Dress to impress

How to look your best in photographs

People often ask ‘What should I wear?’ when preparing for their photo shoot. Depending on the shoot, the look might be casual, corporate, glamorous or even fantasy, but there are some general guidelines you can follow to always look your best in photographs.

Don’t be dull

Wearing bright colours will make you look alive! Of course, don’t wear bright orange if it’s not your thing because you’ll feel silly and it will show, but even a splash of red on a tie or a statement piece of jewellery makes a difference. Generally, people with fair skin look great in cool colours like blue or even pink, and those with olive or dark skin suit warm colours like oranges and browns. Red seems to look good on everyone, and it’s a symbol of power and confidence. White can look great but if the shoot is on a white background, you may run into problems, so it’s best to check.

And mix it up! Don’t wear all one colour (although in fashion or art shots, all one colour can have a stunning dramatic effect), and don’t be afraid of pattern – just stick to one and don’t wear shirts with slogans unless it’s important for your shoot.

Bright colours goes for makeup too, ladies! Don’t go overboard and do your face up for the stage (unless it’s a fashion or theatrical shoot… my favourite!), but a little red lippy or even a shiny gloss goes a long way. Strong mascara looks great. Be careful of blush or cheek staining products – blend blend blend or the lights will pick up that streak across your face! Foundation should blend down your neck and if it’s much darker than your skin, keep going to the neckline of your top (what are you doing wearing such dark foundation anyway??).

Orange you wearing too much foundation?

Actually, on that note, it’s worth making a separate point about foundation. Sorry ladies but it has to be said. Orange foundation does not look natural on ANYONE. I’ve never seen a real-life orange person, have you? What’s more, the studio lights tend to pick up and emphasize orange foundation and if you are standing next to someone who is a lovely normal colour, you will look strange. Photoshopping skin like this is a pain in the backside!

Take it easy

Many rush out and get their hair cut before their photo shoot, but quite often that gives you that a-little-too-fresh-from-the-salon look… you know, too short or severe. That goes for ladies’ hair styles too – unless you’re going for a theatrical look, choose a natural style you’re used to.

I see you baby

Think about what you or others love best about who you are, and see if there’s a way you can show that to the camera. If you have a favourite colour, accessory or outfit, use it. If you are known as the smiley, giggly one don’t go all Blue Steel for the camera (trust me it won’t work). Hopefully your photographer has a little perceptiveness with people and can figure out something of your personality pretty quickly.

If you have a favourite physical feature, ask your photographer how you can best show it off. Professional photographers are pretty good at spotting and maximising them anyway!

Breathe out

If you’re planning a professional shoot, take the time to get to know the photographer before the day. Ask heaps of questions and suss out whether or not they are someone who is skilled at making people feel relaxed and helping them have fun. Above all it should be FUN! If you’re not getting that vibe, best to shop around… of course you’ll be nervous to begin with but you’d be surprised what a difference it makes to your photographs to have a photographer you can have a laugh with!

Try being someone else

Sometimes putting on a costume and pretending you are someone else frees you up to have fun and get the most out of a photoshoot. After all, in a professional shoot you are paying for a sublime, other-worldly experience! Why not go all out? You’ll be stunned at what you see.

Do you have other tips? Share them here!