Looking Good in Pictures – wardrobe tips, and things to think about

Recently, a friend asked for help on what to wear for a photo shoot. She was getting a corporate photo taken for a new job, and the picture was going to be in the newspaper. I gave her some basics tips, and it made me wonder if people generally think about these things when they are getting family portraits taken or having a picture taken for business or blog.

Here are some photo session wardrobe tips:

• Be careful of anything patterned, especially stripes. They can take on a life of their own in a photo.

• Clothing…stay away from anything baggy – or even anything with an empire waist, tunic or baby-doll style. On camera, you can't tell that it is 'the flow' of the garment, it just adds bulk (which is code for it will make you look fat).

• If you have light hair, wear something dark…light colors (with all the light at the shoot) might make you look washed out. Likewise, if you have dark hair, be careful of wearing dark colors. Also think about the background you are going to be photographed on. Is it a tone that is like your hair? If it is, you will get lost in the photo.

• Double up on your makeup – specifically your foundation. Although you might feel like a circus clown, on TV (or in a photo), you’ll look great! Truth is – you will be back lit, front lit, side lit…all of that light will wash you out (and can make your skin look – well, odd). So, double layers of foundation, use lots-o-powder (shine is bad in photos), and don't be scared of eyeliner.

• Think about what you would wear on a date night. That is what you should wear. Don't wear something you wouldn't normally wear – you'll feel self conscious, and it will reflect in the photos.

• Think about the reason you are getting your picture taken. Your job, blog, (whatever) has a personality – and that personality should be expressed in the photo. If you are getting your picture taken to post on your blog, you don’t want to freak out your readers by being photographed in a way that is completely contradictory from the tone of your blog. For example, if you are a banker, you don’t want to be photographed in a sun dress and a market hat. Likewise, if your blog has a cutting edge tone, covering edgy topics, and your writing style is ‘anything goes’ – you won’t want to be photographed wearing a stuffy pin striped business suit.

• If you've got great curly hair – make that your statement! I have a friend who is a photographer, and she has this big curly red hair – it is her 'thing'…it's awesome. If your hair is straight – spray on a little shine, and be careful of 'fly-aways'. Remember in the picture, (especially if it is a head shot), we’re going to see a lot of your hair.

• If you wear glasses, be sure the photographer is especially careful of glare. Clean them, and wear a TON of eyeliner (so we can see your eyes through the glasses).

PHOTO CREDITS: All pictures were taken by, and are property of the uber talented Cathy Dietz

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Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach, fashion stylist and personal shopper. Visit Kathy’s blog at www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com – or website at www.KathyFriend.com