This is a guide for lifestyle photoshoots at your Airbnb, or for lifestyle shoots around your business. A few tips on what to wear and how to pack on the day of your shoot.
Planning ahead:
- Consider the weather, and check the forecast: it’s important that you are comfortable on the day of your shoot, especially if we will be taking photos outdoors. Dress warmly with a few different interchangeable layers in cool weather, and dress light with 1-2 softer layers in warm weather.
- Consider the location. If it’s a beach house then generally we will want casual, ‘beachy’ outfits like summer dresses, shorts and shirts, loose flowing pants, sandals. If it’s a forest cabin, then generally we will want cozy outfits like jeans and jumpers, beanies, boots, jackets.
- Take a look on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for some ideas, look up hashtags or search for #beachhouse #cabininthewoods #winetasting #girlsweekend – whatever the mood of your shoot is.
- Have all your outfits ready to go as soon as you arrive. Lifestyle shoots can be very fast-paced and there probably won’t be time to play around with outfit ideas during the allocated shoot appointment.
Clothing:
>Wear comfortable clothing. The best clothing for a lifestyle shoot is an outfit that you feel great in. Something you can move comfortably in, sit, stand and not have to “think about” too much.
> Loose, soft layers are flattering on all body shapes, and look the best in photos. Avoid really tight, stretchy clothing and active wear (unless it’s a sporty shoot!).
> Choose light colours and fine prints over dark colours and large prints.
> Tonal dressing in softer or lighter colours looks amazing especially when the lifestyle shoot is to show off beautiful interior spaces – dress in all creams, all soft browns, all soft blues etc etc
> One bright piece in red, blue or yellow is great for outdoors photos, bring a brighter coloured jacket or scarf to add interest to these shots.
> Natural textures and fibres are best for photos – denim, knits, linens, cottons.
- Try on a few outfits in front of the mirror at home and move around in some different poses. Don’t forget to consider how tops/shirts look if leaning forward, sitting and standing straight up tall (eg avoid gaping or ‘popping’ buttons).
- Watch out for short skirts or shorts – check you can move comfortably without revealing anything you’re not happy to.
- Consider the right undergarments, and ensure they are completely invisible when sitting, standing and bending over.
- You may like to bring a choice of 2-3 jackets or cardigans to change up your style during the shoot and to keep warm if it’s a cooler day.
- Hats, sunglasses, handbags, backpacks and shopping baskets can all make great accessories and can add interest to your photos so feel free to bring these along.
- Don’t forget footwear – bring the right shoes for your outfit and make sure they’re clean.
- Makeup: natural and softer tones are best, avoid glossy or shimmery makeup. Check your makeup in a mirror in natural light.
- If you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup I suggest the following as a simple way to feel polished for photos: a matte finishing powder for facial skin, a brow tidy up, a tinted lip balm and mascara.
- Hairstyle – keep it neat, add a little extra body and avoid pulling long hair really tight off the face. A soft pony tail, a loose bun, or hair out (if it’s not windy!) always looks great in photos.
- Don’t forget to bring any items you may like for touch-ups during the shoot.
- On the day don’t forget a bottle of water to keep hydrated if we’ll be shooting outdoors, and a mirror for makeup touch ups especially in hot weather.
- Pack everything you need into 1-2 small bags that you can easily grab and move during the shoot because we may need to move your stuff to keep it out of the shots as we’re working around the space where the photos are being taken.