Photographer's Take on Intentional and Sustainable Wardrobes
In the realm of photography, where every click immortalizes a moment, the significance of a well-curated wardrobe cannot be overstated. Photographers understand that clothing choices aren't merely fabric; they're pivotal elements that contribute to the narrative of an image. Enter the concept of an intentional and sustainable wardrobe - a collection that transcends trends and serves a lifetime, both in everyday wear and the creative realms of photoshoots.
Intentionality in clothing choices involves selecting pieces that resonate with your personality and can seamlessly blend into various settings. A timeless black tank, a classic pair of faded jeans, or an oversized flannel serve as versatile canvases for a range of photographic narratives.
In photoshoots, such wardrobes play a transformative role. A well-worn leather jacket might exude rugged charm in an outdoor shoot, while a timeless suit can evoke a sense of elegance in a formal setting. These pieces, steeped in personal history, infuse authenticity into every frame, elevating the visual tale.
Personally, I always urge my clients to pick pieces that match their style/personality, while also being practical for our shoot. Face it: nobody enjoys running to Marshalls before their photoshoot. A lot of time, you’ll end up with stuff that doesn’t make sense in your closet, doesn’t fit, or just fails to look good on camera. For my lovely clients, I actually am more than happy to loan out pieces from my own wardrobe. As a photographer for years now, I feel like I have become skilled in the art of picking pieces for myself that are stylish, while not being “super trendy”. This way, I can keep items in my closet for years without worrying about flashy colors and prints that will likely cycle out of being considered “fashionable”.
So how do I do it? First of all, whenever I go shopping, I never buy the item the first time I see it. Instead, I’ll usually take a picture of the item, and try to think of ways I’d likely style the piece given my current wardrobe. A few general questions to keep in mind:
Does the color of this product mean it may be considered “trendy”? (think barbie pink slides, or a neon green tank top)
Will I be able to wear undergarments without having to worry about the cut, or seeing through the fabric?
Is the piece versatile enough to wear with different outfits/in different scenarios?
Is the piece made in a quality that will allow it to be worn for different seasons?
Can I wear this piece year-round, or is it seasonal?
For me, most of my wardrobe is actually kept out year round. I am careful about choosing colors that work well together, cuts that are comfortable to wear for work, leisure, and travel as well. For me, it’s super important that I have clothing that will look good in pictures as well (LOL). I’m currently having great luck shopping sales at Aerie/American Eagle, with a smidge of online shopping (like Amazon, *sigh*).
If you’re looking to start building a more intentional closet, or you’re just looking for guidance on styling that has versatility, make sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest, as I’m always sharing quick tips, inspo, and links to clothing that is cute, while not falling for “trends”.
Hope you find these tips useful!
