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Thursday 26 January 2012

What Is a Model Expected to Wear for a Photo Shoot? Master These 3 Effective Photo Shoot Styles


What I am supposed to wear for my photo shoot? This is a typical question you will be faced with when shooting photo shoots. In answering this question one has to establish what type of 'look' one is trying to achieve before planning the actual clothing outfits. In helping individuals to sort out their ideas I like to categorize the styles in three classes. The following are three of the most popular styles that people tend to opt for when doing a photo shoot.

Petra Nemcova
The Casual Look

This is a very basic and straight forward look, both in terms of clothing attires and set up. Outfits in line with this look are jeans, skirts, plain tops and sweaters. Runners are the most appropriate shoes for these types of clothes. To visualize this type of style, think of what the girl next door would wear to go to high school or university.

Ideal outdoor locations that would offer suitable backgrounds are urban areas or greener areas such as playgrounds and parks.

Shoot the model from a normal perspective as seen by a person when relating in a one to one everyday life situations.

The Glamour Look

This is a very popular style with female models aspiring to make a break through in the entertaining business. Clothing items that are associated with this type of shooting are party outfits, swimwear, bikinis and lingerie. The sensual type of underwear that goes hand in hand with attractive dresses and skimpy outfits are push-up bras and g-strings. High heels are a very effective way in getting that sexy posture.

Donna Feldman
Outdoor locations that are popular with these types of photo shoots are exotic beaches, summer resorts, hotels and gardens.

Suggest the model to lower a bit her chin and look straight at the camera, to get that seductive look.

The Corporate Look

A photo shoot with a business oriented look is usually sought by seniors. A classic two-piece suit is the most frequent choice of clothing. The choice of colour most of the time is a darker shade of grey or blue. In case of a female model, a blouse underneath is highly recommended. It is elegant and at the same time very feminine.

Though these types of shoots are commonly done in an indoor studio, I strongly suggest that you be creative and do these on location. I have seen various outdoor work depicting construction sites, factory floors and other production areas in the background. These kinds of backdrops manage to tell more about the work and profession of the person being photographed.

I suggest incorporating some low angled shoots to emphasis the authoritative feel in a way that reflects the model's profession.

Alyssa Milano
While at it, it is worth mentioning the importance of posing the models properly. In the above mentioned set ups, directing the models to pose properly is part and parcel of a successful photo shoot. It is of extreme importance that you adapt posing styles that reflect each particular look, to get effective and dynamic results from your photo shoots.

Posing Secrets - The Photographer's Essential Guide Vol.1  by Malcolm Boone is a unique and practical tool which will guide you step by step, in mastering the art of posing a model.  I strongly suggest that you give it a thorough look.  It is definitely worth the money!

Author: Michael Abela

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