What 'should' a female photog wear??

Hi, so far I have done 2 weddings and have been booking more and more.

 

When I shot my first wedding, I wore a knee length pencil skirt and a sleeveless

button-up blouse with 1 inch shoes (I usually wear 3 inch heels). Towards the

end of the day, my feet were hurting and what I didn't like the most was that

during the ceremony, all you could hear was the tapping of my shoes on the

floor!! I also didn't like getting attention from the male guests, although I

thought I was dressed professionally, I couldn't help but feel regretful at the

end of the day.

 

So for my second wedding, I wore some black pants with a cute matching top (with

a collar) and ballet-flats. I thought that was a good outfit, but is that too

casual? Or is that pretty good? Again, I was comfortable the whole day and no

one really hit on me! But I would rather look formal but be comfortable at the

same time.

 

Any suggestions??

Your second outfit sounds fine save for the most formal wedding (black tie or dark suit and tie for guests too). For that, have a coordinating black jacket (doesn't have to be the man-style jacket--either short sleeves or long sleeves). I wear flat black shoes with rubber soles no matter what. I don't think clients care about that aspect.

 

Any time you get attention from the male guests, you know you are dressed so you stand out, which isn't good. Make sure you cover yourself in the usual places--arms, neckline, thighs, and that nothing you wear will ride up at the wrong time or place.

Howdy!

 

Before I answer your question, I think the car.jpg attachment might not be in accordance with forum guidelines. We're not supposed to attach or insert photos unless they pertain directly to the discussion at hand. There's a thread at the very top of the Wedding and Social Event Photography forum page from Mary Pearson Ball (the forum moderator) that explains all this.

 

Now back to your question.

 

My daughter used to assist me at weddings, and she wore the same kind of attire you describe: black pants, a nice collared top, and ballet flats. While I never understood how anybody could work in ballet flats, I thought her attire, and the attire you describe, is more than sufficiently dressy for a professional photographer at a wedding. My daughter never wore skirts, because you can't dive for a really great shot in a skirt without risking some exposure.

 

Tuppence,

 

Paulsky

Howdy!

 

Nadine said:

 

"Any time you get attention from the male guests, you know you are dressed so you stand out, which isn't good".

 

I agree that proper dress does help convey an attitude of professionalism. But unfortunately, any time you combine a romantic atmosphere and alcohol, you may have to deal with unwelcome advances from guests, regardless of how you are dressed. Even I have had to politely disengage from overly fond female guests from time to time, and I'm no Brad Pitt. (Actually, I look more like Richard Dreyfuss).

 

The secret is to always behave like a professional. Be nice, but project a certain amount of reserved detachment. If ever in doubt, it's better for your reputation to be thought of as "too businesslike" instead of "not businesslike enough".

 

Later,

 

Paulsky

Paul--liquor and dim lighting helps make one look like a movie star... But you're right--the term is, "professionally nice". There was one woman, though, that assisted me on a wedding who was unquestionably good looking. She wore a perfectly demure outfit but could not hide the fact that she was a young, attractive woman. There ARE negatives to looking good.

How about B&W running shoes, black suit, white shirt and a black bow tie. Maybe a tux instead of a suit.

I know you are talking about other things, trying to be and dress professionally, and avoid being hit on by semi-drunk guests,

 

But weddings are usually church related and some problems can arise because of strange or overly strict ideas.

 

it can depend on the " flavor" of the church. My wife and I notice this and discuss it, and often laugh and some attitudes.

example: a perfectly demure lady wore a sun dress, wide straps and full coverage except for shoulders and an open neck, not down very far.

there was some flak, we saw it as a lady that became warm when there was no airconditioning. she worked in a bank and it was like an icebox.

 

another lady had atrhritis and wore woolen slacks in the winter,

sometimes my wife did , too. again more flak from some zealots.

 

we went to a work day and a very strict church. all the women wore almost ankle -length skirts. sometimes sandals. Obviously, even in a farming community, they were not expected to garden ot help clean up fallen leaves.

 

what I am trying to say is some groups or sects seem to be very particular

and very picky, appearance is the whole thing, and I know other stuff has gone on. But, apparently its ok if you look the way they expect.

 

EVEN if it makes your job much harder and your feet hurt.

 

Since you are a working photographer, and not an ornament. you need to be able to do your job properly, and you are not a MEMBER, so if they get upset TOO BAD. take the best photo';s you can and don't let it bother you.

 

they are not hiring your appearance or haircut, just technical skills, you eye and lens. There is discrimination and many problems for a woman that is trying to do a proper job, strangenly, it doesn't seem to affect Nurses, doctors or district attorneys. Listen to an old man.

When I work with my female 2nd (very attractive by the way), she wears a black pair of slacks and a matching top, being sure not to show too much skin. I agree that no matter she is wearing, an attractive lady will get attention. Make sure you dress in a professional and business manner as people will judge you on this, similar to how people start and end their posts. I also think rubber soles are great so you minmize the clicking of heals on wood floors.

I would say don't wear a wedding dress because that would be awkward!

There are some churches that frown upon women wearing pants, so just be aware. I would think that it would not be big deal unless the photographer was also a member of the congregation, but you never know.

OK, I gotta admit, Rhys may have hit on the perfect solution for those out-of-control

wedding parties that have a zero attention span!! I like it!!

 

Jessica - my first rule is be comfortable. My other 1st rule is - be low key. Hubby &

I both wear black slacks. Kahki material for me, Dickies cargo slacks for him. We

both wear tailored black t-shirts and black shoes. I found a pair of ankle high, 3/4"

heel rubber soled slip on boots that are specifically for weddings. 12 hours, and no

achy feet! (I recommend Riders brand slacks for girls, btw. $22)

 

If it's a formal wedding, we'll pull out black suits and dark burgundy shirts - me still in

pants. Unfortunately, neither of these options work well outdoors...........in

July.........in KS (or TX or OK or.....)

 

HEY - what do all y'all wear outdoors???

I am reminded of the posting here recently, where after the pastor or sombody issued dire warnings about flash, the piano or organgist came over and threatened to hit the (male)photographer, and this is before the wedding/

some of these folks are pretty radical. many have little real respect for women.

Women in this society have come a long way , but not recognized for their abilities. and capabilities. ( not just to be able to smoke in public)

I'd suggest a camera.

Thanks for all the advice, I was leaning toward the whole black pants and black blouse but wasn't sure if that would fit in the whole 'formal' theme. But then I thought "hey, they hired me for my photos...and I'm working, I'm not a guest". I guess alcohol and men are just a part of the whole wedding scene. I know I am polite and professional when they talk to me, and I wasn't dressed like a party girl or anything. But I look very young so I might as well get used to it.

The only thing that makes me think twice is this 100 degree weather in west TX!

Maria has a good point, what do you wear if your outdoors?

"I guess alcohol and men are just a part of the whole wedding scene."

 

I don't think men have anything to do with it. Women are the same. Probably more so. A few drinks at a highly charged emotional event can really kick their instincts in. I often come home with #'s.

Ok, I should rephrase that, Alcohol is just a part of the whole wedding scene, period.

 

Thanks again to all!

I've seen female photogs wearing Crocs. I'm sure their feet were comfortable. Ugly, but comfortable.

I searched high and low for a nice pair of good, comfortable shoes for weddings, and found some cute Danskos that are exactly right: flat but trendy (to fit my style), rubber-soled, and able to withstand tromping through fields or parks for outdoor pictures without any problem.

 

Add to it black slacks and a cute black shirt, modest but stylish.

 

I find that pockets in the slacks are a must. That may seem like an obvious thing to guys, but it can be hard to find women's pants that have pockets.

Abbie, you are so right. My biggest problem is pockets that can hold even a lens cap.

My usual attire is a pair of black, pinstripe pants ( a bit loose ) and jacket, which were very inexpensive. I can lie on the ground and not care if I get dirty. I wear a high neck top, most often black, so I can bend over the tripod. For shoes I have some plain, old fashioned black sneakers that make no noise and in which I can run in the constant attempt to be in two parts of a church at the same time. No jewelry, as it tangles in the camera straps.

Now if someone will create a photo vest that looks like a neat blazer, I will buy it. I wear a size 4.

Jessica--I wear a black, mock turtle, short sleeved, COTTON top for hot days. It absorbs sweat and keeps you cool and still looks fine as is. It would be better if it were a light color or white, but black is just less noticeable.

As a man it's the same thing. Be confortable first, then do your job and then care about how U look. When I shoot weddings, I fix an interview with the couple first and among all the details we talk about, I tell them that I'm not there to party and look good, I just do my job. They pretty much get the point. I wear nice shoes (not the ones with leather but rubber soles), black jeans, dark shirt and matching tie. looks nice and it's confortable. I suggest unless U're at a very strict church, to never wear skirts.

 

 

 

 

Regards.

Females wedding photographers should mirror their male counterparts. Comfortable business attire/suit.. no real bright colors, simple black slacks, blouse or jacket, and workable shoes .. no jewelry or things to get in the way of your gear. Skirts and heels don't seem to work. Check out your local wedding apparel retailer/rent .. they have formal clothing that you can buy, probably at a discount .. generally comfortable and conservative.

 

The wedding shops sell business suits for men and women .. I've never been a fan of tuxes, but the business sujits seem to work well and fit in for almost all occassions.

 

Basic black slacks, white blouse seem to be the standard; but of course location and culture affect responses. Skirts can be a real problem both indoor and out .. get something comfortable, durable and classy, yet functional ..

They, if they *fit right*, give you miles & miles without pain.

 

Subdued dark clothes that don't interfere are best,

leave off "shiny"...

 

If some sect has special clothing requirements for *their* church,

charge extra for the job: the hassle's greater, the work's more,

the pay ought match.

 

Anyone who figures to do that job for the same money as

less controlling jobs, deserves to be worn down,

or to be not respected for their own worth/health/self.

( we make our worlds, it's our choice )

 

http://businessofphotography.blogspot.com/

pointed this principle out in one of his postings:

a long-time client switched to a cheaper photog,

*really* didn't like the results,

he's charging significantly more now...

 

Cheers

http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/

 

( bloody memory wrong: that first one I mentionned seems to be there specifically to snag us who mis-remember the correct one?

Bah! John Harrington's blog, is the right one. )

Wear slacks; dark color everything, dark shoes, and dress for comfort and modesty. That means black tennis shoes, socks, whatever. I always laugh when I see a wedding photog in a tux or suit; it is hampering his or her ability to do what he or she needs to do. You are not part of the wedding party, or guests. You are there to do a job in the most inconspicuous manner possible. A photog walking around during the ceremony or toast in bright colors is distracting. But in dark colors he can move around and not be so conspicuous.

 

If you're an attractive woman, you're going to get attention from the men; you already know that. Many of them are there to meet women anyway, so they have their antennae out to begin with. Ignore it, and don't wear tight-fitting clothes... (What the heck is a pencil skirt?)