your family is very laid back and relaxed, then chances are the you and the rest of the family may be most comfortable in jeans. You can always dress up a little by adding button down shirts and other dressier fashions.  Is your family a little more formal? You can add sport jackets and dresses or even go the full formal route and wear suits and formal dresses.   Kid’s don’t want to get dressed up for the family portrait?   Make a compromise and bring two wardrobes – one that they want to wear and one that will make you happy.  Relax – I shoot digital these days, so pixels are cheap.

20 Years From Now…

When you find these pictures in a photo album, how are they going to look?  Something that is very “in” now may look silly in 20 years. Ever watch a movie and guess when it was filmed by the clothes the actors were wearing?   Remember parachute pants?  Bell bottom jeans?  If your pictures are to be used in the here and now (like commercial head shots), then dress trendy.  Otherwise I would recommend something a little more timeless….

And Some Other Suggestions…

People always ask what is the best style of clothes and colors of clothes for their body and skin type.   Here are some suggestions.  You can always call me and ask what I would recommend for you.

Try to avoid patterns, they distract from the main subject…you!  Given the choice between a patterned shirt and a plain one, I would reccomend the plain one.  In general, simpler is better.   When coordinating pants and shirts or skirts and shirts, try to pick colors and fabrics that contrast, particularly with dark colors.  If you wear all dark colors of the same material, it will be hard to distinguish any details in the picture, making it boring.

Generally darker colors will slim you down. Bright colors can be tricky, especially if you are light skinned.  Generally try to avoid colors that clash with your natural skin tone.  If your cheeks are always rosy colored, try to avoid reds.  If you have blond hair – avoid the yellows.  Don’t forget you want contrast.  You can always bring a few sets of clothes to a photo shoot and we can mix and match on the spot. Don’t forget to coordinate your nail colors with the style and color of clothes that you will be wearing…

And Some Do’s and Dont’s…

Finally some Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do pick clothes that you are comfortable in.
• Do try on ALL the clothes before coming to a photo shoot.  Nothing like finding out something doesn’t fit at the shoot.
• Do remember to coordinate your nail color (both hands and toes if you will be wearing open toe shoes or if you will be barefoot). Also, remember that your nails should have a fresh coat, that chips will show in the pictures.
• Do remember that you want contrast.
• Do have a bright light on when picking out clothes for the photo shoot.

• Don’t worry about bringing too many clothes, as long as you bring a variety.
• Don’t worry if you don’t like something, you can always go onto the next wardrobe.
• Don’t forget to put a fresh coat on your nails – chips will show in the photos!
• Don’t bring clothes with busy patterns on them.

11 Ways to Never Look Bad in a Photo Again

Let’s face the facts: you already know you’re a hottie. But looking good in front of the camera is about more than just that. It’s about discovering your signature smile, securing great lighting and knowing exactly what to wear and how to strike a pose. To get the skinny on how to unleash your inner top model, we asked the experts. Check out these 11 best tips for looking hot in photos.  

 

1. Think Pleasant Thoughts

This might seem trite, but sometimes the best way to get a good expression is to realistically think about something pleasant: a special memory, your favorite moment, or a sentimental sweet thing your friend, spouse, or child did for you, says photographer and editorial stylist Anna Naphtali. “Real thoughts of happiness help get a genuine smile or look and calm an otherwise forced facial expression.”

2. Work On Your Facial Expressions and Posing

If you have thin lips, part them slightly and blow lightly to create the illusion of fuller ones, advises international model Sarah Ingle. “Those with round faces should avoid facing the camera straight on and instead turn the head slightly to one side.” Have a weak chin or an over-projected nose? Sarah suggests shifting the jaw forward a bit when photographed from the side for a more balanced profile.

3. Find Your Signature Smile

Ever notice how most celebs are typically seen on the red carpet with the same smile and pose time after time? Well, it’s because they’ve figured out what works for them, notes beauty and style expert, and former international model, Tiffany Hendra. “Grab your iPhone and take some photos of yourself until you find a ‘signature’ smile that you’re pleased with.” Hey, practice makes perfect, right?

4. Keep It Simple

Getty Images staff photographer Jamie McCarthy’s best advice? Keep it simple. “Don’t force your pose, make it relaxed and comfortable. Try not to look like a deer caught in headlights either. Make sure to stand up straight and even slightly arch your back.” And just like Tiffany said, practice, practice, practice!

5. Remember: Proper Lighting Is Key

According to portraiture photographerAaron Gil, the ultimate tip for looking good in photos is finding proper lighting that complements your face. “Avoid harsh shadows which accentuate blemishes and cause contrasting dark areas under your eyes or beneath the nose,” he says. “Complementary lighting is even from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, as well as from cheek to cheek.”

6. You DON’T Have a Bad Side

Contrary to common thought, a bad side doesn’t actually exist, says celebrity fashion photographer and former model, Nigel Barker. “Focus all that energy on looking into the camera with confidence and slightly turning your body at an angle to either side. This will help show off your ‘WOW!’ figure.”

7. Shape Your Silhouette When Seated

“Your figure can become lost in the background if you don’t adjust your pose when seated,” says Nigel. “So be sure to sit up straight and towards the edge of your chair. This will lengthen your torso and ensure the camera captures your best silhouette.”

8. Wear the Right Clothes

Wearing the right color clothing can help you look 5 to 10 pounds lighter, notes Gil. “Clothing in darker tones slims the mid-section, thighs, and arms. You should avoid high capped and poofy sleeves however, as these types of sleeves will accentuate the thickest parts of your arm.” Horizontal stripes are also a no-no, as they can make your hips and waist appear much wider than they actually are.

9. Put Your Hands On Your Hips

Putting your hands on your hips is always a good look, says McCarthy. “It can accentuate your waist, give you the perception of being slimmer, and even make the photo look more natural and animated instead of just stiff with your arms at your sides.” When posing this way, McCarthy recommends positioning your hands with your fingers out, palms facing behind you. “This gives you the opportunity to show off any rings or other jewelry and also looks much more natural and comfortable.”

10. Raise the Camera

Notice how when you ask someone shorter than your boyfriend to take a photo of you both, it makes his jawline disappear? That’s because they’re shooting up at him, says Tiffany. “Always lift the camera to at least eyeline or slightly higher. It gives everyone that GQ jawline.”

11. Know WhatMakeup to Wear (and What to Avoid)

“If my client plans to wear makeup or work with a makeup artist, I always have them keep in mind that foundations or concealers containing SPF reflect light and should be avoided,” notes Amanda Bellucco, a professional photographer from upstate New York. “Combine this with a flash, and you’ll end up looking pale, washed out and shiny,” she says. “Stick with a matte finish on the face instead, and remember, the camera does tend to slightly downplay things like lip color, blush, and especially eye makeup, so don’t be afraid to go a little heavier handed in these areas.” 

Source: http://www.thefashionspot.com/life/174405-picture-perfect-11-ways-to-never-look-bad-in-a-photo-again/

POSING TIPS FOR FEMALE PORTRAITS

Whether it’s for a special occasion, modeling portfolio, or publicity shot, the way to have a winning photoshoot is make them feel and look beautiful.  With 10+ years of professional modeling experience personally, I have enjoyed taking what I’ve learned being on the other side of the lens to help new or experienced models, and even the girl next door, to achieve the looks I want to capture

.

 

Two Important Rules

1. First, always ask if she knows her best profile.  If she knows it, remember it, and tell her to remember to show her good side even if it is a sight tilt.  This is the utmost importance.
2. Second, recommend that she gets her hair and makeup professionally done and give her referrals if needed.

Remember the basic photography rule

What is closest to the camera will appear larger.  Pay attention to what body parts you put closest to the camera. If you are trying to to slim something, place it in the back. This also applies if you are shooting a group of women, put the skinny girls in the front.

Things to remember while shooting female portraits

1. Shoot her favored side. Again, girls fight for their best sides even for Facebook photos and yes, it makes a huge difference in how much she will like the images.
2. Shift weight to the back. The saying goes, booty in the back for the slimming effect.  Do not jet out the hip toward the camera, but shift the body’s weight to the straightened back leg. Front knee is bent.
3. Watch the “fat arm,” as girls call it. If our arm looks fat, we think we look fat. Even slender women get it if they are positioned poorly. If she is leaning her weight back on an arm, it needs to be bent and positioned slightly away from her body.  Do not let it protrude out so it looks double jointed, this pushs the arm muscle to bulge in the back of the arm. A bent anything automatically looks slimmer.
4. Define the jawline. If her jawline isn’t clearly defined, shoot slightly above the subject, looking down.  This angle not only gives the jawline more definition, but slims the body, as it looks smaller since it is placed further from the camera. Curvier women look beautiful in this pose.
5. Have her lean in.  The best and prettiest way to emphasize the face and hair is to have her lean her face towards you, parallel to her bent knees if she is sitting.  This elongates the neck, defines the chin, and let’s her hair fall down, away from her body making it look voluminous. Watch the curve in her shoulders and back, make sure she doesn’t slouch.
6. Pay attention to what is showing. If a woman was sitting in that position wearing a skirt and you would see right up her skirt, that is a poor pose and angle.  Position her hands to “block” that area so it isn’t highlighted, position the leg to the side, move the legs down and shoot higher, have the arm bent on the knee to hang down, or have her wrap her arms around her legs.
7. Know slimming poses. No matter what size a woman is, more likely than not, she wants to appear thinner.  Have her bring a shoulder to the front and turn her head toward you.  Shoot slightly from above and this creates some beautiful angles that focuses on her face.
8. Smile with eyes.  Show her how to relax her jaw so her lips part, eyes lifted and warm it up into a smile.  Try it first so you can show her how to do it.
9. Don’t miss the warm up smile. There is something beautiful about the smirk that’s just about to go into the full blown smile.  Don’t miss it.
10. Tell her to move with every click. My model tip that my girlfriends and I do even for simple snapshots is with every click we slightly move our chin, tilt our head, we mix it up with every shot.  We don’t move dramatically, just ever so slightly. If she does this, this will give you more variety especially if you are doing portraits and you are not moving much during the shoot.

Biggest tip

Every woman has her own sensitivities and insecurities.  It is your job to show her how to pose, give her confidence, and position her in the best angles.  Never use negative reinforcement if your model isn’t doing it right such as, “No, like this,” instead, say, “Ok, now try this.”  The best thing you can do is to show her.

Shooting examples

Leaning in, defines the jawline and focuses on face and eyes.

Warming up into a smile.

 

Slight slimming trick, one shoulder back, leaning over, shooting from above to define jaw.

 

Shifting weight to the back, front knee bent.

Source:

Essential Tips and Ideas for Female Posing