It’s the existential question when we get up in the morning,
go out on a date, get ready for an interview or any other important event: What
in the WORLD am I going to wear? For the love of rainbows and unicorns, it
seems we NEVER have anything in our closet good enough that everyone has not
already seen when we know a camera will be there to photograph our efforts to
look fantabulous.
Now, escalate that to the next level: A photo shoot.
Unless you are going to be modeling for a designer, a
boutique or such, a model is expected to show up to their shoot ready to go.
Many times, we are not told what to wear exactly and are maybe even asked to
pick the location and theme. This can be a lot of pressure, if we let it be.
So, here I am to help you think it through.
Firstly, if you are asked to pick the theme, and then
consider what is hot at the moment or what you feel may be up-and-coming
trends. Right now shabby chic, pin-up, snappy casual, lace, and grunge are all
what’s in or up-and-coming. Google is your friend. Shake hands with it and
become friendly.
If your theme has been chosen and you’ve been asked to pick
your venue, I ALWAYS suggest an outdoor location if you can do it. The only
time I suggest a studio is if you are using green screen or starting your comp
card and need to use a fan (great for hair tricks, if your hair is medium to
long lengths) or your photographer has an extensive prop and/or background
setup. Outdoor venues tend to be more exciting, bring out the model’s
personality more, and offer some versatility. The downside of site shooting?
Weather, other people or unwanted objects getting in the shot, you may have to
change clothes in some weird place, lighting may limit the times you can shoot
(early or later in the day). If you have a great photographer, though, they
will watch out for these things and help you through them.
As for your outfits, I feel outfits should always correspond
with your theme and the message you are trying to send…
Ask yourself:
- · What kind of message am I trying to send?
- · Am I representing a label whatsoever in this shoot? If so, what would they say about the message I am sending?
- · How can I best accessorize (yes, ladies, please accessorize) this look? Don’t over-accessorize. It takes away from the beauty of your face.
- · Would this outfit be best with heels, flats, boots, etc? Shoes are the final signature. Make your John Hancock matter. They may not be in every photograph, but if you borrow shoes…ladies, please make sure they fit. Shoe lovers like me notice immediately when they don’t.
- · How can my hair compliment and go with this theme? For example, if it’s pin-up, you wouldn’t want straight hair. Pin-up is always waves, curls, rolls or an up-do style. Again, Google is your friend.
While we are discussing outfits, I want to tell you from
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE that the amount of money you spend on an outfit is
INCONSEQUENTIAL in many situations. I have spoken with a lot of girls that hold
back from shooting because they say they can’t afford an outfit. I had a shoot
recently where I spent A LOT of money on a dress plus brand new shoes and accessories, quite a bit on another plus brand new shoes and accessories,
and $25 on a whole other outfit with
accessories and wore 10-year-old boots. Guess which one yielded the BEST
photographs and got the most attention? That $25 outfit with those 10-year-old
boots. They were all shot at the same location with the same photographer. I
truly believe it was because I was in my element, I was ME. I was comfortable.
My hair was pretty much the same, and I barely retouched my makeup.
If you are not provided a theme, a location, OR an outfit…then
go with what fits YOU…and make sure it all makes sense. If it doesn’t, then it
will show in your photos, and it won’t work. If you are you, and you are
relaxed and confident, then THAT is sexy. If you want to be in a business suit
and take some corporate shots, then rock that. If you want to shoot in Ybor in
a grunge outfit, then rock that. If you want to do a boudoir shot, well then
rock that….but never do something out of your element if you are not going to
have the confidence to do it and do your research before you get there. Take
the time, make sure everything you wear fits correctly and that it compliments
your best features, and don’t OVER-do it.
And, girls, don’t forget the shoes and the accessories. It
shows that you care about the details. The devil IS in the details. Trust me.
It means you are one PUT TOGETHER CHIC….which you totally ARE.
Ciao for Now,
Charity
Thank you to the following sites for the image collage:
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