8.7.17 16

6 Easy Tips for Taking Outfit Photos

I originally started writing this post about taking outfit photos about 2 weeks ago, but never published it then. I just didn’t want it to be yet another fashion post without much substance. “Hello, today’s outfit is this and that.” Let’s face it, nobody got time for that.

BLOGGING CONFESSIONS

The past 3-4 months, I tried to post updates 3 times a week. If you ever tried writing consistently as a blogger, you know it requires a lot of time, focus, devotion and CONTENT. Shopping, preparing outfits and shooting photos is one thing (or 3). Putting together a post and a written copy is another.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to complain or pity myself. Let’s consider it my blogging confessions because I truly  love what I do. I just wanted to be transparent with you about what’s going on behind the scenes. Should I start a new series on this?

L. Erickson Photography

how to take outfit photos and look natural blogging confessions

SO. Instead of JUST talking about this fabulous Honey Punch dress I wore for the photo shoot, I’m going to talk about 6 Easy Tips For Taking Outfit Photos and how to look natural when you do it.


6 Easy Tips for Taking Outfit Photos


1. Mix it up and have fun with it.

Don’t get stuck with one pose throughout the entire photo shoot. Photographers don’t like it, and your viewers certainly won’t like it either. Of course, it’s good to have a signature pose but remember to move a little! Personally, my best shots are the candid “in between switching poses” ones. That just goes to show that even if you don’t nail a certain pose, the photographer can catch that movement right before leaving you with a perfect candid shot.

SIDE NOTE: I should have prefaced this post by saying I’m by no means a professional model. All tips I’m giving are simply what have worked for me (and my personality) in the past 4-5 years of being in front of the camera. #GirlsJustWannaHaveFun

2. Pretend like no one’s watching.

Like I mentioned before, my favorite shots are the candid ones. Most of the times, when people see me in front of the camera, they say I’m such a natural. Well, I always laugh at it because I still remember being very awkward in the photos when I was younger. What changed over the years? Probably my confidence and the fact that I don’t care as much what others will think of me. I treat every photo shoot as a fun time and it shows. Ask my photographers. 😉

outfit photos how to

3. High Heels, baby!

High heels are your best friend during the photo shoot. Well, that’s a lie. They are a pain, especially if you have to wear them in the dirt or other unexpected places. BUT, they will give you a better posture and a boost of confidence, which will show in the photos!


RELATED POST: How To Take Better Photos + My Photography Hacks

how to take better outfit photos Napa blogger

4. Move those hands.

Probably the most common requests I get from the photographers is to do something with my hands. A few tips that I can share on this is to: play with your hair (in a natural manner…), play with your accessories or hold on to something. Of course, there’s many other ways to do it, but those seem to work for me the best. Hands up (above my head) and behind or anything like that seem too posey on me and I just don’t feel like myself. If it works for you, that’s fabulous!

tips for taking outfit photos fashion blog Napa blogger

5. Suck it in, arch your back, but don’t forget to breathe. 😉

Let’s not forget about working on the right posture! I always ask my photographers to show me the photos during the photo shoot, so I can adjust whatever I didn’t do right before. Many times, we get a great shot BUT if I don’t like how the clothing looks around my belly, butt, or thighs, I will ask to shoot again. We all have some insecurities, right?

BONUS TIP

Sorry if it’s TMI, but ladies, STEER CLEAR from being captured on camera when you’re on your period! A swollen face and a tummy is not a good look. Of course, I’m talking from my own experience, maybe you’re glowing during those days… but for me… I swear. Every time I shoot photos while I don’t feel my best, IT SHOWS. And I know exactly why.


Are you a blogger or a model?

What are your tips for taking outfit photos? Any blogging confessions?


I’d love to know! There’s always a room for improvement. 😉

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16 Comments

  1. It can be so hard to come up with different poses when you’re shooting!

    Beauty & Colour | Vegan Lifestyle Blog

    Published 8.7.17
    Reply
  2. kashienka wrote:

    Ha! Good advice, girl 🙂 I love the last one – sooo true. I would add also no pictures when you’re in a bad mood. Even when you try to smile and pretend to be happy – camera shows your real mood! Your smile looks so fake then and everyone can see that deep inside you grit your teeth 😉

    Published 8.8.17
    Reply
  3. Ruth wrote:

    Wow this dress is amazing girl! Coming up with content can be so stressful at times. I usually take a little break if I’m not feeling it at times. Most of my pictures I usually have my hand in my hair! LOL. Blogger things.

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    Published 8.8.17
    Reply
  4. I love how natural you look in your photos Paulina, I think these are really great tips, particularly when you are not working with photographers that can help in directing your moves 🙂 I have always been quite photogenic, looking straight into the camera and smiling, so I am now practising the candid moments and badass attitude in my blog pics. We all need a challenge, right?
    Love your dress and the location, btw!
    Much love from rainy England,

    Saida | She talks Glam

    Published 8.8.17
    Reply
  5. Jessica wrote:

    Your photos are stunning and you’ve really mastered how to look good in photos! This dress is especially gorgeous on you!!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    Published 8.9.17
    Reply
  6. Brooke wrote:

    These are great tips!! I can be so awkward trying to take pictures, haha!

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

    Published 8.9.17
    Reply
  7. Such great tips! Mixing it up is always fun with poses!

    Published 8.9.17
    Reply
  8. Jackie wrote:

    You look beautiful and I love all these tips, Paulina! I agree it’s important to mix it up because it can get boring for people to see you in the same pose. I know I’m guilty of doing this sometimes. Thanks for sharing with us.

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    Published 8.9.17
    Reply
  9. TINA H wrote:

    Love the tips! And I definitely understand you on how time-consuming creating content constantly can be so you’re definitely not alone!

    xo Tina
    IG: @tinasweetheart
    http://www.tinasweetheart.com

    Published 8.9.17
    Reply
  10. Rina wrote:

    I couldn’t agree more with this post. And I love how you were so real and transparent in your preamble. It is definitely a difficult thing to upkeep a blog especially if you have a full-time job on top of it all. You really have to love it because in the beginning there isn’t a lot of return. I would totally be interested in a series on this!

    xoxo
    Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    Published 8.9.17
    Reply
  11. Amy Arnold wrote:

    These are great tips. I need to get better at doing something natural with my hands.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    Published 8.9.17
    Reply
  12. Jessi Malay wrote:

    Awesome tips girl, I feel like you’re such a pro at blogging. You make it look so easy when you model <3 That dress is gorgeous on you btw 🙂

    XO, Jessi
    http://www.mywhitet.com/bridal-makeup-inspo/

    Published 8.10.17
    Reply
  13. Ellese wrote:

    I needed to read this tonight! The reality of blogging and the fantasy of blogging are two different worlds. It takes so much work! But it is the best job ever. I would love to read more about your insight on blogging. It would be a great place to come and relate. Thanks for sharing. XO, Ellese

    Rock.Paper.Glam.

    Published 8.10.17
    Reply
  14. Alyssa wrote:

    These are really great tips 🙂 And your photos and outfit are really lovely.

    xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY

    Published 8.10.17
    Reply
  15. Ashley wrote:

    THANK YOU for this post! I would love to hear more tips and tricks when it comes to taking pictures. I’m pretty terrible at it!

    Published 8.10.17
    Reply
  16. Published 8.10.17
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