My closet is not a good representation of my style.
Or is it? Sure, I can open the door, walk in, grab a few articles and get by with it. But is that what I want to do? Aside from rainy days like today where I am spending a good deal of face time with an inanimate object, namely my computer, I think I would prefer that my style is solid and without question.
As a Portrait Photographer, “What should I Wear?” is probably the most common question I am asked. And it is a great question. Long answer: something that is flattering to your body shape, has good color tonality that compliments your skin and accents your eyes. Well fitted are words that often come to mind. As do wrinkle free and sans coffee stains. Then we get down to shoes, belts and other accessories.
I do have quite a vast selection of magazines such as Elle, GQ, Cosmo and so forth. These are awesome for Pinterest fodder. But in general, they are wonderful eye-candy and create a dangerous compulsion to want and need what is found within the pages. Not really sources of answers to the original question… “What Should I Wear?”
Better answer to the question – sort of
Blindly grabbing an outfit on portrait day is a risky proposition. Handing me the keys to your wardrobe closet may be equally dangerous. Your Style is yours and yours alone. Of course there may be subtle nods or innuendos to a certain style, but sooner or later there are elements that have to be distilled down to you and only you. What is my rambling-in-countess-directions point? Clothing and Style are super important and I do not have all the answers. But I am working on getting them.
Some coffee and pastries
Today I sat down with two amazing women: Lynn Ramsey and Marny Fyfe. One, Lynn, the owner of dry cleaning and laundry service Village Cleaners and Shirt Laundry. The other, Marny, the owner of wardrobe makeover service Urban Sass. Our commonality? We want our clients to look amazing. Our focus, day in and day out, is singularly that. Each of us, in our own way, are continuously advocating the Personal Brand. You.
Brand is huge in my book. I rant about it all over my blog and speak about it every chance I get. A key point I make over and over is the significance wardrobe is to branding. I am looking very forward to what comes of this little triad of fashion-consciousness and believe together, the three of us can cull our resources in to something quite unique. Blog posts, tips and suggestions, who knows what else. Moreover, well prepared, well dressed clients that look and feel amazing during their Portrait Session. (That last part does sound a little self-serving but I am sure my cohorts will not take offence.)
A work in progress
Being in need of new suit, Marny has agreed to join me on my adventure to the Men’s Warehouse. The caveat, I need to take a self-portrait wearing my most current suit and then contrast it with a portrait in my new suit. I suppose I am due for a new self-portrait.
I guess that will be the next article in this little endeavor – “What Not to Wear.” My current suit is quite old. Good back story on it though. I will share that in a couple of days. Perhaps I will have Lynn clean it before I shoot, rather photograph, myself in it.
Got a free minute or two? Check out Lynn and Marny on the web or shoot ‘em an email and tell them I recommended you.
Lynn Ramsey of Village Cleaners
Marny Fyfe of Urban Sass
Until next post, thanks for reading and be sure to share, re-use, tweet or whatever strikes your fancy.
Most importantly is making sure that the message, or messages, you want to coney are clear. Building off of that makes directing the shoot and creating the appropriate look quite natural.
