What Should I Wear for a Professional Photo Shoot

by Charlie Cotugno | Apr 14, 2022

What Should I Wear for a Professional Photo Shoot?

Seattle Photo Shoot Tips from a Pro

If you’ve decided to have professional photos created to help market yourself or your business, there are a few things you should keep in mind. A commercial photo shoot is not the same as a photo shoot you would find inside the pages of Vogue. The purpose of a professional photo shoot in Seattle is to sell you, not your clothes. The aim is to highlight you as an industry professional, whether you are a hedge fund manager or an actor. So, it’s important to dress smart, not flashy.

With that in mind, here are a few tips:

1. Keep Your Professional Photo Shoot in Seattle Simple

Rocking a smart suit is an excellent idea for a professional photo shoot. One thing to bear in mind, however, is the color. Depending on your industry and the tone you want to create with your images, you may want to stick to solid neutral tones. Solid neutrals help convey an air of confidence and professionalism, which is vital for people in professions where clientele need to feel you are trustworthy. However, if you are an entertainer, you may have more leeway to dress creatively, but you want to draw the viewer’s eye to your face, not your outfit! Don’t let your clothing outshine you.

2. Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Practicing your smile and posing in a mirror is not a good idea. It leads to trite, stale, and unnatural-looking images.

Let your photographer guide your posing and work with you during your session. The goal is a natural-looking image in terms of facial expression, emotion, and body position. Practicing that beforehand and then trying to recreate it during your session is a recipe for a fake looking image. That’s not what potential employees and clients want to see. The more natural and engaged you look, the better your photo will resonate and connect with your target market.

Be sure to try on the outfits you plan on wearing. Do they fit properly? Men, if you’re wearing a tie, is your shirt collar too tight or so loose that there’s space between it and your neck? Women, are you wearing clothing with padded or puffy shoulders? Is there a weird billow or crease you want to avoid accentuating? These are just a few examples of “wardrobe malfunctions” that can take away from an otherwise great image.

3. Consider Your Coif

Hair can be an essential part of a person’s identity. Your hair frames your face but wearing it in different ways can also change your overall look. Consider how your hairstyle may impact your photos, and if necessary, make an effort to get a fresh cut or styling on the day of your professional photo shoot.

Deciding what to wear for a professional photo shoot in Seattle and your hairstyle is an integral part of how you want to be perceived by your target audience. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact your photographer to discuss them. They will be happy to weigh in on what may or may not translate well on camera. Trust in the professionals for the best results.