What to wear on the photo shoot?

What to wear on the photo shoot?

What to wear on the photo shoot?
Ania leaves the choice up to parents but she does recommend clothing without strong design or patterns so as not to detract from the face. Above all, the children must feel comfortable and if Ania thinks that something definitely will not work, she can always ask for a change – another advantage of taking pictures in your home.

*Select outfits that fit your personality.
*Avoid patterns or strips.
*Solid neutral colours look best.
*Wear reasonably plain colourful clothes that won't date – it's best not to wear clothes with big logos or brands on.
*Use an accent colour - an accent colour is used in quite small quantities to lift or to add punch to a colour scheme. An accent colour should be in a complementary colour to what you have already got on. It works best if it's a bright, vibrant colour. The complementary colours are:
o Blues & Oranges
o Reds & Greens
o Yellows & Purples

Group Photos
*Make sure your make colour harmony and that all the outfits coordinate well together.

The fashion model session - What to pack in your model case

OK, you're off to a model photo shoot. But, did you remember to pack your bag? Did you put everything you need in it? I hope this article will be helpful to you and start you on the right foot in making sure your model bag is complete.

What do you bring?

What you bring to your model photo session will depend upon whether this is your first shoot for a portfolio or a paying job. Either way, this section will help you to be prepared for whatever reason you're doing the model session.

First things first - Know what the client wants

If you are shooting for an agent or client, he will tell you what to bring but you still need to carry basics in case of changes in hair, makeup, etc. All the tips listed here are meant to be a guide and a checklist of sorts so you can always add to the list when you feel it's necessary.

Ready? Let's get started to create your model "kit"

Below I'm going to list suggestions for your photo shoot mainly so you don't forget anything the day of the shoot. In fact, I'd like to see your model case prepared before the day of the session so there's no rush. You may want to copy and print the section below so that you'll have a guide handy each time you go for a photo shoot.

You're now standing lifeless in front of your closet - Wardrobe Essentials

Here are the essentials for your wardrobe. As stated above, some of the clothing listed here will be provided if this is a model shoot for a client.

- Casual - blue jeans, sports & knit tops, button up tops, shorts, cutoff blue jeans, etc.
- Business Suit - for a different look
- Sports (exercise, uniforms, shorts, etc.) - If you plan to do some sports modeling
- Lingerie - If you plan to enter the lingerie market
- Swim wear - needs to be a bikini that really flatters you
- Any props like hats, neckties, men's shirts, jackets, etc.
- G-string & bra in flesh tone color - This is to eliminate lines that show under clothing
- Hose/nylons in an assortment of colors
- Socks in different colors including black and white
- Bring several different bras including at least one push-up and one in flesh tone color
- A robe to wear between changes during the photo session
- Bring a scarf to wear when changing to help keep makeup off client's and your clothing
- You may also want to pack an iron or steamer for those wrinkles that are bound to show up from the trip.

Accessories - You've got to have something to compliment the clothes, right?

Along with each outfit, try to bring accessories which will accent or match the outfit. Keep accessories simple.

- Assortment of necklaces
- Earrings
- Bracelets
- Choker (these are popular at the time of this writing)
- Wristwatch - You normally wouldn't wear a watch unless you are doing a photo where you will be looking at the time.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

As with accessories, shoes should match or accent the outfit. But, you can also think outside the box on the subject of footwear. For example; High heels have a totally different look with jeans or swim wear than with an evening dress.

- Dress shoes - Bring several different pairs
- High heels - Also an assortment
- Jogging shoes - white
- Boots or high heel boots
- Sandals

Don't forget about the hair

Below are some items you'll need for your hair (or hair removal)

- An assortment of combs and hairbrushes
- A curling iron
- Hair rollers
- Straightener
- A couple of headbands
- Shaving cream and a couple of sharp razors
- Anything else you use for hair care

When coming to the model shoot, I would suggest leaving the hair fairly natural with very little (if any) hairspray so that you, or the MUA, can work with it after you arrive.

Makeup and facial

Even if your shoot involves a make-up artist, you still may want to pack the following ...

- Your complete makeup kit along with a mirror
- A moisturizer
- Cottonballs and swabs
- Lip balm
- Vaseline
- A good skin cleanser
- Several different shades of lip color (be sure to bring some solid colors)

Nails, finger that is.

A quick tip about nails. Remember that in photos, your eye will move to vivid colors first, especially red. So, take this into account as to whether you want people viewing your hands or your face.

- Here is a checklist for nail products to take to your photo shoot.
- Your complete manicure kit
- Nail polish with neutral color
- Remover kit for nail polish

A nice manicure will really enhance your model photos, especially images where your hand is near your face in close-ups so pay particular attention to your nails.

This should pretty much cover you for most photo shoots but as stated above, listen to the photographer or client and be sure to bring wardrobe he or she wants.

Now, you're ready so off your model photo session!!!

Bob Pardue is a professional model photographer located in the Southeastern US. His work has been published worldwide.

Style and Color of Clothing

First, pick a style for your clothing: classy, casual, or contemporary. Generally speaking, something simple without loud patterns or words is the best. It's usually best to wear clothing that matches in style and from the same color palette. That will put the emphasis of the photos on you and your faces, not on your clothes.

Also, think about your outfits in shades of black and white as in this example here. If you are all wearing the same shade of shirt, one person doesn't draw the attention away from the whole group. Since our photo packages include images in both color and black and white, you will want to think about how your outfits would appear in those shades.



Specific Examples

• Pastel knit, polo, or button-up shirts with khakis, jeans, similar-colored pants. See an example on my post here.
• Black, white, or gray tops and jeans or khakis. This is a classic look and helps portraits from looking dated as time goes by. See an example here.
  
• Dark-colored suits and dresses.
• Matching outfits. This approach often works for children. See this post for an example.
  
• Shirts in different shades of the same color. Visit this post for an example.
• All white, one color, or all black attire.

Shirts from the same color palette and shade look classic both in color and in black and white. Notice how wearing the same shade of shirt puts emphasis on the faces and not on the clothing.

Props
Another idea is to use props in your photos. This is a good way to get different looks out of a single outfit. Think about things that characterize you and your personality: accessories, items from your line of work, hobbies, and interests. Props are especially useful in spot color photography.

Specific Examples

• Hats, bags, shoes, scarves, and jackets. See my post on Senior Portraits for ideas.
• Bubbles, balls, rattles, and interactive toys for children.
• Musical instruments, books, and drawing materials.
  
• Sticks, leaves, and flowers.
  
• Sports and recreation equipment.
  
  

Feet and Hands
Often, we will take photos of details like hand-holding, rings, and family feet! Remember to clean and trim nails for these shots. For feet, if you have matching shoes or shoes in the same shade, that's a plus. Of course, we love bare feet too.



Other resources
Another great page about clothing choices is at Koren Reyes Photography with more examples and photos.

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