If you’re here, it means you’ve found your location to create the perfect photo aesthetic. If you haven’t you should definitely head over to my last post before reading this one. It explains why location is key and tips on how to find the best spot. Next up in this series is the second component, your style. What you or the subject of your photos is wearing is just as important as your backdrop. I’ve enlisted Westchester County stylist, Erin O’Keefe to share her professional advice on finding your style.
So, now that your location is picked out for your personal style, engagement, family photos and the like now it’s time to decide what to wear…
Photo Aesthetic: Finding Your Style with Erin O’Keefe
(‘S’ will note when I’m sharing my tips and ‘E’ will note when it’s Erin)
1. How does one define their style (preppy, girly, edgy etc.)?
S – There are SO many styles to choose from. Start with either your favorite item in your closet or items you are most comfortable in. Now that you’ve got those items in your head, are they dressy or more casual? Are they monotone or colorful? Write down a few characteristics that describe your style to help you can define
it!
E – You might not think you have a personal style, but you actually do! Pull out the items you wear the most. I am sure there are things in your closet that you bought because you liked it, but never wear. Ask yourself: What’s the common theme? What words come to mind? Does this fit with your personality? That’s your style. It’s also ok to be a style chameleon. I enjoy dressing up so much, some days I am more preppy, chic or surfer than others. However, I am never edgy. It just doesn’t fit with my personality.
2. So now that you’ve defined your style, when you want to have photos taken of you, your loved ones or for blog or business photos, how do you stay true to your style? How do you find an outfit that’s interesting for these special photos but also ‘you’?
E- It’s important to think about your goal for the photo. Are you looking to be an ‘everywoman’ or someone who’s quirky? Choose one word or sentence that conveys the feeling you want to project. Always think of that first. You might love a location or outfit, but if it doesn’t fit into that phrase you’ve decided on then it won’t make sense.
If you have this consistent vision and execution, then you can play around with the extras. Maybe there’s a really special pair of sunglasses, hat or a prop that will give the photo that extra oomph. And it’s ok to deviate a little from your style with regards to the location or your outfit to get a unique shot, but not both at the same time.
S – I absolutely agree with creating a goal and sticking to it. You should also tweak your style for your location. Say you’re taking engagement photos and your style is more on the casual side. It’s ok to be a little extra that you usually are, but don’t purchase a crazy gown or drive yourself insane looking for the most elaborate item. Ask yourself will I wear this again? If the answer is no, most likely this item isn’t ‘you’.
3. You’ve selected an amazing location for your photos. How do you connect your outfit / choose the best outfit for your location?
E – I like to think about color first and foremost. Do you want your outfit to ‘pop’ or kind of blend in? Think about the coloring of your background and either choose something that will coordinate- like colors or something that is a contrast, but doesn’t clash. Last winter during one of the endless snowstorms my area had, I chose to wear a bright, tropical print dress. The dress completely popped off of the white background and acted as a visual contrast.
S – If I’m not sure about my outfit for a particular location I like to use magazines for inspiration. Editorials are a great form of inspiration as someone’s already matched outfits with location tenfold.
4. How do you deal with those moments of defeat when you feel like you have nothing to wear? Or when you feel nothing is right for the type of shoot you’re doing?
E – When you are feeling completely stuck with your clothing options, it’s important to take a second and walk away. When I am styling for an editorial photo shoot, I always pick one piece and then build an outfit around that. I suggest challenging yourself. Pull out an article of clothing you haven’t thought about in years, think about it in a new way and build an outfit around that. Don’t just pair it with the same shirt or bottom you always wore it with.
Create something new! It’s actually really fun to repurpose that article of clothing you never find yourself wearing anymore.
S – When nothing is right for the type of shoot you are doing, try and focus on mood instead. When someone else looks at your finished photos what do you want them to feel? Doing this can help change your focus and help you narrow your outfit down!
I hope these tips help you with finding your style for your next shoot! For the perfect photo aesthetic start with your location. Next up we discussed finding your style. To recap, first you must define your style. Stay true to your style by going with items you would normally wear and make it special by adding accessories. Connect your outfit to your location by starting with color, do you want to match or pop? Finally, in moments of defeat, you can challenge yourself or use mood to guide you!
Don’t forget to follow Erin O’Keefe on Instagram and check out her site too for more style tips and inspiration! Thanks, Erin for collaborating with me on this post!
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Amazing information and I can’t wait to use these tips ??