4 Tips For Dressing for Success
4 Tips For Dressing for Success
A Photographer’s Guide On What To Wear
I was just about to wrap up the wedding day consultation when the groom-to-be looked over at his bride-to-be and gave direct intense eye contact. It was so obvious. There was a question that needed to be answered and he was uncomfortable to be the one to ask it! The bride-to-be gave a puzzled look, and then the light bulb turned on, she remembered. She turned to me and said. “Ah, yes, one last question and it’s a bit awkward. What will you be wearing to our wedding?” I was a little taken back. I was never asked that question before. “Why suitable professional attire,” I responded directly. The groom-to-be let out a sigh and now felt comfortable to add the explanation. “We attended a good friend’s wedding. Their photographer showed up in a bold leopard print jumpsuit. Our friend, who was the bride, was mortified! What made matters worst was the constant jokes and comments from the wedding party. It was quite embarrassing and a total distraction from the wedding itself. We just wanted to make sure this didn’t happen to us!”
We all heard the phrase, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Photographers beware! Our attire is being judged. Obviously, the spotlight is on the bride and groom. However, we are also front and center sharing their limelight. It is so important to be aware of how we dress. Here are 4 tips for photographers to dress for success!
Dress like a professional.
When you dress like a professional you feel like a professional and exude more confidence. That confidence will help put your clients at ease throughout the photoshoot. Also, dressing professionally makes you more approachable with guests and vendors. They are more likely to reach out to you with more questions regarding the event or your business.
Ask dress code questions.
Don’t forget to ask the Bride-to-be and Groom-to-be important wedding day fashion questions such as, what is the dress code for their wedding? Is it formal, semi-formal, or casual? What do those terms mean to them? What are their wedding colors? Are there any colors that need to be avoided? (The color white, in certain cultures, symbolizes death. Ekkk we don’t want that!)
Do not dress like a wedding guest.
You want to choose practical and neutral outfits that blend into the environment. Avoid wearing loud colors, bold prints, chunky statement jewelry, denim, shorts, low cut tops, short skirts, or anything that is too casual or too formal. Dark colors are a good rule of thumb. Select smart, simple and tailored pieces. Make sure they are not constricting so you are able to move freely. The combination of dark tones and sensible fitted pieces will definitely give off a sharp professional vibe.
Wear comfortable footwear.
Let’s talk about footwear. You are on your feet the entire day. Be good to them and they will be good to you! Avoid uncomfortable footwear at all costs! Ladies, ditch the heels or sandals,(unless you know its a casual beach wedding). Sensible footwear such as a closed toe flat with a good insole or a fashionable sneaker is always a smart choice. You never know when you have to run to get that perfect shot which may require you to climb up on a chair or step in a puddle!
Lastly, Coco Channel said it best when she said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” By implementing the 4 tips for dressing for success, you will be remembered for your work and not your business fashion faux pas!
A Photographer’s Guide On What To Wear
I was just about to wrap up the wedding day consultation when the groom-to-be looked over at his bride-to-be and gave direct intense eye contact. It was so obvious. There was a question that needed to be answered and he was uncomfortable to be the one to ask it! The bride-to-be gave a puzzled look, and then the light bulb turned on, she remembered. She turned to me and said. “Ah, yes, one last question and it’s a bit awkward. What will you be wearing to our wedding?” I was a little taken back. I was never asked that question before. “Why suitable professional attire,” I responded directly. The groom-to-be let out a sigh and now felt comfortable to add the explanation. “We attended a good friend’s wedding. Their photographer showed up in a bold leopard print jumpsuit. Our friend, who was the bride, was mortified! What made matters worst was the constant jokes and comments from the wedding party. It was quite embarrassing and a total distraction from the wedding itself. We just wanted to make sure this didn’t happen to us!”
We all heard the phrase, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Photographers beware! Our attire is being judged. Obviously, the spotlight is on the bride and groom. However, we are also front and center sharing their limelight. It is so important to be aware of how we dress. Here are 4 tips for photographers to dress for success!
Dress like a professional.
When you dress like a professional you feel like a professional and exude more confidence. That confidence will help put your clients at ease throughout the photoshoot. Also, dressing professionally makes you more approachable with guests and vendors. They are more likely to reach out to you with more questions regarding the event or your business.
Ask dress code questions.
Don’t forget to ask the Bride-to-be and Groom-to-be important wedding day fashion questions such as, what is the dress code for their wedding? Is it formal, semi-formal, or casual? What do those terms mean to them? What are their wedding colors? Are there any colors that need to be avoided? (The color white, in certain cultures, symbolizes death. Ekkk we don’t want that!)
Do not dress like a wedding guest.
You want to choose practical and neutral outfits that blend into the environment. Avoid wearing loud colors, bold prints, chunky statement jewelry, denim, shorts, low cut tops, short skirts, or anything that is too casual or too formal. Dark colors are a good rule of thumb. Select smart, simple and tailored pieces. Make sure they are not constricting so you are able to move freely. The combination of dark tones and sensible fitted pieces will definitely give off a sharp professional vibe.
Wear comfortable footwear.
Let’s talk about footwear. You are on your feet the entire day. Be good to them and they will be good to you! Avoid uncomfortable footwear at all costs! Ladies, ditch the heels or sandals,(unless you know its a casual beach wedding). Sensible footwear such as a closed toe flat with a good insole or a fashionable sneaker is always a smart choice. You never know when you have to run to get that perfect shot which may require you to climb up on a chair or step in a puddle!
Lastly, Coco Channel said it best when she said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” By implementing the 4 tips for dressing for success, you will be remembered for your work and not your business fashion faux pas!
