What do you wear?

[tensixteen64]

When you are out taking photos or if you are in a home doing portraits or at a party or wedding, what do you wear?

I'm getting ready to launch my own photography business for the local area and I'm not really sure what to wear.

When I'm out shooting things in DC, I was thinking of wearing a t-shirt advertising my business.

Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks for any help!

[Speedbird]

For weddings I try to look good but sorta casual at the same time. No need for tie and jacket, you are there to work. I wear dress pants and a shirt as well as a fishermans vest (the kind with many pockets to hold various lenses, flashes, batteries ect.) For portraits I just dress casual, jeans t shirt

Speedbird

[Pave]

Well, when I don't know where exactly I'm going I usually take army boots and the woodland BDU. It has already prooved a good idea to me, because the places I get to sometimes are...well...quite messy to say the least... For instance when I got into a swamp I got out with both boots only thanks to the army boots. Had I been wearing some trainers, I wouldn't have been able to pull the legs out without loosing them (the shoes I mean :) )...
And moreover when I'm off to take some shots of birds, rabbits and stuff like this it is good to wear something you can't spot to easily. I usually also take a fish net in order to hide under it with my camera mounted on a tripod with only the lens looking out... Last time I scared some guy walking a dog :D (I still can't understand what he was doing there) and took some shots of rabbits from the distance of about 4 meters (before the idiot of a dog scared them and they ran away) :)

[Riley]

wear what the clients would wear
well to a point, you dont want to totally degrade yourself

weddings you need a clean black suit

paparazzi rig is black shirt and a light jacket
the colour of the shirt hides the camera sling, the jacket does the rest

for wildlife wear what bush walkers wear,
you could take a camo smock one of the poncho types
that you can quickly take off and roll up, or
If it has to be a jacket, get some British DPM
its the best most durable uniform available
and get into a position where people just dont see you anyway

[tensixteen64]

Thanks for the replies. I plan on wearing nice shorts if I'm outside, maybe khakis for parties. I don't do weddings, so that's not a factor.

[fionndruinne]

I'd agree with the DPM camo jacket myself. Euro military duds tend to be miles more comfortable and practical than GI garb (jackets at least... BDU pants are very good). I am having fun with an east German rain camo jacket (softest cotton military cloth ever, oh-so-comfy), which is the best camo I've ever come across for a more faded, doesn't-catch-the-eye style (except in the big city), and a Swiss Alpenflage jacket, with its very non-military-esque, rather unique look when I'm not concerned with remaining unnoticed. Very durable, that one (have worn one for a good six years).

And so I betray my fashion choices. :rolleyes:

[TNB]

When you are out taking photos or if you are in a home doing portraits or at a party or wedding, what do you wear?
I try to wear "cargo shorts" most of the time since I usually shoot sports (unless pants and a vest are required), but in my opinion, it really depends on the type of photo, the venue, and the customer. Also, whether you want to blend in or stand out. For semi-formal, I'll go with dark pants and a dark polo shirt with my own small logo embroidered on the front done in fine detail and not tastless. And thus far, I have passed on the formal tux and tie treatment since I am still trying to have fun at the game. ;)


And moreover when I'm off to take some shots of birds, rabbits and stuff like this it is good to wear something you can't spot to easily.
Is this to hide from other people or the animals? I'm just wondering since I was informed that a lot of animals are color blind--the movement and smell tends to give a lot of people away.

[Vich]

At a wedding I pretty much wear nice wrinkle free slacks, a dark and dressy button-up shirt that's not loud nor over the top, a tie, shined shoes, and I bring a dark brown corduroy sports coat that's designed for mobility. Last week's was hot so I left the coat in the car. I also forgot the tie, but that was not intentional.

I feel it's disrespectful to dress down to someone's wedding - and I feel out of place. However; I'd feel like a jerk wearing a tux too. I see other wedding photographers wearing cheap suits (polyester even) and decided that's not for me. It's too much work to wear a nice one since they're stiff.

For portrait sessions I'll wear very casual and clean. Last one was shorts, barefooted, and polo shirt. I knew the clients (3rd meeting) and they're not stiff. I would never hesitate to wear shorts to a private shooting.

But then; I've only done 5 weddings and about 10 official portrait/e-session meets. I've also not been concerned about return business, presenting a knock-out image, etc. My business cards don't even have a photo on them.

[Turn]

Wedding: Dress pants and a button up shirt
Sports: shorts/jeans and T shirt but not bogan
Pro Portraits: whatever looks decent unless you're already big and it doesn't matter <--Hypothetical I've yet to do so

[Rhys]

Fishnet stockings and a mini-skirt. That way - everybody looks at you when it's time for the groups shots/portraits!

Seriously, I'd say some smart black trousers, a white shirt and a black waistcoat to carry gear. I would not carry a separate bag.

[Pave]

I'd agree with the DPM camo jacket myself. Euro military duds tend to be miles more comfortable and practical than GI garb (jackets at least... BDU pants are very good). I am having fun with an east German rain camo jacket (softest cotton military cloth ever, oh-so-comfy), which is the best camo I've ever come across...
I guess you guys in the US can't possibly get your hands on Czech camo but if you could I'd really recommend it to you. Although it is bit heavier than the BDU the US army uses it is much more water resistant, durable and much warmer (which is why I prefer the US woodland and desert BDUs during summer).



Is this to hide from other people or the animals? I'm just wondering since I was informed that a lot of animals are color blind--the movement and smell tends to give a lot of people away.
Yes, some animals really are colorblind (but some aren't). Anyway what you need to hide (both from an animal and a human) is to hide the outline of your body...that is why I also mentioned I use the fish net. Movement is something you simply have to avoid and smell is something you can hardly do anything about...all you can do is to face against the wind...