Double-click to edit...
Double-click to edit...
Hi everyone! After "Where should we shoot?", the next question I hear is "What should I wear?" Clothing can change the whole feel of your photos, so here's my simple guide to looking and feeling your best in front of the camera.
1. Start with how you want to feel
Before you open your closet, think about the mood. Relaxed and outdoorsy? Polished and classic? Fun and colorful? Your outfit should look like you on your best day, not like a costume. If you feel comfortable, it shows in your face, and that's what makes a great portrait.
2. Pick colors that work with the location
Here in the Black Hills, we're often surrounded by deep green pines, gray and tan rock, and blue sky.
- Earth tones and soft neutrals like cream, rust, olive, mustard, denim and warm brown look beautiful in Spearfish Canyon, especially in fall.
- Rich jewel tones like burgundy, emerald and navy pop against snow or stone.
- Bright colors and bold patterns can be great against simple backgrounds such as Rapid City's brick buildings, but they can fight with busy murals like Art Alley.
- Be careful with neon and very bright pure white in direct sun. They can reflect color onto your skin or lose detail.
3. Solids and textures beat logos and busy patterns
Big logos, graphic tees and tiny tight patterns pull attention away from your face. Texture is your friend instead: knits, flannel, denim, linen, lace and suede add depth without distracting.
4. Coordinating a family or group
Please don't all match! Choose a palette of three or four colors that go together and mix them up, using one or two patterns at most. A handy trick is to dress the person who's hardest to shop for first (often a kiddo or a teenager), then build everyone else's outfit around them. Lay all the outfits out together on the bed and snap a phone photo. If anything jumps out, swap it.
5. Fit matters more than brand
Clothes that fit well always photograph better. Too-big clothes look boxy and too-tight clothes pull. Iron or steam everything the night before, since wrinkles show up more than you'd expect.
6. Dress for the weather (and the walk!)
Black Hills weather can change fast, and the canyon is usually cooler than town. Layers like a jacket, cardigan, scarf or hat give you comfort and also variety in your photos. If we're hiking to a waterfall, wear sneakers or boots and bring your "photo shoes" in a bag.
7. Bring options
I always recommend bringing a second outfit, maybe one casual and one dressier. Swapping a jacket or adding a hat can give you a whole new look in two minutes.
8. Little details
- Hair and makeup: Do what you normally do, maybe a touch more. Matte foundation helps with shine.
- Nails, glasses, jewelry: Clean, simple and personal. Meaningful pieces like a ring or a grandparent's watch make lovely details.
- Bring a lint roller, water, bobby pins and a snack for little ones.
9. Seniors, couples and boudoir
- Seniors: Bring something that shows what you love, like your letter jacket, your instrument or your rodeo gear.
- Couples: Coordinate with each other, but don't match exactly. Make sure you're both equally dressed up or equally casual.
- Boudoir: We'll talk through outfits ahead of time. Pieces that make you feel confident are always the right choice, and an oversized sweater or button-down can look amazing.
Still unsure? Send me photos of a few outfit options before your session and I'm happy to help you choose. That's part of the collaboration I love!
Ready to book? Portrait sessions start at $200, and every client gets an online gallery to share, download and order prints. Contact me here or email The50mm@hotmail.com.