Dress to impress – all of us have heard this saying at least once in our lives. And when it comes to wedding photographers, this statement needs to be taken seriously. While your couple may already be impressed by you and your skills, you never know who you can find at their wedding. You might just end up finding more leads, and therefore, it’s important to select an outfit that makes you look professional and also represents your brand. The wedding photographer’s dress code might change from wedding to wedding, but there are some general rules that you can apply to almost all of your wedding photography outfits. While female and male photographer attires may be different, dressing sharp, smart, and comfortable apply to both. However, this does not mean that it’s time for you to break out your couture gown or tuxedo either! If you are not sure about what to wear while you are on the job, we are here to help!
Quick Wedding Photography Outfit Tips
- Don’t dress like a guest
- Don’t stand out
- Pick comfort over style
- Pick clothes and shoes that let you move around
- Look sharp
A Basic Guide to the Wedding Photographer Dress Code
1. Dress Simple Yet Sharp
One thing you don’t want to do when you are photographing a wedding is stand out in the crowd. And don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to dress as a guest (unless your couple specifically asks you to adhere to a dress code). A pair of black slacks and a black blouse are usually acceptable and work as a female photographer attire. While black works well, you could also go for colors like beige, grey, or white. As for a male photographer’s attire, a pair of well-fitted trousers and a shirt are usually aligned with the wedding photographer’s dress code. We’d also suggest that even if you are photographing a summer wedding, whether you are a female or male photographer, stay away from shorts. Go for a material that allows your skin to breathe and absorb sweat when picking out an outfit for a summer wedding.
Bear in mind that you might just find more potential clients at your couple’s wedding, and an outfit that’s too casual might just make them question your professional ethics. Whether it’s a female photographer’s outfit or a male photographer’s outfit – both need to look professional and sharp while also making you feel at ease.
Suggested Read: 5 Ways to Connect With Potential Wedding Photography Clients
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Don’t forget that you will be on your feet all day, so invest in a pair of comfortable, high-quality shoes. Your job entails you to run around for hours – covering each angle and every moment. And for this, you definitely need shoes that won’t hinder your movement. Think about the area and the weather you are going to shoot in, and pick your footwear accordingly. Your shoes should be sturdy and be able to protect your feet from damage while also keeping you going (literally!). For female photographers, ballet shoes or shoes with a round toe will keep you comfortable. Heels and flip-flops are a definite no. For a winter wedding, you can also go with ankle boots. For male photographers, a smart pair of shoes that also supports movement works well for any wedding.
Suggested Read: How to Create Your Ultimate Wedding Photography Timeline
3. Avoid Wearing Jewelry
Heavy jewelry will attract too much attention, and it will also distract you from doing your job. You can wear understated earrings or necklaces that you wear daily, but make sure you don’t overdo it. Plus, it’s another responsibility. When you already have your camera equipment to look after, why add another task to your already loaded to-do list? Between photographing the wedding, meeting guests, and running around to make sure you don’t miss any important moments, constantly worrying about keeping your jewelry safe could add to your stresses.
4. Sunscreen and Other Protective Gear
Whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors – you need to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. So, no matter where you are photographing the wedding, keep SPF with you. A sunscreen with SPF 40 and above would work well for a wedding. A part of your photographer dress code also involves the protective gear that keeps you away from harm, especially in COVID times. If you have resumed photographing weddings in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, you must ensure that you are taking all the safety precautions. These include maintaining social distancing, wearing masks or face shields, and if it doesn’t interfere with the job, wear gloves as well. You can never be too safe!
Suggested Read: Staying Safe at COVID Weddings: A Guide for Wedding Photographers
5. When in Doubt, Ask Your Couple
If you find yourself panicking over the wedding photographer dress code because it’s a completely new location or kind of wedding, that’s okay. There’s a first time for everything. The solution to this problem can be fixed by reaching out to your couple. You are not expected to get everything right on the first go, and there’s nothing awkward or unprofessional about consulting your bride and groom for your outfit. After all, they might even have their own expectations. Moreover, if your couple belongs to a culture that you are not familiar with, ask them about any colors that might be a strict no. For example, some cultures consider white for celebration while others consider it a color of grief. At the end of the day, you want to keep your couple happy.
Further Read: Creating a Wedding Day Shot List
A photographer’s dressing style is not something everyone will pay attention to at a wedding, but your outfit still holds the power to speak for your brand. Wedding photographer attires can get tricky, but figuring out a wedding photographer dress code doesn’t have to be a tedious process each time. Keeping your venue and location in mind might make it easier for you to select an outfit. Stay sharp, look your best, and focus on your comfort. And remember, if you ever find yourself in doubt about what to wear at a wedding, it’s best to discuss with your couple and figure out what would be an appropriate outfit together.
At ShootDotEdit, we strive to serve you as best as we can! To help you dedicate more time to wedding photography, we lessen your post-production workload by taking editing off your plate. To know more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our price plans.
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