Getting in front of the camera can be tough! Give yourself a leg up by wearing clothes that make you feel like your best self.
Whatever makes you feel confident, that’s your pick. If you have an outfit that makes you feel off, or uncomfortable, don’t wear it. Your images will be better when you feel better.
If your clothing choices don’t align with our suggestions, that’s fine, these are just guidelines, the choice is up to you. We’re always open to looking over your outfit selections prior to your shoot so feel free to email them our way.
Feel good, look good
shoot & prop
ideas
Spouse/partner
Children
Friends
Coworkers
Collaborators
Clients
Pets
Models that reflect target audience
PEOPLe
Computer/laptop/tablet
Phone
Books
Coffee mugs
Flowers/arrangements
Candles
Brand cohesive food
Business cards
Marketing materials
PROPs
Client meeting
Creative process
Special occasion
Casual
Rest/lazy
Seasonal/holiday
Activewear
Presenting/teaching
OUTFITS
Office/Studio
Home
Co-working space
Rented space
Outdoors
Urban environments
Cafe
Gym/yoga studio
LOCATIONS
Behind the Scenes
Client Interactions
Events
Collaborations
Team members
Travelling
Upcoming launch
Teaching or presenting
Products/services
STORIES
outdoor portraits
When shooting in an outdoors location you’ll probably be moving around, walking, sitting etc. You don’t want to be restricted with your clothing so wear an outfit that allows for movement.
The environment
Blue lips don’t look good on anybody, so look ahead at the weather forecast, factor in the temperature, and bring layers just in case this changes.
The weather
You’ll likely get a little wet and sandy. Shoes will be likely be thrown off when we arrive. The beach is often super windy so an extra layer can be handy to keep the goosebumps at bay.
the beach
We LOVE to work in both golden light and stormy skies, both will provide beautiful scenes. If you have your heart set on a particular look - please let us know as it may be worth rescheduling.
rescheduling
what to
wear
Blazers and cardigans break up space and color, creating a more flattering look. Layering these pieces can add a slimming effect and bring visual interest to your photos. Easily dress up or down by adding a blazer, denim jacket, or cardigan.
Outfits that cinch at the waist help define your shape. High-waisted pants or peplum tops work similarly—drawing attention to your waist (rather than hips) creates a slimming, balanced look.
If you’re wearing a dress I recommend medium or long dresses to cover your knees when you sit. If you’re wanting to create movement, maxi dresses give you something to twirl in and can create really dynamic, interesting shapes.
Select the right colour and the right type of underwear for whatever outfit you’ve chosen. Make sure there is no pulling/ cutting in on you, no tight elastic etc. Do an underwear check to see if you have underwear lines showing. If you don’t want bra straps showing choose pieces that properly cover your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios. Strapless tops or dresses, often pinch in around the arms and back in an unflattering way, so check this if you are going strapless.
For ladies
Unless you are booking shoots regularly, you want to be able to use this photoshoot for many months to come. Make the most of your time and wear multiple outfits. This gives your images mileage and helps them to look fresh.
Aim for a range of styles that are on brand. Casual, dressy, professional. If what you do requires a uniform or branded clothing bring that too.
The colours you choose to wear will determine the look and feel of your photos, and can help reinforce your brand.
We suggest using your brand colours, or various tones and hues of these. Solid colours help to keep a viewers eyes from focusing on your clothes. However, if bold, bright, pattern, colour is your thing and represents your brand then go for it! A really bright red does not tend to photograph well. Neither does black and bright white. If in doubt use, warm, earthy and neutral tones.
Try everything on at home prior to the shoot, to see how it fits and moves and to make sure the combinations you have selected work together.
Press, iron or use a steamer before you arrive so that garments aren’t creased, (this is super hard to photoshop out!). Remove anything you don’t want on your wrists - scrunchies, hair ties, watches. Empty those pockets of phones and keys!
If you are wearing a suit, make sure it fits correctly (you would be surprised how many badly fitted suits I’ve photographed!). If it’s to tight, and pulls, leave the buttons undone.
Dress shirts for a professional look, add a blazer or jacket to quickly create interest. If your target market isn’t professionals, keep it casual and comfortable, if you don’t usually wear dress shirts don’t feel like you have to. Linen, loose cottons on collared shirts, breathable fabrics, or a T-shirt with an open shirt over the top will help look less business-y.
for gents
hair and
makeup
Hair
When it comes to professional hair and makeup for personal branding or headshot photos, our vote will always be a resounding yes! I truly believe you will look beautiful either way, but having that little bit of extra can definitely add to your confidence level on the day. Once you feel great, it’s easier to relax and enjoy being in front of that camera.
Here is a list of the professionals we recommend, they are experts at creating beautiful natural makeup, and we know will look after you. On booking, we suggest also finding out their postponement policy in case we need to postpone your session due to wet weather.
Cherie B Hair and Makeup Artist
Marnie Jade Make Up Artist
Brydie Donaldson Make Up
Abbie Hartland Makeup Artist
makeup
tips for
teams
Team outfits should reflect your brand identity and have a unified look.
If you want to incorporate your brand colour, have some members of the team dress in this, or include subltle pops of this. If your brand colour is very bright you can break this up with neutrals. Colour coordinate tones but not to all wear the exact same colour unless this is your uniform.
Avoid big prints or logos that distract from team unity. Dark colours can look sharp but vary shades to avoid blending together
Accessories like ties or jewellery can add flair and tie the look together.
Coordinate outfits beforehand for a cohesive look.
If wearing a uniform ensure this fits correctly and is clean!
more
inspo
Odds are, you already have a vision in mind about how you want to present yourself in your photos. But sometimes, that vision can be hard to describe when it’s not sitting right there in front of you.
We’ve curated a bunch of helpful resources in Pinterest for you to take a look. Feel free to re-pin to your own board!
