Do you have an equine portrait photoshoot (or any kind of photoshoot) coming up and have no clue what to wear?
I am here to help!
As part of your photoshoot experience, I like to do a pre-shoot advice call about 1-2 weeks before your shoot. We chat through everything from locations, the must-have shots you want from your session, how to get you and your horse ready and outfits and styling.
You might take one look at your wardrobe and have no idea where to start, so I have a few suggestions to get you inspired.
My most important piece of advice I say to all of my clients is you have to feel good in the clothes you choose for your shoot. There is no point deviating from your personal style and going WAY out of your comfort zone, because when you look back on those images, you know it that you didn’t feel that confident in your outfit and it will come through in the final result.
Define your style
If I asked you “what is your personal style?” would you know the answer?
When my friend was wedding dress shopping, she was asked this very question and she didn’t have a clue. However, us bridesmaids there with her could easily describe her style, the colour palette she tends to wear and the styles she tends to avoid. So start by asking your friends to describe your style to you.
Next take a look at your existing wardrobe. What is the overall defining style; country casual, boho chic, elegant? What are the most common colours, is it bold and bright or soft and pastel? Pull the items from your wardrobe that you know you look great in and love to wear and see if a theme is developing.
Embrace Pinterest – this is the first place I go to when creating mood boards and inspiration for myself and my clients ahead of shoots. Save your favourite looks and see if you have them already in your wardrobe or could the addition of a few select pieces tie it all together?
Try something new. This is where raiding friends’ wardrobes can help – that dress of theirs you covet, try it on and see if that style/cut/colour suits you. I have had clients come to their shoot in borrowed shoes, jackets and much more from friends and family. I have even had a client borrow my spare pair of shoes that I keep in the car! Sharing is caring after all.
By doing all of the above, you can shop smarter not harder when filling your wardrobe. I always say that a shoot is a great excuse to buy those pair of shoes you have been wanting for a while, or that dress you keep adding to your online cart. It is easy to get overwhelmed if fashion isn’t your forte, but by keeping it simple you can add quality not quantity to your wardrobe.
I recommend having a final collection of around 3 outfits for your equine portrait photoshoot: casual, smart casual and smart. This ensures you get variety in your images, plus gives you the best opportunity to show off your own personal style.
Now one person’s smart look is another person’s casual – there is no pressure to go full dramatic ballgown if that is just not your vibe.
The Casual Look
The casual look is perfect for cuddly, relaxed shots with you and your horse.
Ask yourself: What is your go to outfit for spending a nice afternoon with your friends, or relaxing with family?
I recommend going for your favourite pair of comfy jeans, a relaxed fit t-shirt or a super soft jumper, paired with white trainers or smart flats. Depending on the season, you can pair this with casual scarves and a belt to tie the whole look together.
The Smart/Casual Look
The smart casual look is a slight elevation from the casual look and this can lean as much to smart or casual as you like.
Ask yourself: What do I wear when going out for drinks with friends, to a casual day event or date night with my partner?
You can easily jump from your casual look to a smart causal look with the addition of a jacket, change to darker, more tailored jeans or trousers, and switch to smart ankle boots. A floaty shirt adds movement, plus you can change up your accessories by adding in a hat or different scarf.
The Smart Look
This is your chance to really make a statement. You can go bold with full length ballgowns, some clients like to get out their wedding dress and others prefer to be more understated, just utilising a smart coat or jacket and tall boots.
Ask yourself: What would I wear to Cheltenham races? Or Badminton Horse Trials (when it isn’t raining!)? Out to a fancy restaurant? Or what is that one outfit I wish I had more time to wear but never get enough opportunities to?
Hair & Make Up
When planning your hair and make up for your shoot, depending on your personal style you may want to keep things simple and style yourself as usual, with just a hint of make up for lovely, natural portraits. Or you might want to go all out with booking in a hair & make up stylist to give yourself the best confidence boost.
Choosing your hair & make up has similar guidelines to choosing your outfits for your shoot – don’t be tempted to go for a bold lip and smokey eye when it just isn’t your usual style. With hair styles I recommend starting with hair down if that is your preference and switch to hair up later in the shoot to avoid any kinks.
Got any more questions about what to wear for your equine portrait photoshoot? Sign up to my mailing list and receive my FREE Spring/Summer Style Guide, filled with tones of inspiration for your shoot – click here.
