Hello again photogs. Well, we aren’t having the hottest summer, but she will come, and you will sweat. Fashion in super hot weather can be tough, you don’t want to be underdressed and mistaken for a call girl, but you also don’t want to be too overdressed and sweat like the cobra guy. Cue – Saturday Night Live scene with the man on the plane sweating profusely from his irrational fear of snakes.
First of all, when you dress like a pro, you feel like a pro, your clients will have more confidence when you are confident in yourself. People totally judge first impressions on how you look and are dressed, let’s be honest. It’s not a secret that there are a lot of people at weddings who can be your potential clients. First impressions are everything!
Now, onto fashion… so, here’s what I would wear if I was a photographer on a hot summer day:
For the homegirl who likes to wear a dress or feel fancier on the job, a BLACK sleeveless midi dress is gorj. Pick a forgiving fabric like jersey or cotton so it will stretch and bend with you. The length is perfect for sitting and kneeling for photos without doing a Britney Spears crotch shot for the wedding party to see. I like high-cut and thick sleeves. It’s a very comfortable look but looks so put together and black is the most forgiving color for sweat and dirt (if you’re crawling around, doing acrobatic positions, or climbing a tree to get that perfect shot). Another great option is a romper or jumpsuit because it breathes, moves and is stylish AF.
Why black? Duh, it’s slimming… just kidding. I know I am the Queen of Black (for those that know me), but it’s so easy and forgiving for this line of work. You can hide sweat and dirt in the summertime and it’s very flattering for every body type.
If it’s really hot and you want to wear a sandal of some sort, I would avoid the Birkenstock (for women). They are super trendy and comfortable… but I think they look too casual and granola with a dress pant and cami. Hey, I am not knocking them, I have two pairs!! I would go for something leather with a wider strap if you want open toe. If you want to be a little daring and dress up a black look, go for a statement loafer, whether it be color or pattern.
Definitely wear your hair up to avoid sweaty neck and wet hair. A simple low bun with a side braid looks super put together or an effortless or a top knot. I pre curl for texture and structure to add a little something extra to your bun… and if a piece falls out, it looks planned.
Men, I personally love the look of a dress short with a short sleeve collared shirt and tie OR a long sleeve dress shirt with sleeves rolled up. If you are somewhere where you have insanely hot summers, who wants to sweat their balls off while climbing around taking photos? I would pair this with a boat shoe or casual dress shoe… and for GOD’S SAKE men, wear some bloody ankle socks. Rock the ankle, so hot!! Be sure to wear deodorant and sunscreen, no one wants a burnt rancid photographer hanging around the rest of the night.
If you aren’t comfortable rocking a calf and an ankle while working, go for a classic trouser (light color) in a light-weight fabric. You can pair this with Birkenstocks or a casual dress shoe. If you are going to rock a Birk, trim your damn toenails at the very least. The last thing the bride wants to see is yellowish toenails from athletes foot… okay?
Don’t ignore the dress code. If it says formal, dress up. If it’s country bumpkin… well then I have no idea… Homegirl strongly dislikes cowboy boots. You’re probably not in Hollywood, so chances are you don’t have to show up in a tuxedo or ball gown to look sharp AF.
Happy shooting friends!
xx
Courtney Vike
Guest Blogger for Pepper – Your Badass Business BFF Inc.
Shop the blog
Women:
Bodycon dress
Black midi dress
Navy jumpsuit
Black romper
Black sandal
Snakeskin loafer
Black platforms
Men:
Patterned button-up
Blue button-up
Merlot pants
Khaki shorts
Navy shorts
Loafers