Friday, August 12, 2011

Outfit Photo Tips

mustard 
color
prep5
sequins

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.

61 comments:

Kasmira said...

Thanks for the tips!

I'm another flickr (pro) fan! The site does a great job generating various sized photos of high quality. I prefer to use a smaller flickr photo, then to instruct the browser resize them. (Faster download times!)

April said...

Thanks for the tips, Taylor! It's always great to hear how and what other bloggers do to their photos!

Closet Cravings said...

I think it would be fun if more bloggers posted some less glamorous outfit posts every once in awhile. I think it would be a fun change. Just to mix it up. It's nice to know that people don't look fabulous all the time. =)

WIN $100 SHOPBOP GIFT CARD!

Alicia Lund said...

Great tips Taylor - I love to hear everyone's process! I simply edit my photos using iphoto on my mac but I've been wondering about other applications, yours always look great!

The Fancy Teacup said...

Thank you for sharing about the Golden Hour Photo app. I usually do outfit posts near dusk, but that app is really handy.

♥, Jamie
www.TheFancyTeacup.com

Grace said...

Thank you for these tips. I just downloaded the Golden Hour Photos app. I had no clue this existed! Thanks!

Closet Fashionista said...

Amazing tips! I didn't know there was a golden hour app...I'll have to check it out for my iPad :D
http://www.closet-fashionista.com

Emy said...

Awesome tips, especially the golden hour, I have to check it out!!
xx
Emy

http://emykoster.com/

Rosie said...

Thank you so much for sharing these tips Taylor. I love Picnik too, it's a great enhancement tool.

Alexandra Steinmetz said...

I just started to incorporate more personal style photos onto my blog, I absolutely love these tips, so helpful!

Anonymous said...

Yay for Picnik don't know what I'd do without it, it's so easy to use! These are great tips!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

amclark312 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tiffany Kadani said...

Thanks for this! Okay, note to self to get flickr and Picknik. Your photos always turn out great so thank you!

amclark312 said...

Thanks so much for the tips! This will definitely come in handy. Happy Friday!

www.ChampagneInSlippers.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

thank you for sharing! I just downloaded this app, I am always having issues with lighting.

xo Julia
galmeetsglam.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips! Definitely something that I need to start incorporating as well! xx

Heidi said...

Thanks for the tips! :)

Sarah & Carrie said...

I have to admit, I have been missing your outfit posts but I LOVE the Glitter Guide :)

Thank you for the tips. I always wonder if all bloggers (but me) use Photoshop!

Rebecca said...

I'm sure it's exhausting but I just want to take this chance to say how much I love the Glitter Guide! It was so fun to see you interview one of my friends from school! And you always have such beautiful and inspiring posts. Thanks for all of your hard work!

Taylor K said...

Thank you for sharing! This tutorial was very helpful. I just purchased a 50mm lens and I'm really excited to start playing with it.

Style-Pursuit said...

So I'm basically no different when it comes to my photo-habits! A bit of editing, clothes that look good in pictures and Flickr... :o) Just wish I could finally splurge on a better camera!

Great post!

x

likeitsgolden said...

These were really great tips. Thanks for sharing! Im trying to improve the quality of pics on my blog so this will help

Anjela said...

Great tips; thanks for sharing! I definitely agree with them all, and especially with the lighting and selecting items that look good photographed. Sometimes you loooove a garment and it may look awesome on you but just doesn't translate into photographs. (i find really fine pinstripes usually make my eyes dizzy on pictures, lol)

Bombchell said...

such great advice!! really liked this, you should make it a series.

Joie de Viv said...

Thanks for the tip Taylor! I have first-hand experience of not having any photographer so it's even difficult to get different shots and use manual settings. I LOVE that 2nd pic btw!

xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

Not Just A Pretty Dress said...

Beautiful pictures and thank you so much for sharing this tipcs! I'll pass them to my photographer i.e. my husband...

http://notjustaprettydress.blogspot.com/

Jessica Gitler said...

great tips, and your photos always look great!
jess
www.jesscauseblog.blogspot.com

Caroline said...

Love these tips!! And it is the same with photographing food I have a golden hour and my 50mm lens is my go to lens as well. I am a firm believer in working with natural light. Love your photos!! XO!

Neris / Fashion Fractions said...

Thanks for all the tips! I really love your photos every single time so it was very interesting to read this post :)

Happy Friday!

xxx,

Fashion Fractions

Meisha.Style said...

thank you for the great tips! beautiful outfits and pictures! =)

Sarah said...

GREAT advice for new style bloggers like myself! :) Thanks for the tips - I'm downloading the Golden Hour app for the iphone now!

Alison Kinsey said...

this is a fantastic post Taylor, thank you so much for sharing all this! especially that app, which i had never heard of before. that'll be great to keep in mind.
my blog is on a hiatus for a month, and i will definitely use these tips when i return to regular posting.

Kadi said...

Thank you so much for the info. I am new to blogging and I am trying to figure things out. This is very helpful!! I read your blog (and Glitter Guide) daily and just love it!

Please check me out sometime :)
mynormalstyle.blogspot.com

KristiMcMurry said...

Great tips! I need to get the person taking my photos to take more...I'm just a little camera shy. How do you host your photos through flickr? I have a flickr account and I would love to do that, but for some reason I thought you couldn't!

Santina said...

Great tips, Taylor! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Great tips! I'm completly new to blogging so any and all outfit shot tips are helpful! Your photos always look so great!

Natalie Suarez said...

you look AMAZING!! love :)

xx

natalieoffduty.blogspot.com

The Pocket Stylist said...

Great advise!! I have a Nikon D70 and I love it!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips! I've been wanting to take outfit shots with my camera. Love your blog, girl!

Lainey said...

Such great tips! Thanks, Taylor. It's posts like these that make your blog truly stand out.

Reyna @reynasblogxo said...

Thank you for the tips! Lovely photos! xx

Anonymous said...

thanks, those are great tips! i always get turned off by all the tech-y, hard-to-achieve tips that are out there, but yours i might actually be able to use:)

check out my blog i write with my sister if ya get a chance:)
oneinchapart.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Love this post!!!! Especially the colors. SEE the boots I'm selling "ZARA taupe/beige studded cowboy boots Isabel Marant's" !!!!! Only 9 days left !!!!

Josie said...

Fantastic tips, Taylor! I have to work on editing my photos for sure.
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

Grace said...

Thanks for the tips!

xx Grace
Dream-Boating

sara tardiff said...

these are very helpful. i never really though about uploading to flickr first, now i'm curious to see how much better the quality is.

www.hiimsaratee.blogspot.com

Sammy said...

Great tips! Thanks for sharing :)

Sam

titaz said...

thank you for the tips :)

greetings from Indonesia
www.stylieandfoodie.blogspot.com

Klára said...

Oh, thank you :)

fd said...

great looks! :)

xx, laura

Ette said...

Thanks for the tips, Taylor! you are too sweet!

love your style, as always


♥, Ette

www.thriftedkarma.com

simplychic said...

great tips! thanks for sharing.

a new lens is high on my list of big purchases...

Anastasia from Natbeesfashion said...

Thanx for sharing all those tips with us..
I have a cheap camera and I'm so sad that most of the times my photo-shooting turn to be not that good because of the camera.
Sometimes its so unfair, my outfit is pretty cool and the result of the pictures is of a bad quality..:((

xx
Anastasia

Unknown said...

I know what you mean! Every new project is a lack of posts!Going through the same with my new house!
But anyways , thanks for the tips and i'll definetly try the Picknic.

Have a great Sunday!

htt://www.cougarvintage.blogspot.com

classiq said...

These are great tips. I absolutely love the first outfit, so effortless and the perfect way of wearing animal print: a thin belt. :)
Ada

Shanelé said...

LOVE this! Thanks so much for the tips! Will definitely put them to good use!

http://shanelesheek.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

great tips!!! thanks for sharing 'em! :)

xo jeanette

www.simplychicforcheap.wordpress.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the tips. Your pictures are great, and I'm always looking for ways to improve mine. xo

http://tryitonmegirl.blogspot.com/

tara said...

thanks taylor for the tips! i appreciate it as a girl always trying to not make hers look awkward!

xo,
tara

www.thewondergirl.com

Taryn said...

I just wrote about how awesome the golden hour app is on my blog thanks to your recommendation! I love it :)

prismatichearts said...

Thank you for the tips, they helped me a lot! :)

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