How To Choose Clothes That Look Good On Camera
You are casually scrolling through your social media feed on your Smartphone, unconsciously skipping through most of the content as if on autopilot. Then out of nowhere pops a visual that grabs your attention ~ a well-known influencer adorned in the most exquisite lace dress! Your fingers have ceased to move, and the next thing you know is,
That page is loading…
It happens to all of us. Millions of pages are added on social media every day, and with all of them trying to catch our eye, the content needs to stand out from the rest and appeal to our senses. This is precisely why Visual Content is the new buzzword in the field of content marketing. It seems a bit unfair to other creative means of expression, but it’s true that even the most aesthetically worded pieces can sometimes draw a blank if they do not come paired with appealing images. Hence as visual content on social networks has grown, so too has the emphasis on storytelling with pictures.
So, what are you to do with this new spotlight on visuals? I’m not going to mislead you; the speciality of blogger photography comes down to the science of photographic composition, the high fashion garment, and the model. I have worn and shot a range of clothes in my blogging career, covering the entire arc from traditional Indian weaves to Western silhouettes, and I can honestly say that some clothes photograph a lot better than others. In this post, I share my secrets on how to put together the most photogenic clothes and accessories so that your visuals emerge stunning!
Lipstick Under My Earrings
Statement earrings are often overlooked amidst a deluge of other costume jewellery. But when you pick them correctly, they bring in some extra interest. Drop earrings have great transformational power too, as they help in elongating your face in the frame. I have found this particularly important when experimenting with Indian outfits.
But what really raises the dynamics of a photo to the next level is a vibrant red lip! Besides holding the power to warm your skin tone, bold red lips also make you look sensual while adding an air of confidence that is sure to reflect via the photographer’s lens. Consequently, the importance of the iconic red lip goes without saying.
The Correct Sunglasses
Wearing oversized sunglasses lets you bring a movie-star like allure into your photos. And in my opinion, they make a strong statement without your having to utter a single word. In the recent past, the micro sunglasses definitely had their moment, but I don’t think they’ll ever outlive oversized frames. So, put on your favourite pair of oversized sunglasses to create an air of mystery or to look carefree and nonchalant!
Go Maxi!
Maxi dresses are all the more complimenting on camera due to their flowy material; they dance with the wind and give you the look and feel of a liberated soul. I can literally spend hours explaining why maxi dresses are a fantastic choice, not just for your visuals but also for daily life. You want to make a fashion statement at a pool party? A maxi dress is the best card up your sleeve. You want to shoot an aesthetic twirl video? There isn’t a better choice. Maxis also do well with a variety of accessories. E.g. cinch in the waist with a belt; I have found both wide statement belts and skinny belts to look amazing.
‘Wide’ Is The Word
Flared or wide pants offer several advantages over skinny fits. Wider hemlines, for one, elongate the body and make the wearer look taller in photos. Want to take it a step further? Pair your exaggerated pants with heeled boots or platforms to boost the overall picture. You could also consider adding a slimmer silhouette at the top to balance out the entirety of the look if you think your outfit is a bit bottom heavy.
Fitted Silhouettes
Soft tailored pieces continue to be a push from all the biggest labels and designers. Fitted jackets in particular would create a sharp silhouette thereby accentuating your body’s natural shape. This tip will come in handy for winter, to help you stay on top of fashion trends while keeping you warm. You could take it up a notch by skipping your typical beige and browns for something more vibrant. Combine with exciting accessories to bring playfulness to the visuals.
Stand Tall
Lastly, add some confidence-boosting high heels. We often have a love-hate relationship with high-heels, but hardly anyone would deny the boost it gives our appearance. With high-heels, you stand taller, your femininity is better projected, and your legs will look leaner. Studies have even proven that women who wear high heels feel better about themselves; which means that how you feel will clearly reflect on how you look in pictures, believe it or not.
Now, looking beyond the most photogenic clothes, I also wish to add some quick tips for taking fabulous pictures:
- Say “Cheese”: If you are thinking of sarcastic jibes like “Oh, I didn’t know I had to smile”, that’s not really the point here. Ever wondered how celebrities present a unique and personalised smile every time they face the camera? Well, if you want to bring the best smile on to the frame, over and again, you have to practice. Click a score of selfies, try different smiles, find a good looking one, and practice it to perfection.
- The Correct Posture: If you stand flat-footed and face the camera head-on, it’s only going to make you look awkward and needlessly bulky in photos. This is how you create a more flattering shot: move your weight to one leg, slightly bend your other knee, place your right or left hand on one side of your body at the hip, and then angle your body. I’m sure you’ve seen models emulating this pose a lot during fashion week. Also, do not try something uncomfortable; just be natural in front of the lens.
- Lights can Make or Break the Photo: You would expect your photographers to know their craft, but I have to state the importance of lighting. It can break or make your photo. For outdoor shots, right after sunrise and just before sunset provides the ideal setting. Indoor lighting is a more complex art, as you have to make sure to avoid harsh shadows that can exaggerate skin imperfections.
- The Photographer: Anyone with a DSLR would work, but might not give you the results you are looking for. I have worked in front of the camera for a long time, and I can tell you that photographers with artistic vision matter. It’s the subtle changes in angles, the careful alterations to lighting, and their keen aesthetic sense that makes a world of difference in the final output.
To conclude: I know it sounds simple enough, but a lot of pieces have to come together to create a stunning image. It’s not beyond you; just pay attention to the basic rules to put together the most photogenic clothes. Then pick the right accessories, be natural, and the results will show up on the frame.
BTS 🙂
What silhouettes do you most enjoy being photographed in? I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered, too! Share with me in the comments below.
There’s something for everyone on this list, and the truth is that mastering some of the basics of fashion will help you to build and polish a unique style that suits you very well! I’m thankful you spare your time to curate such posts, Tanya. 🙂
So glad to hear this, Kanchan! Thank you very much for sharing my views.
Beautiful! Posts like these are proof that content is indeed Queen! 🙂 Apart from being a very powerful fashion statement, I feel that a women’s suit that fits like it’s tailored, will not only make you feel feminine, but also more powerful!
Thank you for your sensitivity in seeing it, Vrunda.
Beautiful saree; looking very royal, Tanya. ❤️❤️❤️ To add to your post, a proper belt will boost any outfit. Additionally, it will accentuate your figure if worn the appropriate way by making your waist appear smaller.
I’m thankful you spare your time to read my posts, Divyanka. Thank you for sharing.
This post is heartwarming in so many ways! ✨ I agree that accessorising is what confers a personal touch on an outfit, which then translates via photos. Anyone could pull it off, by just thinking about what they’re wearing a little more.
One important part of your look is definitely the way you accessorise it. Thank you for stopping by, Ruchika.
Such a stunner of a tulle sari; the blouse takes it many notches higher! ❤️ Well, I have learned to embrace my shape and love all its imperfections… I have also learned through experience that a V-neck makes my torso look longer, and wearing nude pumps does wonders for my leg length!
Thank you for resonating with this and your sweet appreciation, Ankita.
Looking stunning, Tanya! Love the colour of your saree and the blouse’s embroidered design. 🙂 Coming to the post ~ you just made my life much simpler with these clever fashion ideas… helping me to look my best at every photo opportunity!
Very kind of you, dear Priyanka. Thank you!
This sari is so beautiful, and you more so in it! ❤️ Lovely & thoughtful post, too. Being self-conscious, and most importantly, informed – can solve many insecurities when having photos taken. We can, of course, adjust our choices, but most of these tips will work for any woman out there.
Absolutely right you are, Shireen. Thank you!
So here I am, back on your post, to comment. 🙂 I saw, admired you, appreciated warmth in the post and went on to the inspiration behind! And before I forget, you look stunning in this ensemble. The blouse has added so much to this fine saree, and your jewellery is blending in so beautifully too. ❤️
So very flattered by your comment, Krishna. Many thanks!
That saree is a dream, Tanya ✨ and you look graceful in it. Wonderful influencers like you make this world a little better than what it is… Beautiful share, like always.
I’m humbled, Bhavna. Thank you so much!
Such a gorgeous saree, and lovely post! ❤️ I can now choose pieces that will fit and flatter when having my pictures taken, and discard those that don’t without blaming my body. My only regret is not doing this years ago…
Thank you for your sweet words, Apeksha.
You look so amazingly beautiful, Tanya! That is such an elegant tulle saree, and the blouse makes it even more classy! Loved your jewellery, too. ✨ By the way, luxury just shines out from your photographs! Inspiring work, keep it up!
Means the world coming from you, Shreya. Thank you so very much!
Love everything about this shoot ~ beautifully shot and styled! 🙂 And, your posts are always so articulate and beautiful ~ thank you for these tips.
Thank you very much, Sunali. Your words encourage me a lot!
Omg, stealing the show! ✨
We learn to dress ourselves around, what, kindergarten? Yet choosing clothes somewhere along the way became a despair-inducing activity… Thankfully, I’m a major believer in learning things (I’m not well prepared for) from people who are more experienced than I am!
I’m so glad you resonate with this, Rajeshwari. Thank you very much indeed!
What a beautiful post! There are so many things that can come up when you go through the process of deciding how you want to present yourself… so, thank you for this gem! Your writing is always sophisticated, and your photographs always impress!
Aw ~ you’ve made my day, Pavana! Thanks so much.
Such a vibrant and elegant saree, and an even more beautiful person wearing it! ❤️ Keeping these wonderful tips in mind… I bet I will look, feel, and sound fabulous for the cameras! 😀
Oh, so sweet! Thank you very much, Sayantani.
Beautiful you, and I love this bright coral saree! ✨ As always, your words have reminded me of the reality of the world today… The feeling of not knowing what to wear when appearing on camera can be an overwhelming experience indeed! Thanks for the insight.
Thank you for reading my blog, Puja, and sharing such kind thoughts about my writing.
Love the way you write, gorgeous! What a fresh photoshoot too, enjoying the pictures immensely… I can almost imagine the applause! 😀 Wishing you all the best for whatever’s left of 2020 and beyond…
Sending you great positive vibes, Amritpal!
Oh my goodness, Tanya! These shots of you in that stunning sari are absolutely beautiful, and your narratives are always so wonderful to read! ❤️ Great editorial, well done!
Thank you, Janaki. Love your affectionate thoughts!
Stunning work, as usual! ✨ Well, I ensure that the clothes I pick make me feel good about myself, and it’s also important to me to wear something that reflects my style correctly…
Thank you for reading through and appreciating, Mrunalini!
Wow ~ beautiful bright saree and you are looking gorgeous! ❤️ The article is captivating, as well. If I have an upcoming date booked with a camera, your tips will certainly help me look my best!
Happy to have your warm appreciation, Neeti. I value it so.
I am sure this saree is a treasure for you with the beauty it brings! 🙂 Also, your writing skills are exceptional, and these photos are extraordinary! Beautiful post overall.
Thank you for these kind words, Priyanka. They’re highly valued!
I’m in love with every single shot here! ❤️ Just so you know, I’ve never invested time or thought in wardrobe choices when I have my pictures taken… I’ll spare you the rant of daily self-improvement, and instead say, I truly appreciate your tips!
I’m overjoyed to receive your compliment, Archana. Thank you!
You look stunning in this bright red saree, Tanya! And, I always love reading your posts. You’re an epitome of a true fashionista, yet so humble and graceful. ✨
Aww ~ that’s very kind of you, Shabnam. Thank you!
Such is the magic of sarees, each has its own story… And yours are so inspiring! ❤️ Lovely you, and your tips are truly appreciated.
Such heartfelt appreciation, Soundarya! Truly treasured.
Words of wisdom… and you look so elegant! ✨ While it’s true that the colour of my clothes may appear as a minor item, but it adds a great deal of value to visuals. And perhaps via this article, you have provided me with some useful advice about what to wear on camera. Thank you!
I’m delighted to hear this! Thank you for sparing your time to read through, Shobha.
Thanks for sharing this wonderfully informative post, Tanya, I loved how you talked about every detail from clothes to jewellery to wear to look photogenic. Really helpful. xx
Thanks so much, Aakriti! Hope your week is going well.
Thank you for sharing this informative blog with us, Tanya. ✨ It’s very helpful for beginners who are confused about choosing the right clothes for photography. I’d like to add that I was recently advised to have a light meal, so my stomach didn’t announce itself in the middle of the shoot (haha)!
I’m so glad you like my post, Shakuntala. Have a wonderful week!