Tips For Taking Great Outfit Photos
Taking great outfit photos is a learned skill. If you look back at some of my first outfit photos, you will see that I’ve gotten a lot better at taking photos. Some of my first outfit photos are downright hilarious. I’ve learned to pose the right way, and Dylan has become much more comfortable using the camera. I thought it would be fun to share some tips that I’ve learned over the years for taking great outfit photos with you guys.
- Use a good camera. We shoot with a Canon 8D. Luckily Dylan has mastered our camera so he knows how to change all of the settings. I’m honestly still getting the hang of what shutter speed is at this point, lol. When I’m out shooting stuff on my own I use my iPhone 6, but when I’m shooting a blog collaboration we always use our camera. My favorite camera lens to shoot outfit photos is with our Canon 50 mm 1.4. The lens is great for outfit detail, and I love how it blurs out the background a bit. I’d say we use this lens 90% of the time we shoot.
- Plan out the shots you want to get. I feel like I’ve finally decided on certain shots that work for me and my blog. Once you have the certain shots planned out that you want to get, it makes shooting so much quicker. We typically like to include a couple full outfit photos, a couple up close detail shots of specific items I may be featuring, a detail shot from my chin to my knees, and then a movement shot.
- Shoot multiple looks at once. For me, it’s easier to block out an hour of time to shoot multiple looks, than to spread out single outfits over a few days. I just think this is a better idea for time management purposes, and then I don’t have to get ready everyday, lol. Doing this during the summer months can be quite the task because I get so sweaty, and am cranking the air conditioning in my car during outfit changes (yes, bloggers totally change in their car… my backseat is literally a changing room on photo shoot days).
- Plan your outfits ahead of time. This is easier said than done for me most weeks, but I try to plan out each outfit ahead of time. I typically try on each look the night before shooting, and make sure that everything goes together. Little details like making sure your sunglasses look good, and your accessories go well with your outfit can really make or break your outfit photos.
- Shoot in great light. Lighting can really make a difference. Try to shoot outdoors when possible, and don’t shoot in direct sunlight. We like to shoot in the morning before the sun is high up in the sky. When I have to shoot indoors I make sure to shoot in an area that has great natural lighting; preferably near a window.
- Let your outfit do the talking. I try to keep background noise to a minimum, and really focus on the outfit. This might not be the case if you are featuring a travel photo where you want to feature the beauty of the resort you are staying at, but if you are focusing on the outfit, you want to stay away from busy backgrounds. I like to shoot in front of white or grey textured backgrounds, and am always on the hunt for the next best wall to shoot in front of!
- Find a photographer that understands your aesthetic. I’m always hesitant to work with new photographers, because I like to keep my photos looking consistent on my blog and Instagram. There are a lot of advantages to working with new photographers, so my tip is to make sure they understand the aesthetic you are going for, and they know the type of shots you need to get. Send them examples before your shoot so they know what you are looking for. If they are editing your photos as well, make sure they edit your photos the same way you do so that everything matches as much as possible.
- Do what works for you. Find poses that you are comfortable in, and that match your aesthetic. I recommend trying new poses every so often to change it up a bit. There are certain poses that some bloggers look great in, that I would probably look like a complete dork in, so I make sure to do poses that work for me. For example I know that I don’t make a great serious face in photos. I have a major case of resting B*$%$ face, so I have to be aware of that when shooting. I typically feel the most comfortable when I throw up my classic toothy smile, and it just works for me so I make sure to brush my teeth before shooting 😉
SHOP THE POST:
wrap shirt ( on sale!!) // ripped denim (on sale !!) // zac posen bag // booties (on sale, this color is sold out) // sunglasses
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope that some of these tips helped you, and if you have some tips that have worked for you please leave them in the comments below!
XO,
Lee Anne
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I love this sweater! Great tips girl! xo, Nataly
These are such great tips! I couldn’t agree more with the planning ahead with you shots and outfits! Makes things go a long smoother and less stressful! Love that sweater!
xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com
Planning out shots and outfits ahead of time are both great ideas – I’m so bad at this lol! My boyfriend hates when I ask him to shoot multiple outfits because we don’t have a car so I have to find bathrooms to change in!
These are all great tips! Great lighting is key and I LOVE my 50mm.
Such great tips! Love this post! xx
I couldn’t agree more with these tips! You nailed it!
xo, Lauryn
Lauryncakes
Love these tips they’re very accurate. Your outfit is also very cute I’ll definitely be buying some similar pieces!
Helpful tips, and totally want this sweater, it looks SO comfy!
This might be one of my new favorite outfits of yours! Such great tips. I picknour my outfits ahead of time too but have gotten lazy on selecting all the accessories since Leighton came long lol.
Awe thanks Laura! Accessories are always the hardest!!
Such great tips! Good lighting makes all the difference in the world!
I love these tips! I’m glad I’m not the only one who changes in my car like that and does multiple outfits at a time. I always wonder what other bloggers do, so I enjoyed reading this!
I love your tips–they are motivating me to do better in this department! I just need to do a better job getting my photographer (aka my boyfriend) to shoot me. He’s talented at getting great shots, but we rarely set up the time to do a shoot. 🙂
-SC
SCsScoop.com
These are awesome tips! I can’t wait to give them a try.
I love your look – your tips obviously work well because these are great shots! Also love that top!
These are great tips!! I laughed out loud at the changing in your car in the summer heat. It’s the worst! There’s nothing like trying to get a pair of super tight skinny jeans on when you are in a car and sweating!!!
It is funny how similar food photography is. I used to be horrible about planning the shoot out. I would just wing it LOL
such great tips! it’s hard living in NYC shooting multiple looks at once because I don’t have a car!
http://www.layersofchic.com
This was a GREAT post!! I am working on 6 and 7 big time!
Great post!! I also use the 50mm lens… it’s the best!!XOXO, Carolyna
http://www.carolynabauer.com
Loving that top and jeans!! And, these tips are so perfect!!!! Planning everything is so important.
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
These are such great tips!! Planning everything out is definitely key. I always forget little things like sunglasses or jewelry when I don’t plan ahead!
xx Mollie
These are great tips! I am so thankful to have my mom as a photographer.
Xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Your photos are always so incredible so thank you for sharing some of your tips and tricks!
La Belle Sirene