Clothing Makes the Shot...

Be comfortable. There it is right up front. Many folk's first question is"what do I wear?" (unless, of course, they're in for figure work).  Being comfortable is most important and, certainly, clothing helps make the shot!  The first thing to bring is--a smile.  With a lot of comfort and a little coaching everyone collaborates for grand images.

Your shoot is really a partnership between you and the photographer--your photog is happy and comfortable capturing you as the art.  Your smile makes you the best art. Comfort and clothes help you be the best you in your shoot.  So without further adieu:

Fit

Wear good fitting, comfortable feeling clothes. Too tight and you feel pinched and gathered and uncomfortable. Too loose and you feel blowsy like you're covered with a tent or parachute (and the camera makes you look bigger--not good).

And new clothes, Och! If it ain't been washed and worn at least twice let it hang in the closet. This goes for everything you wear, even foundation garments and shoes. We all know about bad drawer days. Your photo day ain't the day for gathering, pinching, slipping down, squeezing or riding up.

"Tried and true, it's best on you!"

Colors

Bright colors bloom! So wear complementing earth or pastel tones. Gray and Navy, Brown with gold accents or the reverse, black and gray, etc. Use dashes of bright color as accents or accessories adding a touch of flair. Too much makes the accent the focus, and the focus of your image should never be less than you!

For the Ladies: Most of you are far better the guys at accessorizing. Please be careful of very bright colors on your photo day. That doesn't mean don't, just remember that a little color goes a long way for the camera.

A note on ties: Gents we tend toward not standing out or being bold in our tie choice. If you can't decide which tie is best, put on your shirt and the tie you want to wear for the day and bring three to four others...all different. Have your significant other pick a couple out for you, they know what looks good on you (and what don't) so let 'em help.

Stripes

Bright colors bloom! So wear complementing earth or pastel tones. Gray and Navy, Brown with gold accents or the reverse, black and gray, etc. Use dashes of bright color as accents or accessories adding a touch of flair. Too much makes the accent the focus, and the focus of your image should never be less than you!

For the Ladies: Most of you are far better the guys at accessorizing. Please be careful of very bright colors on your photo day. That doesn't mean don't, just remember that a little color goes a long way for the camera.

A note on ties: Gents we tend toward not standing out or being bold in our tie choice. If you can't decide which tie is best, put on your shirt and the tie you want to wear for the day and bring three to four others...all different. Have your significant other pick a couple out for you, they know what looks good on you (and what don't) so let them help.

Hair

Reegan: "Dude! I've got a photo shoot tomorrow and I need you to make my hair look good today." Karli: "girl--I'm having pictures taken tomorrow can you fit me in today for a wash, cut and a little curl."

Don't do it.

Have your hair done at least a week before the shoot, and two weeks is better. If you don't like it you've got time to fix it and even more time to live with it while it settles in. Remember the comfort factor! Whether we like it or not, we all wear our hair. Bad hair is like bad drawers, something to be avoided on photo day.

Beards and mustaches deserve mention here. Facial hair is by definition--hair. Style and cut at least a week before your session if you can. If you shave daily no problem. However, if you wear a beard/mustache, the morning of your shoot is not the time to try a major change or trim. Bad razor burn, Och!

Jewelry

Man oh man, I just love those regal necklaces with the breast piece that just lays over the chest or bodice calling attention to the sparkle of those 5,000 gemstones. I marvel at intricate designs, skill and design eye of the craftsmen that create these gorgeous pieces.

On your photo day they steal the show. Opt instead for the simplest of necklaces and earrings. Remember, you are the art, don't be upstaged by the family's Crown Jewels. A little sparkle goes a long way.

Nails, Makeup & Other Such Stuff

Trying to hide the hand with the smudged nail, finished just hours before the shoot is a pain in the neck and makes you uncomfortable. Paint, trim , fill, file etcetera at least a week before your shooting day. Touching up is far easier than getting done and, it can't be said too many times comfort is king, feeling rushed is not comfortable.

Unless you are a makeup artist keep it simple. A little powder to kill the nose or cheek shine and some highlights for the eyes. Don't wear more than an ordinary day or you might have a different look than you want, which as we've said before, changes the comfort level. Bring a touch-up kit. You and your makeup consultant chose your colors on purpose. Don't get caught at your shoot without a way to "touch-up" you'll feel more comfortable.

At the End

Essentially, no major works immediately before your shoot. If something goes wrong there's no time to fix it. No one wants to sit for a portrait with stray, just-cut hairs on their neck or falling in their eye, or begin a shoot only to have an allergic reaction to a new makeup. Arrive for your shoot as comfortable as possible and you'll be a great subject and get glowing complements. Since that's what everyone wants from a photo shoot, shoot for it.

Making major changes a week or better before,
gives you comfort ever more!