The clothing she wears

(Click on photos to enlarge)

For a photoshoot, I'm usually fine with what the model selects for clothing as long as no patterns, lines, or logos are present (unless they're something easily removable in Photoshop). Patterns and lines may draw the viewer's attention away from the model, while logos are usually copyrighted, possibly causing issues if the images are sold commercially.
​
However, there are some clothes that especially interest me. I love almost anything that’s vintage or a vintage reproduction. I’m also partial to lacy and seriously feminine garments. Offbeat costumes are great too. I’m crazy about big gowns that seem to envelop the wearer. Perhaps most importantly, if the model's excited about a specific outfit, I'm usually happy with her wearing it for at least one setup.

Astrid's fancy costume contrasts nicely with her mother's simple shirt.

Then there are white clothes and black clothes. I think white clothing can sometimes create an ethereal feeling, while something black can produce a mystical or sensual vibe, depending on the context. While I love their extreme tones, lighting them may be tricky. I don’t want to blow out the whites or block-up the blacks. However, since even fairly extreme tones can be easily modified in Photoshop, this is rarely an issue.

A warning - black or very dark clothing can highlight unpleasant things such as hair, dust, or other crud. It’s not always apparent to the naked eye, but can be painfully obvious when opening the image in Photoshop. When a model is wearing something dark, I keep a clothes brush nearby, trying to remember that it needs to be used regularly.

No matter what she's wearing, however, I request that her tops and dresses have long sleeves. This is for three reasons: Long sleeves don’t suggest any specific season which, if it did, could limit how the image might be used; they add a slimming look to the arms; they cover things I don’t want visible such as scars, cuts, and tattoos. In addition, I’ll request that nothing elastic be worn, especially on the sleeves, since cinch marks may appear where the elastic contacts the skin.

​FREE T-SHIRT
​​...when you sign up for a One-To-One Workshop​!! This is a Fruit-Of-The-Loom, 98% cotton shirt. It has my absolutely gorgeous logo (see top of page) printed on the front. Available sizes are men's medium, large, and extra-large. These shirts may also be purchased.

I wanted to show a woman having just arrived home after an exhausting day at work. I liked the idea of her being too tired to even remove her coat.

I don’t want the model feeling physically confined by her clothes. This can happen with tight garments that restrict movements or short clothing, such as skimpy tops and skirts, that may inadvertently show her underwear or body parts she’d rather keep private. If this is a constant concern for her, it will negatively affect her posing. For getting the great shots, it's critical she wear clothing that will allow for free movement and keep the body parts she wants covered, covered.

I had just told Emmy that she looked like a giant pink cupcake.

The effect of certain undergarments can have a huge effect on an image. For example:
Bras - Visible bra straps, for certain photos, may work well. They can add an interesting design element to the image if they complement the rest of the outfit. An example would be an exposed bra strap with clothing that’s generally disheveled. However, there are situations where a visible bra strap may look sloppy and ruin the look of an outfit - for example, when one sneaks out from under a strap on a formal dress. If there’s a chance one or both might become visible in an untidy way, a strapless bra is a must.
Pantyhose - Hose is wonderful for covering cuts and bruises, and to smooth out the legs. Having the model wear a pair often saves me significant Photoshop time. On the other hand, certain types produce a distracting sheen, making the legs look unnaturally shiny. In addition, I've found that many models hate the feel of pantyhose. So, I let them decide whether or not they'll wear a pair.
Sliming Underwear - I'd never suggest to a model that she wear this type of underwear, but having some on under her clothes does create a nice slimming effect on the body.

If I photograph at the model’s house or apartment, I’ll usually select clothing by going through her closet and bureau (with her permission, of course), pulling outfits and setting them aside. Other than previously mentioned, I’m not looking for anything specific, just whatever catches my eye. Determining which clothes will work depends on where the shot will take place, the props, the lighting, the concept, and, most importantly, whether or not she wants to wear what I've selected.​

Along with the patterned shower curtain, her dress adds some flavor to an otherwise boring location.

With girls and teens, I want their clothing to be age appropriate, according to my standards. I want nothing that may be suggestive. At times, I’m the one who must tone down what they want to wear. On the other hand, according to more than one mother, what I may find inappropriate actually is what “all the girls her age are wearing these days”.

Accessories can be important for almost any outfit. Her look can be improved significantly with the right adornment. I’ll often ask to see the model’s hats, shawls, veils, scarves, and anything else she thinks might work well with what she's wearing. In addition, I’ll bring a variety of props that can be used as accessories.
​
I rarely mention anything about shoes to the model. Unless I want to feature them in a picture, they’re not really important to me. If she asks, and especially if there’s a pair she’d like to wear, I’m happy to show them off in a few shots.

I wanted Jannie to wear something earth tonish - to pretty much match her skin - to set her apart from the failed math test she's holding. 

The three pictures below show Kira wearing a few of the wonderful outfits she and her mother brought to our photo shoot, which was at a rented studio. I always ask the model to bring a variety of clothing and accessories if we’re shooting away from her house or apartment. They don't always do that, however. But Kira and her mother brought several beautiful and distinctive items to wear, allowing for a variety of shooting possibilities.

CONTACT PETER
to schedule a class or
​for more information

Ariana, below, always brings great clothes and accessories to our photo shoots. In this shot, I love the contrast between her very feminine dress and stockings and her boyfriend's tough-guy leather jacket. Also, I think the addition of the little girl’s doll being held haphazardly adds an interesting element to the setup.

​And now for hoodies. Boy, do I love hoodies! I carry a few shirts-with-hoodies in my prop bag. It’s perfect for quickly changing the entire look of the model. This is especially true if it fits loosely, since it can cover and therefore hide whatever she’s wearing without having to first remove the clothing.
​
To me, and maybe to the model, wearing a hoodie can provoke an air of mystery and disquiet, feelings I often want displayed in her poses.

It’s interesting seeing what the model does with the hoodie once it's on her body. For that reason, I’ll wait before making any posing suggestions. I'll watch carefully as she puts it on and adjusts it - ready to bark out a request to hold her position so I can take a picture.

Finally, it’s fascinating how the model quickly realizes the prop potential of the hoodie’s drawstring. Many times she'll grab each end and begin playing with them, using both as posing aids that will often add more interest to the shot. Having the drawstring gives her more confidence, I believe, since she now has something to do with her hands.

CONTACT PETER
to schedule a class or
​for more information