Imagine this: You, as a freelanced or signed model, have an upcoming photoshoot that holds the potential to shape your career and leave a lasting impression.
It’s not just about striking poses and flawless lighting; it’s the clothing you wear that tells a powerful story and speaks volumes about your versatility and professionalism.
But where do you begin with crafting the perfect wardrobe?
Who’s responsible for styling your clothing looks for the photoshoot? Will it be yourself, the modeling agency, or a trained wardrobe stylist?
Let’s jump into the secrets of leveling up your photoshoot aesthetics, transforming your portfolio to new heights, and leaving modeling agencies eager to sign you on the spot!
The power of wardrobe in a photo shoot cannot be underestimated. When a model steps in front of the camera, their choice of clothing becomes a captivating tale and grabs the viewer’s attention.
It’s not just about looking good; the clothes weave a narrative, adding depth, texture, and captivating visual interest to the photographs.
Not to mention, the best outfits chosen for a photoshoot, reflects the brand’s essence and helps establish a cohesive image for
casual
commercial
beauty
Fitness
boudoir
and even fashion shoots!
The magic lies in the versatility displayed through various outfits, showcasing the production staffs ability to effortlessly show how to wear ordinary clothes in a mind blowing perspective with the help of design, texture, colors and models!
Every detail counts, from the impeccable fit to the impeccable style, revealing a true sense of professionalism and unconventional thinking.
To sum it up, wardrobe plays a pivotal role in a photo shoot by telling a story, enhancing visual beauty, reflecting brand identity, exuding professionalism, and leaving a lasting mental picture in the viewer’s mind.
Who Takes Charge Of Your Wardrobe?
Before the photoshoot day, models and photographers engage in collaborative communication, often through email, to determine the shoot’s theme and wardrobe.
The photographer may suggest working with their trusted stylist for the photo shoot.
Working with a stylist eliminates stress of planning and packing, adds the hottest fashion trends to your portfolio, and assures the model that the clothes they wear during the photo shoot are in compliance to what the photographer likes and fits the theme and mood of the photo shoot.
If the model decides against hiring a stylist due to cost, they will style themselves for the shoot. This is possible, and it’s an option that I often choose.
For me, I make sure to research and plan what i’m going to bring based off of what’s currently trending for the desired theme shoot i’m going with.
Before jumping into the planning process, I’ll have a discussion with the photographer about the intended type of photoshoot, which could include:
Test Shoot
Fitness shots, or
High fashion photos.
This communication helps the photographer prepare ideas, choose a location, and understand the my vision.
Together, we’ll collaborate to bring the concept to life and capture impactful images that align with the intended purpose!
On the other hand, when working on a photographer-curated project, the photographer will communicate the desired mood and wardrobe ideas to the model.
In both scenarios, a moodboard of outfits and guidance on conveying specific emotions during the shoot will be shared between the model and photographer to ensure everyone is aligned.
The significance of wardrobe in creating a lasting impression and visually compelling story cannot be emphasized enough!
Yes agents and clients want to see you for your beauty and posing abilities, but wardrobe plays a MAJOR role in being a concept together!
It’s not just about posing and lighting; the right clothing choices have the power to elevate images, highlight personal style, and leave a memorable impact on viewers and potential clients.
How Modelling Agencies Assist with Wardrobe Selection
As signed model, your agency is there to support you not only with clothing ideas for a photo shoot but also to provide valuable guidance such as posing techniques, market trends, and overall professional development, ensuring that you are well-prepared and equipped to excel in your modeling career!
Agencies often have a collection of staple and unique clothes for different photoshoots that they allow models to borrow while on set, ensuring that a wide range of options are available.
While bringing some of your own clothes is still encouraged, your agency can help fill in any missing pieces, such as oversized blazers or intricately-detailed white tank tops.
They may even offer universal items like heels and sneakers that work for various photo shoots.
In my personal experience with my modeling agency, they have a dedicated clothing rack stocked with various garments, and they provide a steamer to ensure everything looks fresh and wrinkle-free.
Typically, your booking agent will send you a mood board with a selection of which outfits or certain garments that you should consider bringing to the shoot.
This can includes:
blouses, blazers, jackets, underwear, 2-piece Calvin Klein intimate,
tops with exaggerated necklines, ruffled tops, pants, jeans, shorts, skirts, fun socks, stockings, scarves, hats, gloves, and a variety of shoe options.
Once you have the mood board, you can start planning and styling your looks using items from your own closet.
If there’s anything you don’t have, it’s best to borrow from someone or explore popular clothing stores like Zara, Forever 21, Kohl’s, or even TJ Maxx.
Because unfortunately, not every modeling agency provides staple pieces for models to use during their photo shoot.
Overall, it’s extremely important to remember not to solely rely on your agency to provide everything you need.
Be proactive in researching and planning outfits that will enhance your casual, beauty, fitness, or high fashion shoot. This preparation will enable you to demonstrate your versatility and meet the specific requirements of the shoot, resulting in stunning images!
Self-Styling: Pros and Cons of Doing It Yourself
Pros:
Personal Expression: Choosing clothing that reflects your personality.
Familiarity of Wardrobe: Selecting styles that allow you to move comfortably during your photo shoot with the photographer.
Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Models who style themselves learn how to work with what they have, mix and match existing clothing pieces, and create diverse outfit looks from their own wardrobe!
Cost Effective: Self styling allows models to avoid additional cost to the overall expense of a photoshoot, and allows the model to allocate their budget towards other essential aspects.
Cons:
Limited Styling Expertise: If you’re not keeping up with fashion daily as a model you might struggle with how to dress for a photoshoot, feeling lost on selecting the right pieces, coordinating outfits, and understanding the importance of adding texture, detail, and the right accessories to the wardrobe. This can result in a less polished or cohesive overall look.
Time and Energy Demands: Styling yourself for a photoshoot requires a lot of time and energy! Models need to dedicate extra hours to researching, planning, and organizing their wardrobe choices. Do you have the time to practice posing AND styling yourself?
Lack of Fresh Perspective: Working with a stylists who will bring a fresh perspective of clothing styles to the table, will be a game changer for your portfolio. They can offer valuable insights, suggest innovative styling ideas, and push boundaries to create unique looks. When models style themselves, they may miss out on the creative input and expert guidance that a stylist could provide!
Consider the pros and cons of styling yourself for a photoshoot.
Are you confident in planning outfits and creating a moodboard without much frustration?
If so, a quick online search and reviewing modeling agency websites will guide you in finding exactly what you’re looking for.
Now Hypothetically Speaking,
How would you handle outdoor wardrobe changes in public areas?
When it comes to handling outdoor outfit changes as a model, it can initially feel a bit tricky and uncomfortable, especially for those new to the modeling world.
However, there are ways to make it easier and more convenient.
One option is to use your own car for changing.
I’ve personally done this multiple times while shooting with photographers in Dallas, Texas, and Los Angeles. I found it to be a great idea. Simply hop into the back seat of the car and change quickly.
To ensure privacy, the photographer will do their best to shield the vehicle from onlookers.
They may also have a sheet or cover that can be hung on the side of the car facing the public, adding an extra layer of protection.
In one instance in Los Angeles, I opted to change clothes in a bathroom stall at Venice Beach.
Since I had experience changing outdoors before and knew the location we were shooting at in advance, the idea of changing in a stall wasn’t too unsettling.
I brought slip-on shoes with an open back, making it easy to slide my feet in and out without touching the ground. Additionally, other times I brought an old towel to place on the floor, which eliminated any worries about the cleanliness of the surface.
After a model finishes changing outfits, the stylist or photographer will give you a quick look-over, ensuring that all buttons are properly fastened, collars are turned down, and any additional accessories are correctly positioned!
While the idea of changing outfits outside may seem intimidating at first, with proper preparation, it’s honestly not as bad as it may seem.
So embrace the challenge, be ready, and you’ll handle outdoor wardrobe changes like a pro!
3 Ultimate Outdoor Wardrobe Changing Tips:
- Plan ahead: Scout photo shoot locations in advance for changing spots, like restrooms or secluded areas. Be prepared to use your own vehicle as a changing station.
- Layer up: Wear a modest base layer, such as nude or seamless undergarments or a bodysuit, for quick outfit changes without feeling exposed.
- Portable tent: Consider a foldable changing tent for privacy and convenience during outdoor shoots. This idea is awesome for beach locations or any photo shoot location where there’s a lot of open space.
Outfits That Photograph Well
Outfit styles and garments that shine in photos often have captivating details, cool textures, and contrasting elements. It’s usually better to choose solid colors or subtle patterns instead of busy prints or flashy designs.
This idea is essential for more calm and relaxed photoshoots like beauty, commercial or a test shoot.
Essentially, wearing well-fitted clothes that flatter your body shape is key, especially for test shoots that aim to showcase a model’s natural beauty and shape.
However, when it comes to outfit ideas for a more extravagant photoshoot, don’t shy away from incorporating fancy prints and patterns. Typically, the photographer you’re photographing with will let you know if it’s a good choice or not.
Professional stylists have a knack for knowing what works and what might be too overwhelming in such cases.
For editorial or high fashion photo shoots, clothes are expected to fit a little loose, emphasizing a cool and effortless look.
If you’re styling yourself, it’s advisable not to wear anything more than one size up from your actual measurements to avoid a baggy look that may be TOO loose.
To add an extra oomph to your outfit, consider accessorizing with simple yet stylish pieces like a statement hat, gloves, stockings, corsets, or fun printed socks.
These accessories can give your outfit choice that eye-catching boost it needs to stand out!
To gather inspiration, explore the portfolios of local yet reputable fashion or commercial modeling agencies and search through as many social media platforms that you know as possible!
And if you have a stylist on board, you can breathe easily knowing that they’ve got your back. Just focus on practicing your modeling poses up until your session!
Million Dollar Question
Are you more comfortable to seek guidance from a stylist to ensure you stay up on the latest fashion trends, or do you feel more confident in your ability to independently research and plan your own photo-ready outfits? #CommentBelow<3