When I started blogging, I focused on beauty and lifestyle. Funny isn’t it? Considering I barely wear any makeup or know a thing about it! And then, the blog took a different direction. Towards fashion blogging. Which required a complete different sort of content! Outfit photos! And posing for them. How intimidating! While I was panicking at first and feeling very uncomfortable when trying to strike sassy poses, I finally uncovered to secrets to nailing it.
I am going to share with you how I got more confident shooting in the street and achieving the perfect outfit photos. No one size fits all, so those tips might not work for you at all, but they might also help you, who knows. Or you might already know them! But just in case…
How to nail your outfit photos
1. Choose your locations wisely
I remember when I started doing outfit photos. How shy and awkward was I?! I was not comfortable at all to begin with, and even felt stupid sometimes. Don’t ask me why. I just could not relax if I knew people were watching. Thus, I had to pick locations that had to be both instagrammable and secluded (unfortunately, they rarely come hand in hand). Not secluded per se, but with a very small footfall, none even. As a matter of fact, it is always easier to let yourself go when no one is around. When you get used to it, you can progressively move onto busier or even crowded locations. Let’s be honest, the most instagrammable spots of London are always very busy, which might be rather intimidating to start with!
2. Favour outfits you are comfortable wearing
Being shy and feeling uncomfortable posing in front of strangers is one thing that you’ll overcome with some practice. Wearing pieces that you absolutely don’t feel comfortable in will not help. As a matter of fact, you will probably want photos for this particular outfit to be done as quick as possible. But you also need the photos to be good enough to satisfy the brand that sent the pieces to you. Thus, you might need to spend more time on it just to make sure the photos are high quality. And you will not enjoy the experience at all. Which will probably impact how you feel in your next outfit. You know yourself, you know what you feel comfortable wearing and that you will feel comfortable shooting in. And if you want to get bolder, choose a secluded location.
3. Ignore people’s gaze
One thing that will inevitably happen is people watching you when you shoot outfit photos. Or photos in general. If you focus on the strangers walking by, you’ll let discomfort take over and won’t be able to carry on with the shoot. Or will end up with photos where you look uncomfortable. I know it is very hard to ignore people’s gaze but it is the best way to go through it. People will watch as they walk by, for one to two minutes then move on. They might stare a bit longer but you know what, you will never see them again! Even if posing in front of strangers is intimidating, I think Instagram and fashion bloggers made shooting outfit photos quite common and people are now used to it, so less likely to judge. They might just be curious.
4. Wear sunglasses if it helps you
One thing I used to do a lot and that I still do when I shoot in busy areas, is wearing sunglasses. First of all, they give you a super sassy look and can completely change your facial expression. They made you fierce in just a second. Second of all, they make it less intimidating to pose in front of strangers. Why? Because they hide your eyes. If people can’t see your eyes, they won’t stare, meet your eyes or hold your gaze. No eye contact makes it way easier. Furthermore, sunglasses are perfect for no makeup photoshoots!
5. Imagine the camera is your mirror
Remember when you did all those sassy and bold poses in front of your mirror? Whether it is funny faces or fashion poses? How comfortable were you?! And how great did you look? Of course, the comfort and privacy of your room make it easier than in the street. Try to think of the camera as a mirror in front of which you had so much fun at home. Again, easier said than done and it takes time to get the hand of it. However, in the long run, your photos can only look more natural and appealing. Whether it is to you, or your audience. If you have difficulties at first, do not stare at the camera as you’d stare a the mirror. Take the pose but look in the distance. It always work for me.
6. Take photos with someone who knows you
I always take outfit photos with Ana. The first photoshoots were a bit awkward and I was clearly looking uncomfortable. After a while, you get used to shooting in the street, get more confident, know what angles work best for you, what poses you like. Your photographer does to! And can help and guide you throughout the photo session! Direct you even. Posing in front of someone you know, with whom you have a relationship can only be easier. They know what you want. When it comes to explaining, ask them to pose where and how you want to do it with an angle you want your photo to have. That’s how I and Ana show each other the composition we want our respective photos to have. And how we get a satisfying result faster too!
But remember one thing… Have fun! Because that’s still very important! Don’t smile if you don’t feel like it – or if the theme of your shoot does not call for smiling -, but make sure you enjoy the experience. Otherwise, it will transpire on your photos!
These are my main tips to feel more comfortable posing for outfit photos. As you do it, you get used to it, feel more confident and improve the overall quality of your outfit photos. There are probably many more tips but those six were the things that I struggled with most when I switch to fashion blogging!
Shop the outfit
Do you often do outfit photos? When did you start? Have you always felt comfortable in front of the camera? How did you overcome the shyness and discomfort? Any tips you want to share with us?
Thanks a lot for stopping by, I hope you liked this post!
See you soon,
Love,
Corinne
*Some fashion pieces featured in the photos were gifted to me.
This is a great list of tips! I’ve always felt like I could never be a fashion blogger but after reading your post, I almost feel inspired to try! I love your outfit photos so much! Thanks for sharing!
You give some great tips on how to get the best photos, I always want to take good outfit pics but am too shy when people are staring a lot as they tend to haha, I find it easier when I’m on holiday though as everyones snapping pictures as opposed to in London. I definitely need to ignore the stares though haha! Thanks for sharing!
I’m not a fashion blogger but I’ve always been so impressed by how confident you have to be to be one, I would be so shy doing it! Your photos are always great and you show off a lot of the outfit! Great tips x
You’re always on point with your outfits. It’s so important to choose your locations wisely. I’ve seen a couple of pictures where the background wasn’t the best – some thought should be put into that. Oh my goodness, I’ve seen people’s gazes so many times. It’s not worth paying attention to other people’s judgments. Go rock your photoshoot ;). Ana does a great job with your shots!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
There are so many great tips here and I completely agree. Going out to take photos with someone you know well makes you so much more relaxed and confident when taking pictures it can make all the difference.
I think we all change our style in how we blog as we grow as individuals and thats what makes our blogs so special, they are always changing. When I first started I would buy makeup and review them, now I like to do more general posts with tips, travelling and lifestyle!
Alys / withlovealys.com
These are literally such amazing tips my lovely!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
How beautiful are you? 🙂
I’ve got a few outfit posts coming up in the next few months this was a fab read for some tips! I’m so nervous tbh! Thanks for this post, exactly what i needed x
Great advice!!! I’m not a fashion blogger but I am so in awe of your photos on insta – you are a master! You look so cool! x
These are really good points, I should defo use the sunglasses one more as it is a pretty good mask when people start (super annoying!) but I’ve never thought of it like that.
Great post! I could (and definitely will) use all of these tips, I’m so awkward taking pictures in public 🙂
These are some great tips especially the sunglasses, I feel I’d have to wear those if I ever attempted to do photos like this! At the minute I’m blogging anonymously as I don’t think I’ll ever be confident enough to put myself out there, so props to you! And lastly, I LOVE that fur jacket ?
http://www.missblogsabit.com
These are all great tips thankyou so much for sharing! I usually hate having my photo taken in public so this will definitely help me
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
I would love to start doing outfit photos but I don’t even know where to begin, I think I’m too awkward. I’ve taken a note of your tips and I’m going to rope a friend in and give it a go next week. Thanks for the tips!
Fran | http://www.franciscarockey.co.uk
These are some great tips! I always try to remember that the people walking past probably won’t even think about you again, that and you could just be a tourist taking some pictures of your day out!
I always imagined how fashion bloggers take such stunning pics. Thanks for the tips. Will keep these in mind and share too!
Some top tips right there!! I should prob be paying more attention to my style
This is really great advice, I think my problem would be trying to avoid people staring since that would make me really self conscious and very shy. Love your boots by the way.
These are some awesome sounding tips for people who are looking to start taking outfit pictures or are looking to up their game! I have to admit I am often in awe of the pictures some fashion bloggers manage to take.
One of the challenge when taking photos in the public is you have to deal with the people’s gaze. When I first started photo taking, I felt very uncomfortable but get use to if after many times of practice. I also love sunglasses as it can help me to cover my small eyes which I close my eyes most of the photo shooting session. I love your tips here.
I’m just starting to do outfit photos and so far they’re been very abstract haha. I’m doing them in an attempt to be more comfortable in my own body, and it’s gonna take time.
I love your tips 🙂
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
you are a pro, great list of tips! i find number 3 the most difficult, it make me feel so conscious!
This is such a useful post for me Corinne because I really struggle with being confident in outfit pictures! I think it’s definitely important to choose the right locations, and to take the pictures with someone you’re comfortable with! xx
http://www.imjustagirl16.co.uk
These are some great tips, we’re lucky we have a food blog but even that we still get stares when taking a photo but it’s whatever! However we do want to do a mini photo shoot one day and defo having someone you know will help!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk / http://www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
I love this! These are great tips, especially Ignoring people’s gaze, which can be incredibly hard! I guess it also depends on how you are feeling at the time, that can have a real impact on your confidence in front of the camera!
I will definitely be coming back to these tips when I go to take more photos in public 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
There are some brilliant tips here, Corinne. I’ve never had to shoot any fashion pictures (I can’t imagine I ever will, haha) but I never take selfies because I’m so lacking in confidence. Wearing sunglasses and treating the camera as a mirror are great ideas, I’ll have to try that the next time Alan wants to take a photo of me – thank you so much for sharing, and how stunning are your pictures! xx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
I love this post, it’s so helpful. From shooting with you, I know how awkward I feel compared with you, but I also know what a difference it makes having someone you feel comfortable with! (Speaking of…I’m about to message you!) I’m definitely going to bookmark this post for future reference!
Hels xx
http://www.thehelsproject.com
You look so comfortable so you’re doing something right as would to think you felt uncomfortable! Think I may have to stick to photographing cakes though as not sure my fashion sense is instagramable!
Amazing tips, thanks for sharing xx
Your photos always look amazing, you are definitely a natural in front of the camera and know where all those photogenic locations are. I really enjoyed reading your tips, the sunglasses idea is such a good one, everyone feels a bit more sassy in shades, right? Good advice about shooting with someone you are comfortable with, it makes it even more fun! Thank you for sharing Corinne, fab post! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I run a different kind of blog but these seem to be sound suggestions for a fashion blogger! Well done!
I LOVE it when outfit posts teach something! For example, we’ve often shown two or three ways to style a piece or taught an easy DIY along with our daily outfit. It’s just fun to add a little something extra for your readers to enjoy!
Some of my content is fashion and I totally relate to the awkwardness of starting out! These are all great tips though and I second them all, I don’t know what I’d do without my partner who I feel so comfortable with!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
I am a photographer and this are some great tips! You have sone a great job! The hardest thing for me to do is getting clients to relax and ignore everyone around them.
Let the people stare. Maybe they think you are a famous model.
These are great tips! I have some photos to take soon of some shoes which were sent to me and I’m SO awkward in front of the camera it makes me wanna be sick. I probably wouldn’t go out in public to take them but I love the tip about wearing glasses… I might give that a try next time!
This was such a great post! Ever since moving out to live on my own, I’ve really struggled with taking fashion photos, but I’m hoping to get back into the swing of things soon! x
Han | lifewithhan.blog
These are such good tips! Honestly the people staring used to put me off sooooo much but I’ve just learnt to live with it and get on with it! You’ll never see them again! Such a good post! <3
http://www.whatevawears.co.uk
Something that I could use a lot of help with..lol. Definitely not my strong suit (pun intended)
These are great tips! Thank you for sharing 🙂 xx
This could not have come at a better time! I’m shooting my first ever outfit photos this week and I’m very nervous about the situation. Location choices where I am are few and far between so I’m going to have to deal with people straight away unfortunately x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
How to nail your outfit photos Is very interesting topics it is very helpful.
You always give some of the greatest tips on how to get the best photos and some good fashion ideas. I really enjoyed reading this.
I don’t do outfit photos often for that exact reason that I never know how to pose and end up looking super awkward! I think it’s definitely one of those things that comes with practice!
Love the tips you mentioned!
Thanks for sharing! xx
These are some amazing tips! I always have trouble taking that perfect picture. Maybe with your tips I will be able to do so now 🙂
I don’t do outfit photos on my blog because I have a different niche. However, when I do need to take a photo I usually just use my tripod and a remote control, as unfortunately my boyfriend doesn’t really know how to take good photos 🙂
These are great tips! I remember when I first started blogging I would get so shy about taking pictures in public. Especially of my kids – I feel like people look at me like I’m the crazy mom lol.
Well first, Ana is a great person to take photos with! I’ve met her in person several times and she’s wonderful! It can definitely be awkward to take photos with people watching. I just try to ignore it.
These are some great tip! I love the one about wearing sunglasses. That’s so awesome. And your pictures turned out great! I’m going to be having a branding photo shoot for my own website sometime in the near future, definitely going to have to keep your tips in mind.
Choosing location is always tricky. I get super shy when it comes to taking pictures in public. And I trust my tripod and remote more than my husband when it comes to taking pictures! Great tips.
This is such a great post. I never plan anything, I just go with it and see where I land and am usually wearing whatever was planned for the day. I love your look and the thought that goes into it!
I have always admired people who are able to this without being bothered about stares from onlookers. Hope I can be this confortable some day.
As someone who has just gotten into fashion photos this is honestly so helpful! Over time I’ve stopped paying attention to people, but I love the idea of using your camera as a mirror!
Jas xx | https://thoughtsfromjasmine.co.uk
Your photography is so good! I don’t really blog about fashion for the reason of having to do outfit pictures and I don’t honestly buy a lot of clothes. However you have some great tips for anyone wanting to start or improve their photos!
Hayley hayleyxmartin
While I’m not a fashion blogger, I have always felt so awkward in front of the camera. I love how confident you are! This outfit is gorgeous and these are some great tips for fashion bloggers x
Evie x || https://eviejayne.co.uk
Very Nice Post, I learned a lot through it. Thanks for posting.
Thinking of the camera as a mirror – that’s brilliant actually!
Thanks so much for these tips! I’m currently working on doing more OOTD posts for my blog but definitely felt intimidated but this list has helped put me a bit more at ease, lol
its very useful and informative thanks for sharing this amazing post .