Are you an aspiring wedding photographer that is just breaking into the industry? Maybe you’ve been a professional photographer for several years but you are just now starting to capture weddings? There are several unique aspects of wedding photography that are important to understand before you head to your first big day. One of the most important things to become aware of is the dress code that is appropriate for a wedding photographer while working to capture a wedding day.
So what should wedding photographers wear? As a general rule, it is important for a wedding photographer to look professional while capturing the memories of their clients’ wedding day. In addition to this, it is wise to wear an outfit that is comfortable and functional, as well as appropriate for the environment.
Finding an outfit that meets the criteria listed above may seem like a daunting task, but it is really much more simple than it sounds. Today, we will share several guidelines to follow while choosing the perfect outfit to wear as a wedding photographer as well as outfits that you should avoid.
Proper Wedding Photographer Attire
As a wedding photographer, your job is to assist the bride and groom in having the best day of their lives. Your job requires countless hours spent running around on your feet, potentially in less than ideal weather. As a general rule, it is important to base your attire on the style of the wedding. Doing so will allow you to blend in with the guests and the environment, which should always be the goal.
A professional wedding photographer should always dress as such. Many photographers simply dress in the drabbest attire they can find. They do this because they are fearful that expressing themselves could draw more attention than necessary. However, it is quite the opposite! Dressing professionally in wedding-appropriate attire will always present a better image than wearing a black t-shirt with faded black pants.
During your initial meetings with your client, you will inevitably discuss the style of their wedding. This will allow you to determine if the event requires formal wedding attire or a more casual look.
Formal Wedding Attire
For a formal wedding event, it is wise to wear professional formal attire. Dress pants and a nice top, an appropriate dress, or even a professional length skirt can be great options. Investing in a comfortable pair of dress shoes is an excellent idea for formal events like these. If you decide to wear a dress or a skirt, be sure that it is conducive to any movement you will need to do in order to capture your photos. If you are a wedding photographer that likes to work for the shot, a nice pair of dress pants may be the best option.
Casual Wedding Attire
Many couples today opt for a more casual wedding style. However, this does not mean you should wear jeans. As a general rule of thumb, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed as a wedding photographer. However, casual wedding attire for a photographer can include a nice pair of pants with a dressier top. Occasionally, a wedding will have a theme in which the guests are requested to observe. If this is the case, ask the bride and groom if they would like you to dress to follow this theme as well.
Wedding Photographer Outfits to Avoid
We have established a general idea of what types of outfits a professional wedding photographer should wear. Now it is time to discuss outfits that a photographer should avoid during the wedding day. Although these guidelines will vary based on your situation and the region in which you live, it is always better to err on the side of caution by not including these pieces in your professional wardrobe.
Stay Away From T-Shirts
As a general rule, it is wise to stay away from wearing t-shirts while capturing a wedding. T-shirts can easily look shabby if they are not styled properly. One exception to this rule is if you have a t-shirt which was designed for your photography company. Especially if you work with an assistant or team, a branded t-shirt can create a cohesive, professional appearance. If this is the case, the t-shirts should always be worn with pieces that are dressier in nature.
Avoid Vibrant Colors
Unless the bride and groom request that you do otherwise, stay away from pieces that are vibrantly colored. Wearing color as a wedding photographer is a great way to express your individual personality. However, pieces that are bright or gaudy can distract guests from what they should be focusing on. This is especially true when you plan on shooting close up photographs during the ceremony. It is typically wise to choose pieces that are neutral in tone or solid colors to keep your outfit from standing out too much. Clean, black pieces are always a great option for weddings of any style.
Never Wear Jeans or Shorts
Any kind of denim, as well as shorts, should be avoided while you are photographing a wedding. Although jeans can look nice for many events, the wedding day requires an outfit that is a bit more professional in appearance.
As a wedding photographer, there are no rules that are set in stone regarding what you should wear on the wedding day. Professionalism should always be at the forefront of your decision-making process. Many wedding photographers find it helpful to invest in two or three outfits that are worn exclusively to capture the wedding day. Doing so will ensure that your outfit is always professional and appropriate for any style of wedding. Always keep functionality and comfort in mind when picking out your wedding day outfit. Wedding photography requires many hours of work making comfort of highest importance.
If you are unsure of what to wear to a specific style of wedding, ask the bride and groom! They may have preferences that could dictate your decision and provide insight into the type of outfit you should choose.
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