Outfit Guide
This page is here to help you plan for your outfit before your photoshoot!
Why is it important to plan your outfit carefully before a photoshoot?
Outfits are a big element of photos - they can really alter the final result. If you are wearing a super casual outfit that you would be going sightseeing, hiking in, the results are going to look less ethereal and whimsical than if you are wearing, just as an example, a floaty shirt that looks like something out of a period drama, or an outfit that in itself looks like it is out of a hobbit's or fairy's wardrobe.
The aim is not to strip your personality away - for example, by wearing beige, earthy colours, or a trench coat - even if those do not feel like you ...
The goal is that you feel super confident in the outfit, it feels like the best version of you, you are comfortable - and most importantly - you love the end result (while enjoying the process).
Feel overwhelmed...?
I get it, I have been there before a photoshoot where I was in front of the camera. It can feel overwhelming to plan, and at one point you might ask if you should even care that much about what you are wearing... I can only say that it is worth the effort - when you are looking at movies, often it looks breathtaking because everything is deliberate and planned.
However, two of the most important takeaways from this page is... :
Choose 3 outfits + video fit check !
Choose and plan 3 options and send them over to me. If you feel comfortable, you can send a picture to me where you are wearing the outfit, but it can also be just the outfit on a hanger. For yourself, I would a 100% recommend taking pictures of all of the options whilst wearing them, also if it is a couple's photoshoot - see how they look together in the outfit video check, move around, walk away, spin, dance in the outfit - so you see how it moves. You don't have to coordinate, be matchy-matchy, but it is best if you feel the outfits go well together.
Often, something looks amazing in the mirror, but when you see it from another perspective, you might not love it as much for a photoshoot where you are going to have pictures taken from a lot of angles, moving around a lot.
Avoid - if you send 1 option for me, it is difficult to give feedback.
Comfort
As much as you want to look like your best self, super cool and beautiful, to have a great experience and amazing final results, you need to be comfortable. If perhaps this is your first time in Scotland, you might not be prepared for how cold it can be - sometimes even during seasons and months when you would not expect...
Be prepared, you can always take off layers, but if you are not warm enough, you might struggle and feel uncomfortable. I had clients telling me they were prepared to jump into the sea, brace through the rain and that they are not afraid of the cold - but the reality was much worse than they expected...
Think - Can I put some thermal layers underneath my outfit to keep me warm, but still have a cool outfit?
- Can I have an extra layer with me - a nice coat, shawl, a cool knit sweater, a hat - that matches the outfit and vibe super well, and it helps me to stay warm?
- Bring some hot drinks in a flask if you can.
- Shoes - can I walk in the planned terrain in the shoes I'm wearing?
No logos / slogans / graphic tee
(unless intentional)
This is perhaps the only rule where I am quite direct - but logos - especially really big ones - can make it look like it is a campaign for said brand. Slogans and big graphics can take away the attention from you.
However, as someone who does work with a lot of neurodivergent and disabled people, I also understand that for some people this might be super intentional - for example, a special interest, and/or a case of having to wear a safe and comfort piece.
I never judge people for what they are wearing, but I do want people to be super intentional about what they choose to wear.
Step 1 - colours and texture
Look at your moodboard - the photos you like - whether it is some of my photos, or some examples from your moodboard - examine the outfits the people are wearing.
- There is a chance you might like the colours, or the colour contrast or the complementary colours in the photo.
Examples of complementary colours
- green landscape - red knit sweater
- bright blue Skye - yellow outfit
Examples of when colours are in harmony with the surroundings
- forest location - earthy browns in outfit
You might like the texture. Natural fabrics often drape better than synthetics, they have more texture that adds to the photos.
Example:
- Knit cable sweater
- Linen fabric
- Silk
- Corduroy
Think about it: Often, really bright colours can affect your skin colour - especially if it is a top that sits close to your face.
I never advise people to completely avoid colours - if that is who you are - I want you to wear bright colours for the photoshoot. I also want you to know it might affect the final outcome of the photoshoot.
Step 2 - shape and drape
Having your photos taken can be an extremely vulnerable, intimate process - everyone has insecurities - and planning an outfit well can help you overcome these. Whilst I am no stylist, through years of experience working with self-portraits of myself and experimenting, working with lovely humans in all shapes and bodies, I will give you some insight below.
Trigger warning: the following topic could be triggering for people with body dysmorphia.
It can be good practice to intentionally choose an outfit that follows your body in some areas and drapes and hides in some other areas. A well-balanced outfit should do both.
Think: A tight waistcoat and a flowy shirt - already has both on top, combined with straight leg trousers that hug you around your bum and thighs, but they are straight at the bottom and do not follow your knee/shin closely.
While an outfit that is super oversized and boxy can look awkward, the same goes for super-tight tops and bottoms. - Again, intentional is the keyword - if you think a super boxy outfit just feels so much like you and it is super cool, you have done the fit check video and love it - go for it.
Just like how they say with make-up - the aim is not to hide or change who you are, but to highlight the beautiful things you love about yourself!