What to wear for my photoshoot?

Today’s blog posting is by guest writer Kerry Cordero, a stylist extraordinaire!

 

As your personal stylist, before I plan your outfit, I want to know more about the backdrop or the scene behind you.

Is the backdrop black?  You don’t want to disappear against it so wear a top that’s colored or light.  Is the background gray?  Wear a rich color that will stand up against the gray and be visible.

Actually, you can use color to create a mood.  A dark color in the backdrop, combined with a light color in your top creates exciting energy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a softer feel, wear a light color in a shirt and pose against a different, but still light colored, backdrop.  Bonus points for posing against a backdrop that’s similar to your eye color!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It even works with skin color.  Check out Rico King’s toasted, cinnamon skin …  take a moment and enjoy how good that looks …  and see how the color is working for him.  His light brown skin stands out from the black background and settles the eye directly on him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now let’s talk about the clothes that you are actually wearing.  Avoid patterns because they divert the viewer’s attention from your face.  The same goes for oversize or ornate jewelry.  Again, it’s distracting.  Wear a plain necklace in one color.  Also skip the big pendant with shine.  It can reflect off the studio lights.

Earrings should be simple too but they can be used to give you a more flattering look.  If you have a long or rectangular face, wear a round earring.  If you have a round and short face, wear a drop earring.  Don’t go for chandelier style earrings because they will, yes you guessed, distract.  Choose a simple earring that gives some vertical, elongating line to your round face.  You can also wear an earring that is the same color as your eyes.  It will draw attention to the most compelling part of the headshot, your eyes.

The clothes you’re wearing state a message that conveys what you want to be known for, or in corporate speak, your personal brand.  Check out what these colors, hairstyles, specific clothing item, necklines and gestures say in the headshots below.  Every one of these models look great but they each tell a different story about themselves.

This red dress says energetic and powerful.  The classic blown-out blond hair says professional and detail-oriented.  The wedding ring so prominent says (of course) that she’s married but also that she is committed and mature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The black sweater says authoritative but that message is offset by the white tee showing at the neckline that says informal too.  That black and white color combo really adds a lot of energy and interest.  Anytime you combine two high contrast colors like black and white, you get a dynamic feeling.  The crossed arms say in charge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The baby blue color combined with the draped cowl of the v-neck say comfort, trust and durability.  The long, wind-swept hair says outdoors and active.  The color of the sweater inadvertently causes the viewer look at the blue eyes and creates connection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the last tip, while seeming the easiest is fairy advanced.  The best colors to wear are the one’s that match your skin tone.  Try on a pink and a coral lipstick.  If pink makes you look healthier, more rested and younger then go with cool colors.  And if the coral looks best, wear warm colors.  It can be hard to see and you may need to call in an expert.  If so, try me!  I can help you!  🙂

Yasmeen and I offer a joint service called Style & Shoot.  We work together to dress you, create a background and message that compliments you and your message and photograph you perfectly.  You need this service to look your best on Facebook, Linkedin, dating and corporate sites.  Get in touch for more details.

 

Stylishly,Kerry CorderoThe First LookCertified Image Consultant& Personal Stylistkerry@thefirstlookimage.com

Kerry’s approach to clothes is that they are a real means of achieving success in life and that they are a source of adventure, pleasure and empowerment.Kerry Cordero is the owner of The First Look, an image consulting and personal styling business. Kerry is certified by The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, she’s trained in color analysis, image technique, wardrobe analysis, personal shopping, makeup, photo styling and she works backstage at New York Fashion Week. Kerry has created over 6000 outfits for her clients.