Forums > Model Colloquy > What to wear for a photoshoot?

Model

Pixie of light

Posts: 80

MCALLEN, Texas, US

Hi everyone I just had my first photoshoot recently and although I love the pictures...I wish I chose something to wear that was a little more flattering. (My clothes were not form fitting) I would love to know suggestions on what to wear for my next photo shoot. Please feel free to check out my port I will appreciate the feedback! Oh and try not to be too harsh when judging my photos because I am new in the modeling world wink

Jul 25 14 06:53 am Link

Photographer

Shadow Dancer

Posts: 9779

Bellingham, Washington, US

Puertoricanbeauty22 wrote:
Hi everyone I just had my first photoshoot recently and although I love the pictures...I wish I chose something to wear that was a little more flattering. (My clothes were not form fitting) I would love to know suggestions on what to wear for my next photo shoot. Please feel free to check out my port I will appreciate the feedback! Oh and try not to be too harsh when judging my photos because I am new in the modeling world wink

Hi, we are only allowed to critique photos in the Critique forum. Please post this there, you will be able to receive the responses you are seeking.

smile

Jul 25 14 06:55 am Link

Photographer

Llobet Photography

Posts: 4915

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

All I can say is that if the clothes aren't form fitting just bring along some clips to pull in your shirts/blouses from the back. A quick fix.

Jul 25 14 07:05 am Link

Photographer

Altered Egos

Posts: 45

Ayr, Scotland, United Kingdom

Latex catsuit?  Serious suggestion  smile  Perfect for showing off your figure and you'd get some great images from it with the right photographer.

Jul 25 14 07:12 am Link

Photographer

Schlake

Posts: 2935

Socorro, New Mexico, US

I tell people to dress so they think they look attractive.  You generally know what makes you look good.

Jul 25 14 07:15 am Link

Model

Isis22

Posts: 3557

Muncie, Indiana, US

Live and learn. Try on everything before a shoot and look at it from all angles. Bring several outfits to a shoot as well.

Jul 25 14 07:17 am Link

Model

Emily Smiles

Posts: 295

Columbia, South Carolina, US

Hi! When I first started modeling, I struggled with this too! Here is what I would recommend as a basic starter kit:

Black tank top
skinny jeans in a darker denim
colorful fun dress with good movement
tops in a color that flatters you (for me thats green, blue, and purple)
black bottoms, be it shorts, skirt, skinny pant, etc
nude heels
black heels


You want to have variation in silhouettes, so make sure you have some variety in dress shapes and sizes too! If you have any other questions, PM me & I'll get back to you ASAP! smile

Jul 25 14 07:21 am Link

Photographer

Jhono Bashian

Posts: 2464

Cleveland, Ohio, US

You wear a beautiful smile and a great attitude with sexy cloths walking into the studio and then you dress up or undress according to what was negotiated for the shoot.
Enough said!

Jul 25 14 07:34 am Link

Model

Rockabella

Posts: 588

Bargara, Queensland, Australia

Nothing with too many patterns, and if the material isn't form fitting, always use pins or clips so it's more flattering. I find if you wear what's comfortable for you, it comes across as more attractive in the images. Like, regular trade shoots, unless there is some theme you've discussed, I would go with plain white tank or black tank. Jeans, or a simple flowy dress!

Jul 25 14 09:23 am Link

Wardrobe Stylist

Tiffany_B

Posts: 1551

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Puertoricanbeauty22 wrote:
Hi everyone I just had my first photoshoot recently and although I love the pictures...I wish I chose something to wear that was a little more flattering. (My clothes were not form fitting) I would love to know suggestions on what to wear for my next photo shoot. Please feel free to check out my port I will appreciate the feedback! Oh and try not to be too harsh when judging my photos because I am new in the modeling world wink

This really is a question that needs to be made more specific before it can be answered properly. What you wear on a shoot, isn't just about what you like or even what you look good it but it also needs to be about what works for the overall image and what the end intention of the shots is.

If you're just shooting for fun you can wear whatever you want, and if you're looking for clothes that better fit your form consider both your personal comfort level, what you have in your closet, and what if any budget you have to play with e.g. one poster suggested a latex catsuit but the reality is that those pieces can be pricey and if it's not the type of thing you feel like you could be confident in it's not an investment worth making.

If you're shooting with a specific purpose e.g. as a part of a series a photographer is doing the wardrobe of course needs to be in line with whatever that purpose is. For example if the photographer is looking to shoot something beach themed suggesting you show up in a full length gown, when he or she expects you in swimwear isn't going to be a good idea no matter how amazing you may ultimately look in it.

My suggestion to you therefore is twofold:

First, decide or discuss what's being shot. Consider what it's for, whether hair and make-up will be available, where you're shooting and the theme as well as how you may be posing.

Second, consider outfits based on that information. If some or all of it is unavailable focus on more classic looks that can be styled in a variety of ways e.g. a well fitting basic black shift dress in a quality fabric or a white tee paired with dark denim. The former can be dressed up with stiletto heels and chic accessories or edged up with ankle boots in a funky color and a leather, denim or fur jacket. Keep the latter looking sleek with a pair of converse style sneakers or amp up the sex appeal by pairing it with high heels. To keep these clothes looking their best they should be relegated to a specific shoot wardrobe, this will help minimize wear and tear and keep the pieces viable for a larger number of shoots then if they're a part of your regular wardrobe.

I hope all this helps.

Jul 25 14 12:23 pm Link

Photographer

Images by MR

Posts: 8908

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Tiffany_B wrote:

This really is a question that needs to be made more specific before it can be answered properly. What you wear on a shoot, isn't just about what you like or even what you look good it but it also needs to be about what works for the overall image and what the end intention of the shots is.

If you're just shooting for fun you can wear whatever you want, and if you're looking for clothes that better fit your form consider both your personal comfort level, what you have in your closet, and what if any budget you have to play with e.g. one poster suggested a latex catsuit but the reality is that those pieces can be pricey and if it's not the type of thing you feel like you could be confident in it's not an investment worth making.

If you're shooting with a specific purpose e.g. as a part of a series a photographer is doing the wardrobe of course needs to be in line with whatever that purpose is. For example if the photographer is looking to shoot something beach themed suggesting you show up in a full length gown, when he or she expects you in swimwear isn't going to be a good idea no matter how amazing you may ultimately look in it.

My suggestion to you therefore is twofold:

First, decide or discuss what's being shot. Consider what it's for, whether hair and make-up will be available, where you're shooting and the theme as well as how you may be posing.

Second, consider outfits based on that information. If some or all of it is unavailable focus on more classic looks that can be styled in a variety of ways e.g. a well fitting basic black shift dress in a quality fabric or a white tee paired with dark denim. The former can be dressed up with stiletto heels and chic accessories or edged up with ankle boots in a funky color and a leather, denim or fur jacket. Keep the latter looking sleek with a pair of converse style sneakers or amp up the sex appeal by pairing it with high heels. To keep these clothes looking their best they should be relegated to a specific shoot wardrobe, this will help minimize wear and tear and keep the pieces viable for a larger number of shoots then if they're a part of your regular wardrobe.

I hope all this helps.

Some good advice here smile

Jul 25 14 12:34 pm Link

Photographer

Random Image

Posts: 335

Pocatello, Idaho, US

well, one of the old adges that is true more often that not is that if it feels akward the camera will love it.

Clips (as others have said) are fantastic.

And when asked, I tell the models I have worked with to bring 2 cases of outfits, as its always better to have too many than too few.

And no matter what the shoot its hard to go wrong with a pair of cutoffs and bikini top.  That combo is highly versatile and can work with most looks and locations.

Jul 25 14 12:35 pm Link

Photographer

Lovely Day Media

Posts: 5885

Vineland, New Jersey, US

When I'm shooting with a model for the first time and especially a new model, I tell them to wear whatever they like as long as they're comfortable. I also say I would prefer if they didn't wear anything that is all black or all white. Anything else is fine.

If we are to shoot again, I will make suggestions on what colors or styles I think they should wear. Being that there has yet to be a paying client funding the shoot, it's up to them what they wear though I like the idea that I have some input.  Sometimes they absolutely knock my socks off with what they choose to wear, even the first time. 

There was one model I asked to wear a swimsuit (it was a first shoot). It wasn't critical for me if the suit was 1 or 2 piece. I just wanted to try out swimsuit shooting to see if it was something I might want to pursue. She did well.

The point of all this is to say what you should wear mostly depends on who you're shooting with, what they like, where you are shooting, what the purpose is and if the desired clothing is available (if you have it or have to buy something).  I hope this helps. Don't give up, either. If you're not doing well, you and things can only get better. If you are doing well, things will improve.

Jul 25 14 02:08 pm Link

Photographer

nudeXposed

Posts: 1154

Shanghai, Shanghai, China

nothing

Jul 26 14 09:08 am Link

Model

Amber Dawn - Indiana

Posts: 6255

Salem, Indiana, US

Your clothing should be based on the type of shoot it is. You are a female for gods sake you shouldn't have problems picking out clothing lol .... :-)~

Jul 26 14 11:50 am Link

Photographer

Isaiah Brink

Posts: 2328

Charlotte, North Carolina, US

Puertoricanbeauty22 wrote:
Hi everyone I just had my first photoshoot recently and although I love the pictures...I wish I chose something to wear that was a little more flattering. (My clothes were not form fitting) I would love to know suggestions on what to wear for my next photo shoot. Please feel free to check out my port I will appreciate the feedback! Oh and try not to be too harsh when judging my photos because I am new in the modeling world wink

Well, as far as what to wear, that is something that should be discussed with the photographer prior to the shoot.  That should cover at least style of wardrobe, but as far as specific shirt, skirt, dress, etc., that usually comes with experience.  Take a look at the photos that you've done already, and while you may like them, look at what you may or may not like with regards to how they fit and work from there.

Jul 26 14 01:26 pm Link

Model

Pixie of light

Posts: 80

MCALLEN, Texas, US

Thank you for the replies everyone! Very helpful smile

Jul 29 14 03:31 pm Link