What Do I Wear For a Photoshoot?

Shopping From Your Wardrobe.

Just standing in front of the camera can be daunting. I know this. That’s why I am often behind the camera! When you are planning a photoshoot, whether it is for yourself, your team, your family, and extended family, there are so many layers of organisation and coordination involved that it can feel overwhelming.

There is one question I am often asked: What Do I Wear For A Photoshoot?

Sue, Dazzle Image Consulting

Whilst I am able to provide advice and offer suggestions, I have tapped a friend on the shoulder to provide some expert advice. Sue, from Dazzle Imaging Consulting has enormous experience working with photographers and business branding photo shoots and has been invaluable when helping others prepare for a professional photoshoot, advertisement, or social media images. Sue was also the recipient of the 2023 AICI Individual Philanthropy Award (Global) for her work on educating others about fashion sustainability and how to reduce fashion waste.

Rather than sending you off on a shopping spree with a list of items to purchase, we encourage you to first look in your wardrobe and find those items of clothing you love and fit you well. Then we recommend the following tips and advice:

Your clothing choice will depend on what your photos are for. Are you showing what a fun bold person you are or are you the background to your product you want photographed? Are you a service business and you want to look professional? Are you selling a lifestyle and need to emulate that? It takes time to plan, so work out what you want your photos to say about you.

Take time the weekend before the photoshoot to try everything on that you intend to wear and make sure it still fits. Either take a selfie or get a friend to take a photo of your outfits and make sure you are happy with the look. Some clothing shapes, fabric designs and colours make us look bigger than intended, simply because of the cut or shape.

A collar & jacket is always considered more professional. A round neckline like a T-shirt is a more casual look. A sleeve, short or long will make people look more at your eyes and face.

Consider the colour of your logo and website, because if your photo is being placed there, you want to harmonise or look similar to those.

• DO stick with solid colours. Simple colours usually look best on everyone. Also, ensure that the colour of your clothing is significantly darker or lighter than your skin tone so that you don't appear nude from afar.

• DO opt for more closely-fitted clothing as it tends to look cleaner and less distracting than loose or baggy clothing, especially for formal or business-casual photos.

• DO consider wearing a higher neckline and tighter clothing if you're having headshots taken. It's important to remember that headshot images are closely cropped, so lower necklines and low open collars/tops may appear too revealing or inappropriate for certain settings.

• DON'T wear tight patterns like stripes or small check patterns. They can create a flickering or rippling moiré pattern that doesn't translate well on camera.

• DON'T forget to ask about your background ahead of time. If you're sitting on a navy lounge, for example, be sure to avoid wearing navy to avoid blending in with your surroundings.

• DON'T be afraid to wear black, but keep in mind that it tends to show every piece of lint, pet fur, or dandruff. If you do plan on wearing black, be sure to have a lint roller on hand!

Shoes can make or break an outfit so make sure they are clean. If they are really outdated, update them with a newer pair. They don’t have to be expensive. Some of the low-budget stores have some great options or you could borrow some or check out some pre-loved stores.

Ultimately wearing clothing you feel comfortable and beautiful in will be best. It will make you shine that little bit more during your shoot. Wearing clothing that is uncomfortable or not something you would normally wear will show in the images. If you are being photographed with others - your team, your family - the consider clothing that are all similar in colour tones.

We have also put together a guide “Preparing For Your Photoshoot” and it is available for download here.