I don't know what to wear HELP!

I've got your back on the age-old dilemma: "What to wear for your photoshoot?" Now that you've booked your session (hooray!), let's tackle the challenge of outfit selection. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of color matching, complementary tones, the magic of contrast, and, of course, the crucial dos and don'ts of wardrobe choices.

Vancouver Island is a canvas of natural beauty, boasting lush greens from our forests and serene blues from the ocean, making my role as your photographer a breeze!

BLUE AND ORANGE:

This combination is visually striking and works well for a variety of settings. You can have one person in blue and another in orange, or incorporate these colors into the background or accessories. Be cautios of going to bright. When choosing orange for a photoshoot its usually in the fall and more of a subtle tone of orange.

RED AND GREEN:

Red and green are opposite each other on the color wheel, making them complementary. This combination can be particularly effective in outdoor settings, especially during the fall when natural surroundings feature red and green tones.

PURPLE AND YELLOW:

Purple and yellow create a vibrant and energetic contrast in images. This combination works well for a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

PINK AND GREEN:

For a softer and more feminine look, consider pairing pink and green. This combination is fresh and works well in outdoor or spring-themed shoots.

TEAL AND CORAL:

Teal and coral create a beautiful and modern contrast. This combination is well-suited for both indoor and outdoor settings.

BROWN AND AQUA:

For a more subdued and earthy feel, consider pairing brown with aqua. This combination can work well in natural or rustic settings.

BLACK AND WHITE:

While not technically complementary colors, black and white create a classic and timeless look. This combination is versatile and suits a variety of themes and styles.

NUDE TONES:

Nude tones can bring a timeless and elegant quality to photos, providing a neutral background that accentuates natural beauty and allows the focus to be on expressions and composition.

Choosing complementary colors involves considering not just the basic hues but also their tones. While red and green are classic complementary colors, pairing neon or lime green with a dark or Christmas red might result in a jarring clash. On the other hand, the subtler tones of forest green and Christmas red create a harmonious combination, showcasing the importance of considering color depth and intensity for a visually pleasing photoshoot.



Beyond color, consider the theme of your photoshoot, whether it's casual, formal, vintage, or modern. Choose outfits that flatter your body shape and coordinate with the location's color scheme. Layering can add depth, and accessories like scarves or hats can elevate your look. Be wary of overly matching outfits and steer clear of busy patterns and logos that might distract..

Additional Tips

Understand the Theme:

• Determine the theme or mood of the photoshoot. Is it casual, formal, vintage, modern, or themed (e.g., nature, urban, etc.)? Understanding the theme will guide your wardrobe choices.

Choose Flattering Outfits:

• Select outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose. Consider your body shape and choose outfits that highlight your best features.

Coordinate Colors:

• Coordinate your outfit colors with the overall color scheme of the location and the theme of the photoshoot. Solid colors or subtle patterns often work well. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns that might be distracting.

Layering:

• Layering can add depth and visual interest to your photos. Consider bringing accessories like scarves, hats, or jackets that can be added or removed during the shoot to create different looks.

Avoid Matchy-Matchy:

• While coordinating colors is important, avoid overly matching outfits with the same colors from head to toe. Instead, opt for complementary colors that work well together.

Consider the Location:

• Think about where the photoshoot will take place. If it's outdoors, consider the season and weather. Wear appropriate footwear for the location, especially if it involves walking or standing on uneven surfaces.

Express Your Personality:

• Your clothing choices should reflect your personality. If you have a signature style or favorite fashion elements, incorporate them into your outfit to make the photos more authentic.

Grooming:

• Pay attention to grooming details such as hair, makeup, and nails. These small details can make a big difference in the final photos. If you're unsure, consider hiring a professional makeup artist.

Bring Options:

• Bring a few outfit options to the photoshoot. This gives you and the photographer choices based on the lighting, location, and overall vibe of the shoot.

Comfort Matters:

• Ensure that you can move comfortably in your chosen outfits. If something is too restrictive, it may affect your posture and expressions during the shoot.

Timeless vs. Trendy:

• Consider whether you want your photos to have a timeless quality or if you're open to embracing current fashion trends. A mix of both can work well, but be mindful of the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Remember, comfort is key. Ensure your outfit allows for easy movement, especially if the location involves uneven surfaces. Pay attention to grooming details and bring multiple outfit options for flexibility.

Now, let's talk about what not to wear. Avoid clashing with the background, steer clear of overly bright or neon colors that may distract, and be cautious with busy patterns or logos. All-white or all-black outfits can sometimes impact image details, and wearing the same color as the backdrop may cause you to blend in. Consider how colors interact with your skin tone, and be selective with trendy colors that truly complement you.

What NOT to Wear

Avoid Clashing with the Background:

• If you know the background or setting of your photoshoot, avoid wearing colors that will clash or blend in too much with the surroundings. For example, don't wear green if the shoot is in a lush, green park.

Avoid Overly Bright or Neon Colors:

• Extremely bright or neon colors can be distracting and may cause color casts in photographs. These colors can sometimes overpower the overall composition and draw attention away from the subject.

Avoid Busy Patterns:

• Large and busy patterns, especially those with high contrast, can be visually overwhelming in photographs. They might distract from the main subject, and in group photos, they can create a chaotic look.

Avoid Logos and Busy Text:

• Clothing with large logos or busy text can be distracting. Opt for simple and clean designs to keep the focus on you rather than on brand names or messages.

Avoid All-White or All-Black Outfits:

• All-white or all-black outfits can sometimes lead to loss of details in photographs. They can also make it challenging for the camera to capture the nuances of the clothing.

Avoid Wearing the Same Color as the Background:

• If you're shooting against a solid backdrop, avoid wearing the same color, as it can make you blend into the background and lose definition.

Consider Skin Tones:

• Be mindful of how certain colors interact with your skin tone. Some colors may wash you out, while others can complement and enhance your natural tones.

Avoid Trendy Colors if They Don't Suit You:

• While it's great to embrace trends, be cautious with colors that might not suit your skin tone or personal style. Choose colors that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Remember that these are general suggestions, and personal style and preferences play a significant role in choosing what to wear. The most important aspect is that you feel comfortable and confident in your chosen outfit, as this will contribute to a successful photoshoot. I hope this was helpful and as always I am here for you everystep of the way!