How to take exceptional outfit photos - by Guest Blogger, Jenni Marie

I met Jenni several years ago through work. We've since made several life changes, but recently reconnected via the blogosphere. Jenni is an amazing photographer, with plenty of tips and tricks on photography! Check her out over at www.jennimarie.com!

How to take exceptional outfit photos

To channel Audrey or imitate Marilyn, a fashionista spends valuable time shopping for the perfect pieces (whether at thrift shop or department store) then combines elements into clever outfits before marching out into the day's foray. Learning to skillfully document your fashion triumphs mimics the process of creating those fashion triumphs. 

1. Choose the camera as carefully as you would choose the outfit.

Planning to photograph an outfit is only the first part of the battle.  How often do you decide to wear the first outfit you try on in a morning? If you're like most women, it takes several options, many minutes, and a pile of clothes on the closet floor before the decision is made:  "on average women spend 16 minutes every weekday morning deciding what to wear and around 14 minutes on a Saturday or Sunday morning."   [Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5783991/Women-spend-nearly-one-year-deciding-what-to-wear.html]

Why, then, would you expect to be able to purchase and use the first camera you find? Walking through a camera-shopping tutorial such as I wrote on JenniMarie.com will help you decide what you need for life & fashion photographs, save you money avoiding features you will not use, and be properly equipped for a photographic endeavor. 

2. Be the master of the camera. 

Regardless of which camera you choose to purchase (or already own): Learn your camera.  Learn your camera forward and backward, inside and out.  Whether it's an iPhone or a DSLR, KNOW IT and OWN IT until it's as comfortable as an old shoe. 

You know to wear the clothes instead of letting the clothes wear you, and the principle applies to your camera.  Oscar Wilde said it succinctly:  “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”  Embrace your inner nerd and read the manual, research specific problems you're facing and embrace the solutions,  practice practice practice your photography to master the camera and hone your skill set.  

Learn what the camera sees and how it reacts to what it sees (this will mostly relate to lighting's direction and intensity and will affect what is shadowed and what is overexposed).  Your job is to either learn to manipulate the camera so the automatic settings produce fabulous images or to manipulate the settings of the camera so the images are exactly what you envisioned.  You probably won't have time for adjusting every setting manually (though that's the ultimate goal, if you have the capability) and many cameras don't allow for manual adjustment.  But if you're able to be smarter than the camera, wiser than the technology that you use, you can let the camera do the work for you but manipulate it within the boundaries you set.   This could mean ISO, it could mean changing position and paying attention to light, it could mean adjusting where the camera is focusing. Each camera is different, but the principle is the same: KNOW YOUR CAMERA.

3. Compose for success.  

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous,” says Coco Chanel. For most of us, that means crafting outfits carefully and with an eye for detail.  Why photograph those classy and fabulous outfits any differently?  You've dressed for success, now compose for success. 

Pick a relevant location.  Let the background of your photographs complete the story of your outfits.  Wearing heels and pearls?  Probably not the best time to photograph in front of the neighborhood swing set.  (If, however, you're showcasing your best mommy-play-date outfit, the swing set would be completely suitable!)   Similarly, avoid background distractions in your photographs.  The WalMart sign?  Probably not helpful.  A pile of dirty laundry?  Likely what your viewers will see first! 

Keep an eye on the light.  An easy way to showcase your outfit will be to shoot in shaded areas with the main light source behind the camera.  Whether that inside a doorway or against a wall opposite a window or under a shade tree, the goal is to avoid the harsh shadows that deepen under-eye-trenches and add weight in unseemly places.  Too much sun in your eyes will make for a squinty mess.  Too much sun behind your outfit will require outsmarting the camera (a good skill to have, but not necessarily for beginnings). 

To paraphrase Coco Chanel:  "[Photograph] shabbily and they remember the [photograph]; [photograph] impeccably and they remember the woman."

How to Dress a Postpartum Body

Dressing the postpartum body can be a bit harder than dressing for pregnancy. You know what to expect from your body during pregnancy - you will keep growing. Postpartum is a bit more of a gamble. You know you will get smaller, but you don't know at what point the shrinking stops. Buying a particular size might only last you two weeks before you're down a size again. I've been trying to wear one size fits all type clothes. Things no longer have to be soft because my belly isn't sensitive, but everything has to be pretty practical since I'm chasing kids around all day and nursing an infant every 2-3 hours.

Here are a few items that I can't live without right now.

1. A stylish hat to cover up un-styled hair since I don't have much time to style it these days.

Hat is $17.95 from H&M. My fedora I got on clearance from Banana Republic. I also have a few newsboy caps that I love.

2. Oversized sunglasses to hide my sleepy tired eyes.

Sunglasses from Zappos by Steve Madden for $32.99. I am sporting a pair that looks just like this from H&M that were only $5.95.

3. A scarf to add a splash of color, style, and extra coverage for nursing on the run.

 

This scarf is from More Than Alive. I was just sent some recently for a product review and have no complaints.

4. Stretchy pants that are nice and tight to hold in my wobbly stomach.

Jeggings are from JCPenney on sale for $16.99. I am wearing a pair I got on clearance from Target.

5. Comfortable, yet stylish boots - practical for snow and cold weather, too.

Boots are $188 (eek!) from Anthropologie. I can't spend that much, but a girl can dream. Right now I'm wearing clearance boots from DSW and Target girls.

6. Oversized t-shirts. Easy to nurse in, forgiving in the cut to hide that shrinking tummy, breathable, comfortable, long enough to cover my bum, and also stylish and effortless looking.

I'm lusting over these oversized t-shirts from Zara for $35.90. I'm wearing Goodwill and Gap clearance finds for now.

 7. A large diaper bag is a must have these days. Something you can wear over your shoulder or cross body is my favorite so I can be hands free.

This diaper bag is made by a friend. I own it in a different color and love it for it's unique one of a kind print (each bag is different). It is very large and holds everything. When it gets dirty I just throw it in the washer. I get compliments on it all the time.

8. Cropped jackets that offset the voluminous tops I am always wearing. Leather or jean works great.

This one is $118, but 25% off right now. It's too pricey for me, but I love it. My husband bought me my jean jacket from the juniors section of Macy's (Hydraulic brand) for Christmas about 8 years ago. I think he got it for under $20 and it doesn't look too different from this. I also have a leather moto jacket that he bought for me in Florence, Italy last year. I've been wearing both jackets quite a bit.

Maternity Dressing Tips for the Third Trimester

Now that I'm only two weeks from my due date, I think I can finally give some opinions on dressing for these last few months of pregnancy. Of course, my opinions are for people with my body type. Those of you who barely show, have long torsos, have smaller chests, or are tall, might not relate to any of this. 

Here is what I have to add about the third trimester to my previous tips for the first trimester and the second trimester:

1. Balance out that belly.

I found that showing off the bump like I did in the second trimester is almost too much now that I'm this big. I still think wearing something tight can be flattering, but draping a cardigan or shrug helps to balance out the bump, which can otherwise take over your look.

2. Comfort is key.

With all the discomfort, pains and aches of the third trimester, it is so important that you're comfortable. Now is the time to switch to maternity clothes if your body type doesn't allow for anything else. I still don't prefer maternity clothes for the majority of what I wear, but often times I find that with my short torso, the fold over waistband for jeans and skirts is the only way to go. Now that I have no space under my belly, all my fold over maternity clothes get rolled out over the belly.

3. Avoid bulk around the neckline.

 

By this time in my pregnancy I feel so busty and so large in my torso, that any added bulk around my neckline not only feels uncomfortable, it isn't always flattering. Necklaces don't lay right on my chest and higher collars make me feel too warm and claustrophobic. I try to opt for open necklines and wear necklaces and scarves minimally. When I do wears scarves or necklaces, I find them to not be as comfortable as they used to be, too. Bracelets and earrings have become my go to accessories.

4. Wear comfortable shoes.

This is hard for me to admit, but yes, in the third trimester it becomes increasingly difficult to wear high heels. Not only because of the swelling, but for balance and back pain. I've been grabbing my Converse sneakers, clogs, and flats quite a bit these days!

5. Start shopping for postpartum clothes!

I did this with my last pregnancy and found it to be very encouraging. I bought a few fun clothing items a couple of sizes larger than my pre-baby size to wear soon after the baby is born. It gave me something to look forward to, and also kept my spirits up when I actually fit into the item, instead of trying too soon to fit into all my pre-baby clothes. This dress below was one of those pieces I purchased before my daughter arrived and was so glad when I could wear it so soon after her birth.

I have already picked up a few pieces of postpartum clothes on clearance that I look forward to wearing in only a couple of months!

Maternity Dressing Tips for the Second Trimester

Today I start the third trimester. Only three more months to go! Yay!

 

 

To follow up on my post about early maternity dressing, I thought I'd offer up some tips I've picked up for the second trimester.

 

1. Wear Knits

 

Anything from knit gaucho pants, knit dresses, knit skirts, or voluminous knit or jersey tops drape beautifully and *comfortably* over your now obvious bump.

 

 

2. Wear Larger Sized Non-Maternity Clothing

 

The benefit of wearing non-maternity clothing is you won't feel funny wearing these pieces postpartum during the growing out stage - plus, your options in these sizes as opposed to maternity sizes are endless. At this stage in pregnancy, you have no choice but to wear your jeans, shorts, and some skirts in maternity sizes, but larger sized or empire waist tops, maxi or knit/jersey dresses, jeggings, knit dresses, and any bottoms worn a few sizes larger that have some stretch in them are all perfect for your growing bump.

 

These blue jeggings are non-maternity, but I can squeeze them on because of how stretchy they are.

Again, these jeggings work great for me and are non-maternity. I wore them over and over again pre-pregnancy and plan to during post-partum as well.

Knit leggings are also a great non-maternity option.

Non-maternity maxi dresses are ideal.

 These shorts are non-maternity, but I bought them a few sizes up and are made with a stretch denim, so they fit perfect.

 

3. Wear Dresses

 

 

The reason for wearing dresses, besides the fact that they are oh so flattering, is that at this stage, wearing bottoms are very uncomfortable over that growing bump. Dresses that stretch, have no belts or structured waists, and show off your still slender calves and ankles (or hopefully your ankles haven't swelled yet), will be comfortable and beautiful.

 

4. Opt for Over the Belly Bottoms If Possible

 

I remember my Mom and I disagreeing over this during my first pregnancy. I insisted that the new under the belly bottoms styles were far more comfortable than the over the belly styles that were the norm at that time (the kind that had a rounded knit panel just wear the belly was with elastic at top. Ew). The over the belly styles now, however, are far more flattering and comfortable since there is virtually no band at any point on your belly - only a stretchy fabric completely covering your belly all around to the back that you can either roll under the belly or over, depending on your preference (see here).

 

These jeans shorts have the over the belly panel. I wore them up during the day until it got too warm, then just folded it under to cool off for during the late afternoon.

 

5. Experiment by Celebrating the Bump

 

Now is the time to play around with different styles, proportions and sizes. You finally look pregnant and can get away with showing off your belly instead of disguising it like you did in your first trimester. So try wearing loose, comfortable belts under or over your belly to accentuate the bump. Or borrow your husband's clothes (baggy is so much more acceptable when you're pregnant).

Trying out a belt to accentuate my belly.

 

Wearing my husband's shirt over leggings during my second pregnancy.

 

Trying to pull off the "boyfriend shorts" look with some oversized shorts.

 Something this baggy might not be so flattering otherwise, but totally works for maternity

 

6. Accept Hand-me-downs

 

This stage of pregnancy is so short-lived, now is the time to host clothes swap parties, bum off of your friend's previous pregnancies and borrow her maternity clothes, as well as accept hand-me-downs from friends that are non-maternity, but a few sizes larger than your pre-maternity size.

 

I was recently blessed with four large trash bags full of non-maternity clothing in a few sizes larger than my pre-maternity size. With a little bit of hemming of shoulder seams, or darting here and there, I ended up with a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes.

 

 

 All of these outfits feature hand-me-downs from a friend that are non-maternity.

 

7. Pull Out Of Your Closet What No Longer Fits

 

This is something I plan to do at the end of each trimester. I did it after the first three months, and recently purged my closet again to prepare for the last three months. I store all the clothes that don't fit in my attic to pull out later for postpartum.

 

Keeping only what fits accessible helps me to not get overwhelmed or discouraged about all that is in my closet that I can no longer wear. Out of sight, out of mind. I don't obsess about the pants I can no longer fit into if I can't see them. I just end up forgetting about them and will have a nice surprise waiting for me when I open up the box later during postpartum and find that they finally fit. Also, narrowing my choices requires me to be more creative with what does fit and assess what items I will need to purchase to get by for the next months of pregnancy. 

 

8. Continue to Emphasize The Accessories

 

Hats, scarves, jewelry, belts, shoes, etc., are a one-size-fits-all option that will keep you feeling fresh, fashionable, and feminine throughout your entire pregnancy. So don't skimp on accessories!

 

 

 

That's all I have so far. Hope these tips have inspired you to make a few updates and get excited again about what to wear!