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,
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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.