So much more goes into a photoshoot than the mere click of a camera shutter. Scheduling, concept-creating, lighting, action-directing, and editing aside, another key component that can make or break the visual allure of a photo is the strength of its styling. Some shoots hire stylists to gather and direct the aesthetic of everything from props to clothing. On other occasions, it will be up to the photographer themselves to gather and direct these visual elements. Whether you’re the stylist, the photographer, or a dynamic mixture of both, keep reading below for tips on how to style your own shoot:
Regardless of your budget, thrift stores and antique shops are great places to go for eye-catching, one-of-a-kind pieces. Just be certain to check for things like rips, tears, missing buttons, marks, or sweat stains when sifting through secondhand clothes. If you don’t catch it first, the camera certainly will!
Think Big
When sourcing clothes yourself for a shoot, it’s good to know the general size of your models beforehand and select pieces accordingly. But, as we all know from personal experience, sizing isn’t universal. Consider sizing up a bit when selecting garments; like cooking, you can always take away (hemming, clipping a piece in the back so that it’s hidden on camera), but it’s more difficult to add.
Reach Out
Know any boutiques or local designers in your area? Are you near a university with a fashion program? Try reaching out to see if these brands and individuals would like to collaborate by providing clothing pieces for the duration of your shoot in exchange for exposure for their clothing brand. This is another great way to source one-of-a-kind and even designer pieces while working with a budget.
A Case for Color
Brush up on your color theory before making aesthetic decisions involving clothing, props, or backdrops in order to best convey the mood you wish to evoke. Remember to consider how the lighting situation of your shoot may affect the perception of these colors.
A Wrinkle in Time
If you’re doing a shoot that requires staged authenticity for a certain area, be sure to do your research first. What kind of clothing trends were popular then? What about hair and makeup? Are there any logos or specific props in the shoot? Do those logos and props coincide with how they would have looked in that era? The devil is always in the details!