Outfit Photo Tips

 

You may have noticed a lack of outfit photos over the last few months. While I love sharing style posts with you it's been difficult since the launch of Glitter Guide. In addition my personal photographer (a.k.a. my boyfriend) has been diligently working on his teaching credential. Most nights we are both so tired that I lounge in my pajamas and if we go out I throw on whatever is most comfortable. In neither case am I styled for outfit photos. However, you never know. You may soon be treated to pajama outfit photos or a "whatever I'm wearing" photo shoot. 

In the meantime I thought I would share some tips for taking outfit photos. I hardly consider myself an expert since I know very little about using a SLR camera but I try my best with what I've learned. One thing that is crucial is an editing system. I edit every single picture that I take for this blog. Even if it's just to adjust the level of light in the photo. Here are a few of tips I've found useful:

1. Invest in a good lens

To me the lens is more important than the camera. I have a basic Nikon D60 but I splurged on a 50mm f/ 1.4 lens. The lens really helps give my photos a shallow depth of field. It's not ideal for all my outfit photos but it's good enough until I can afford more. 

2. Take photos during the golden hour

Most of the time we try to shoot pictures during the "golden hour" when the lighting is softer and warmer in hue.The time of day always changes so I use the "Golden Photo" app on my phone so I know the best times. If I can't take them during those times I usually look for a spot without a ton of harsh or speckled light. 

3. Take photos from all angles

One technique that makes for interesting outfit photos (or any photo really) is shooting unique angles. Have your photographer try everything: from the left or the right, positioning in the frame, distancing, etc. Also, have them take a lot of photos. The worst is finding that you had a great shot but it was a tad blurry or your eyes were closed. 

4. Wear clothes that look good on camera

If you know a certain piece of clothing doesn't photograph well don't try to incorporate it into the outfit post (I have mad this mistake too many times). I work hard to get out and take interesting photos and come to find that the skirt makes me look frumpy. This usually works by trial and error. Know what looks good on you and wear it in interesting ways. 

5. Edit your photos

First edit your photos down to a minimum of 6. I prefer 3-6 photos for an outfit. If I choose to share 6 it usually includes detail shots. Then edit your photos. I have tried it all (Photoshop, Lightroom, Picnik, etc). I've never been great at learning how to add layers to change the colors in my photo so I prefer to stick to the basics. Photoshop is great but most of the time I use Picknik. I pay a small fee each month so I can have access to all the features. Typically I will enhance the photo by changing the levels, airbrushing pimples and dark circles, and sometimes I will play with the colors. It's all every easy.

6. Use Flickr

After I edit my photos and then change their size I upload them into Flickr (I pay for the premium account so I can store a lot of photos). I could save money by uploading them straight into the blog but I like the quality they have through Flickr.

These ideas, though simple and common, give the beginning photographer the tools needed to produce a good shoot.