Choosing outfits for a photoshoot: Essential tips

Karen Divorty — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:15:08 +0000

Keep these essential tips in mind when choosing outfits for your photoshoot.

For a polished and professional appearance in corporate headshots, choose formal attire such as blazers, button-down shirts, and well-fitted suits. With actor headshots, aim for a relaxed yet refined look by opting for stylish, comfortable outfits that showcase your versatility. Also, when it comes to creative portraiture, embrace your individuality with outfits that express your personality and match the vibe of the shoot.

Fit & comfort

Prioritise well-fitting clothes that flatter your body type. Avoid anything too tight or too loose. Comfort is key during the session.

Colour Vs. Balance

Solid colours work well. Earthy tones and neutrals are good choices. Aim for a balanced ensemble—not too busy or distracting. Remember, your outfit should enhance your confidence and complement the purpose of the photoshoot.

Use Black Sparingly

Whilst black is indeed slimming, it tends to appear dull and absorbs light in photographs. For a more flattering and versatile option, consider opting for navy or charcoal. These neutral colours work particularly well for suits, trousers, and skirts. The same principle applies to brown and earthy tones.

Choose Flattering Colours

When selecting colours for a photoshoot, consider the following flattering options:

Reds

Deep reds add richness and warmth to your photos

Teals/Turquoises

These shades from the blue-green spectrum are universally flattering

Purples and Blues

Purples (such as plum or royal purple) and blues (like navy or cobalt) work well.

Deeper Greens

Rich greens, like forest green or emerald, complement various skin tones.

Remember to consider your skin tone when choosing colours – check out this link on wikiHow.

Opt for complementary or analogous colours. Let me break it down:

Complementary Colours

These are pairs of colours that sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. Examples include blue and orange, red and green, or purple and yellow. When used together, complementary colours create visual contrast and make each other pop.

Analogous Colours

Analogous colours are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Think of hues like red, orange, and yellow or blue, green, and teal.

Avoid These Fashion Elements

Bright and Neon Colours

Skip these attention-grabbing hues if you’re aiming for a more subtle look.

Patterns, Prints, Logos, and Stripes

Opt for solid colours instead of busy patterns or logos.

White or Light Grey

Unless you’re pairing them with a jacket, blazer, jumper, or suit, consider other neutrals.

Colors Close to Skin Tones

Cream, beige, pastels, and orange can blend too closely with your skin tone.

Wire/Lace Bras

Minimalist undergarments are best to avoid any visible lines or distractions in the photograph.

Low Cut Tops and Polo Neck Shirts

Instead, go for V-necks for casual or round necklines for a classic or professional vibe.

Make yourself pop

When it comes to expressing yourself creatively in a photoshoot, think accessories. Here are some ideas to add a touch of uniqueness and visual intrigue to your images:

Jewelry

Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are your secret weapons. They can instantly elevate any look. Opt for statement pieces or layer delicate ones for a personalized touch.

Head-Turners

Don’t forget about hats! A stylish hat can transform an outfit and add flair. Whether it’s a wide-brimmed sun hat, a fedora, or a beret, choose one that resonates with your style.

Ties/Bowties and Scarves

These accessories aren’t just for gentlemen. A well-tied bowtie can be quirky and unexpected. As for scarves, they’re versatile—wear them around your neck, as a headband, or even tied to your bag.

Look Sharp

Ensure your clothes are ironed. High-resolution cameras capture every crease and wrinkle, so smooth out any major folds. Additionally, use a roller to eliminate any dust or lint for a polished appearance.

Please get in touch to enquire about a headshot or portrait session.

The post Choosing outfits for a photoshoot: Essential tips appeared first on Karen Divorty Photography.

The Ultimate Photo Shoot Prep Checklist

Karen Divorty — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:49:00 +0000

With a little prep, you can feel confident about your photo shoot. Here’s a quick checklist to help you.

Stay Relaxed

I know it can be nerve racking being in front of the camera, but its best to try to be relaxed. I’ll be collaborating with you on posing/coaching and choose lighting that flatters you.

Good Sleep = Great Photos

A good night’s sleep is one of the easiest ways to look refreshed for your photoshoot. Tiredness can make the under‑eye area look heavier and more shadowed, so even a little extra sleep can make a noticeable difference. Think of it as the first step in showing up looking bright, clear, and ready for the camera.

Your Skin, But Make It Photo Shoot Ready

Clean and well-moisturised skin is very important, especially if you have a darker skin tone, as it helps with lighting.

Exfoliate your skin a few days beforehand, this will remove any dead skin cells and reveal fresh/healthy skin. Lush’s Mask of Magnaminty is a great product as it gives skin a lovely glow.

Eye patches or a tissue mask on the day of your session will help to reduce puffiness and improve the look of the under eye area. Grace & Stella eye patches are a great option and won’t break the bank.

Keep your lips well hydrated with Chapstick or lip balm. Use it for a few days beforehand and at the photo shoot.

Simple Make-Up Prep

A natural, minimalist make‑up look works best on camera — think neutral or brown eyeshadows with a pale or translucent lip colour. Brown mascara keeps everything soft and flattering, and it’s best to skip false lashes altogether, as they can look heavy or distracting in photos.

Skip the heavy contouring — this tends to go a bit orange in camera, especially with bronzer. Keep things natural and I’ll take care of any contouring during the retouching stage.

Matte skin is ideal, therefore avoid any products/make-up that are overly oily or shiny.

If you’ve got a few spots, don’t worry about piling on foundation. It’s much easier (and more natural‑looking) for me to tidy those up in retouching.

Groomed & Camera-Ready Hair

Hair should be neatly groomed or styled before your photo shoot. If you have longer hair, bring a brush, a few products, and a bobble so you can switch between wearing it up or down.

If you are cutting your hair cut for a photo shoot, I’d recommended that you get it at least a week before. However, going to a hair stylist on the day of to get a wash, blow dry or an up-do is definitely worthwhile.

Please get in touch to arrange a photoshoot.

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