Consider the message you will project.
When planning for a photo shoot or for an event at which you will be photographed, ask yourself which messages you want to send with your appearance. Your appearance makes a statement about you and thereby gives you an opportunity to create a particular impression. Consider the purpose of the photo when deciding how you will style yourself and how you will pose. A headshot for professional use needs a different level of attention compared to purely personal photos.
Your photo may serve as your first impression and a part of your pitch whether you it is on a book cover, a social media profile, resume or online dating profile.
I recommended rehearsing the look(s) you choose by taking your own photo as you are preparing and checking how your outfit (and makeup if applicable) translates in the photo.
Are there best/worst colours and patterns to select?
I give my clients fewer guidelines for photography than I give for appearing on camera.
It’s important to consider lighting and your backdrop or set but the critical thing is to select colours that ensure you remain the focus of your photo. Your optimal colour palette supports your complexion keeping you looking healthy and beautiful. These colours harmonize with you you but do not steal the focus of the audience. For example, one person can look best in cool clear colours while another can look best in warm muted colours.
Black and white do not suit everyone and can be too harsh for the complexion. Photos can exaggerate an effect like this. This goes for clothing as well as the seamless that photographers often use. It’s okay to request a grey or other colour as you are planning for your shoot.
The citrus colours can be challenging to wear if one has a cool undertone.
Think about the style of the photo. Do you want to stand out clearly against the background or not? Consider colour psychology – do you want to appearance to be approachable? powerful? dramatic?
Evaluate patterns based on color, scale and fashion.
Small scale patterns are easier to wear no matter your height and body type. Larger scale patterns are easier to wear when you are average or above average height.
Pass a pattern over it is competing for attention or overpowering you. Some patterns are trendy and of the moment. If you plan for your photo to stay relevant and you want to use pattern, try one of the classics which are often geometric. If you are unsure and this causes you stress, simply go with solid colours. Well-done pattern mixing however can make for modern and sophisticated styling.
