Photoshoot preparation guide – what to wear

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.

• 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.  

• If you have seen any examples of the types of photos you would like (Instagram, Pinterest etc) please take screenshots and send to me before the shoot. Every photographer has their own unique style but it’s always helpful to see a few examples if the client has some ideas in mind so I can prepare with the right equipment.
• Have all your outfits ready to go as soon as you arrive. Lifestyle shoots can be very fast-paced and there won’t be time to ‘play around’ with outfits during the allocated shoot appointment.

• Please wear comfortable clothing. The best clothing for a lifestyle shoot is an outfit that you feel great in when living, and not just standing still. Something you can move comfortably in, sit, stand and not have to “think about” too much.  But if you need some tips…

> Loose, soft layers are flattering on all body shapes, and look the best in photos. Avoid tight, stretchy clothing – or at least avoid this from head to toe, so go for loose flowing pants with a tank top, or go for skinny jeans with a loose flowing shirt. 

> Choose light colours and fine prints over dark colours and large prints. 

> Tonal dressing looks amazing especially when the lifestyle shoot is to show off a beautiful Airbnb’s interior spaces: all whites, all creams, all soft browns, all soft blues etc etc

> Natural textures and fibres are best in 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 – the same advice as clothing – the style that you feel good in is always the best option. For those with longer or curly hair – adding a little extra body can look great in photos. Avoid tight ponytails unless that is part of the style you have planned for.

• 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 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.