This is me on a regular day:


I'm a casual person who wears comfy clothes and this is me on a shoot minus the necklace and usually a tank instead because I get so freakin hot.

I got rid of my black biz suits when I left my 8-5 job a couple years ago. (Not that they would still be in style.) I have a wedding I'm shooting this month and it's a "test the waters to see if I really want to do weddings" weddings (though this couple is so adorable, I really could'nt resist them.) I'm shooting with a dear friend who I'll be learning from. I'm not feeling like purchasing a suit when I may never do another wedding. You know? I hear some people talk of wearing skirts to weddings. Wow. I can't do that.

So I'm asking for two things here:

Please post a photo or describe what you wear to shoot a wedding. Or give me some ideas on what I should wear.

Please wish me luck!!

THANK YOU!!!

PS It's an outdoor 7 PM barn wedding with the reception in a train station. Her theme is Great Gatsby vintage-ish style.

No rush or anything. I do have a few weeks.

its a wedding. dress like a guest, but maybe slightly more casual. i wear linen wide leg slacks, i rarely wear black. i have robins egg blue, navy blue and dark brown, with coordinating tops and usually a cardi cause it gets pretty cool here in the evenings and in fact, its still jacket weather here....

shoes i wear some type of mary janes. right now i just foudn mary jane treckers from lands end and they are fantastic.

i try not to wear any jewelry becuase bracelets can make noise in a church and i dont want anything gtting caught on any of my clothing or whatever. not much makeup either and hair just down and plain.

Betsy I agree with Tami comfortable trousers that you can bend over decently in. You want to be able to run, crawl and sometimes jump in them without looking too disheveled or looking too dirty by the end of the day (dark colours perhaps). Oh and some pockets won't go a miss.

Very comfy shoes that don't make much noise on the church floors and a few layers to suit the weather conditions.

And a backup outfit in case of emergencies like if you rip you trousers by catching them on a railing ( yeah that happened to me oh the shame )

P.s tami website looks fantastic !

Good luck let us know how you get on betsy

Mags

If I have to wear a tie... then all you ladies should have to as well!



PS: Comfortable but nice. No pencil skirts. Dark colors are best for indoor ceremonies.

Don't have a photo, but I wear black pants and black or dark shirt so I don't stand out-usually button up (all black even in AZ). Comfy black shoes that are dressy, but without a heel (usually flats). Usually wear a ponytail in case it's windy. No jewelry except my wedding rings to avoid getting hit on!

I wear black wide leg capri pants and either a black or khaki short sleeve, fitted button up shirt, ones that don't wrinkle easily and don't show dirt from climbing or being on the ground. I pull my hair back, as one doesnt want my hair in their images. Comfy wedges or flats. No bracelets or earings that make any noise. I like to be stealth! Oh- and my shootsac... I wear that too!

Who I ocassionally second shoot for has an all black rule. So, with him I have black linen pants, and a nicer black cotton short sleeved top. I also wear black shoes that are really comfy. As far as jewlery, just my wedding rings and basic earings.
When I shoot by myself, I typically wear a darker cotton or linen pant and some cotton short sleeved top that is still pretty dressy (any color but white). Oh and my brown sketchers
And then my shootsac that is always on me! Feel free to still look cute, just make sure you won't steal all the attention with your outfit.

This is a good topic b/c I just did a Bar Mitzvah and I wore black slacks, black blouse with slightly puffed sleeves with muted pattern and black heeled but very comfortable shoes and I got the 'feeling' that I was not dressed up enough...hmmm

we wear black...

at receptions especially... we often accidentally sneak into each others shots.... by wearing black, we blend into the shadows.

just my 2¢


~b

Well Duh Bobbi, I was hoping you would chime in, dear friend. ; )

You guys have given me some great ideas. Thank you for the details, that's what I needed. though I want to see some pics girls! That's why i got things started with a photo of me. Though bobbi, I already know what you look like at weddings. Hee hee!

I know you know what I wear... but did you know why?

Cause shootin nekid would get you kicked out the church?

Have you tried it? It's incredibly freeing!

Be sure to post pics so we can judge for ourselves.

Black pants, shoes I can easily kick off (Im constantly clambering over beds at the brides place so I can get a shot without pausing the action ), and a nice top (more than not its either blue or black)... Im also wearing a black/white bandanna atm which is my most conservative

No jewellery, especially no necklaces as they get in the way, and no makeup generally (apart from the fact I dont know how to apply it well since I never wear it, I dont want to worry about my makeup running, and since I want to stay neat, i just wear none )


ETA: Found a shot - this was from my last wedding - obviously payback from my 2nd shooter since I got in her shot At least its with the wide angle - makes me skinnier
I dont look as funky as you, but its workable



oooh and I promise my bad posture is work related!

Im an all black girl too, but my black collared tshirt has my logo on it, to make it more 'corporate' or 'worklike' rather than just a black tee. I was wearing black trainers too but im thinking they are looking too casual so im going to upgrade those to some flat leather maryjanes or some such thang for next season.

Click to view attachment

i wear a bit of makeup, usually because when i get hot my cheeks flare up like im a raggedy anne doll, so i need something to try and tone it down a bit.....

Your right, I hadn't thought about you sneaking into each other's shots. You are such a genius. Since we will really be paparazzi that day, it will be very important. You'll probably give up on us by 2 PM we'll be driving you so nuts. ; )

BTW, my first time i met Bobbi she was shooting a wedding in her socks so she could be stealth. I was impressed! Though your socks were HUGE Bobbi! I remember there was about 5 inches left flopping around by your toe. (I always remember dumb details like that.) I bet you stole them from Mike that day. That's SO me to steal my hubby's socks when I have none in the drawer. Love ya Bobbi!

I have a hard time believing you... I HATE wearing socks that are too big!!!!!!

Guess your elastic just broke. ; ) God, what a stupid think for me to remember.

Ok, I HAVE to get off OSP now. I have such ADD today!!! (like everyday)

Oh...just found this shot from my second shooter...new shirt that I totally ruined that day...cheap, shiny polyester and camera straps don't mix well Tried and tre black Express Editors and always Dansko mary janes

The last 3 weekends I have shot with photographers that were new to me. It was an experience. None of those photographers were dressed appropriately. One wore shoes that were rubber looking. Another wore a black polo shirt that was so old it looked grey. It also was covered with dog hair. The other wore a short sleeve shirt that was something to wear at the beach. The problem was, this was a black tie event.

I totally understand the need to be comfortable, but professional is the rule here. If you are doing an engagement session, then you can be a little more relaxed in your style. I am from the all black rules school. Shoes should be clean and polished. Photographers should be in the upper 33 percent of dress. You don't have to look better than people in their tuxedos, but at a formal event, casual shouldn't be the look.

If you can find clean professional looking clothes that are comfortable, that is great. If you can only find clean professional looking clothes that are slightly uncomfortable, that wins over just comfortable looking clothes.

That was more than 2 cents, but I have read a lot of people saying to insure comfort first. I think looking good should be first, comfort after that. This day is one that someone is paying a good amount of money for. If all of the hired help considered comfort first, the wedding day wouldn't be as special.

Bill

Thanks guys! I'm still in search for comfy and attractive shoes for my hobbit feet. Wish me luck.

I wear bermuda-slacks! SO comfy and cool in the summer months.

Oooh, very cute. I'm going shopping tomorrow. Thanks again guys.

Ok...I must ask for opinions. Is it proper or acceptable for me to wear black slacks, a slight but comfortable heel and a black blouse, but with spaghetti straps? So in other words, shoulders will be exposed. It is very dressy but I am not sure if it is ok. It is just DANG hot here and I am going to be doing a wedding this weekend, mid-day, and it has been 100 degrees.

Any thoughts?

So I have a couple of guidelines that I use for girlfriends. Will my grandmother be ok seeing you wear the outfit? Can you where it at the Vatican?

I am sorry to those that like bermuda or capris, but to most weddings this isn't it. If you were going to a summer party that would be great. Lisa the spaghetti straps you talk about sound cute, but if you have too ask about showing too much skin, you more than likely are. Remember, at no point do you want the bride thinking anything but how professional you look. Yes heat is terrible. Last year most of my weddings were shot in 100+ weather. What did I wear? All black. Breathable black is helpful.

Wow I sort of sound like a prude but my problem with the straps are you also see bra straps and I just think that is so not attractive for business attire.

Bill

i agree, i think its a bit of a no no for spaghetti straps. however, i am probably one of the few that do not feel you have to wear all black to be invisible. i think wearing all black makes you all the more visible. i dress like a guest, but wearing comfortable shoes.

but if you saw how some people dress for weddings here.... you would FREAK OUT.

one wedding i went to, a man showed up in polyester warm up/tracksuit pants. oh wait, he had a matching jacket.

When I was single -- my guideline always was the less the better.

wait a second.... i can't believe i let this one slip past... 'guidelines for girlfriends'?

are you saying you tell your girlfriends how to dress?

Uh, were you that close to your grandmother?

Duh! How much wine have you had tonight??? Wow -- I am confused -- your grandmother was your girlfriend?

no vino. sol.

I don't have pictures, but I have about three outfits that rotate in and out.

First Outfit: Black dress pants, cuban heeled black boots, grey turtleneck, and a black belt around the outside of the turtleneck. It's my winter outfit. You'd be surprised how much the black belt, free of belt loops has come in handy. I usually wear some kind of earring or nice watch.

Second Outfit: For a more casual wedding, black dress pants, cute black flats, white undershirt, and a silk wrap top. This look usually goes well with a necklace.

Third Outfit: Black dress pants, cute black flats, shiny black capped sleeve top, and a cropped black vest. Again, earrings or one kind of accessory to dress it up a little.

I think it's important to be comfortable, but I think it is also VERY important to look up to date and appropriate for a wedding. Long Island weddings tend to be big events, and I would feel very self-conscious in much of anything less dressy.

I think accessories (the right ones, not ones that get in the way) can make a more comfortable shooting outfit look a little more wedding appropriate.

I appreciate honest opinions and that is why I asked I was going to PM you and ask, so I am glad to see you responded on here. I always wear full slacks..would like to wear a skirt at times, but not practical. At one time I thought I would get a flat soled shoe, but I am 5'3" and I need a little height, so I deal with my feet hurting the last 2 hours from wearing a heel. I LOVE the two new blouses I got, very dressy, but yes there is skin ( full shoulders and arms) showing and maybe I will keep that for my time. Thanks Bill!THAT'S halarious!

I don't know if I saw this photo on your blog or on another thread or what, but after seeing it, I went out and bought myself a brown pair (very similar in look) and a grey pair! They ROCK!!!

and.... you know this from experience?????

Hey --- OSP is a tolerant place... No icons towards our resident cross-dresser.

ok mr. realtor dude.

I totally forgot I have some of these! I think I am going to have to break those out this summer. Thanks for the reminder!

I agree I like to be professional and blend in, but I don't feel too professional dripping sweat and red faced either,I have to find that middle ground. I think the capri slacks are fine as long as they are dress slack material worn with flats, not the lightweight cotton ones you would wear with flip flops to the beach...and no cargo pockets or anything like that. :-) I pretty much avoid skirts just b/c I am all over the place on the ground, climbing up on stuff...nothing is more unprofessional than "overexposure"! I will wear a sleeveless top, but not a tank top...if that makes any sense--arm part of the shoulders exposed, but not the collarbones or below the armpit area....and no cleavage b/c I bend over a lot.

kate

Hi,

I normally wear either gauchos or dress pants with this shirt. It's kind of my uniform. I have 3 colors. It's sparkly and dressy, but since it is georgette, it's light and cool. The under tank gets all sweaty and gross but it looks nicer since the shirt isn't touching me so much. I am super self conscious about the upper arms, so it hides that too. Of course, Danskos complete the outfit.

This is a picture of Tami in her wedding day shooting outfit.



Those Brits are a strange bunch for sure...

talk about Instigator with a capital I - when are we going to see a kinder, gentler jim?

Kinder, gentler Jim? Once you go to the dark side -- it is hard to cross back... I think Billy Joel said it best:



You have been sweeter since you changed your avatar. See --- that MR avatar makes one an instigator.


So are you going to continue to be boring sweet or are you gonna get back to your instigator/threadjacking self?

Ohhh, I love all the separate little lens bags! Shoot sac be damned! That Tami is a genius.

lets just say, if i had been drinking coffee when i read that......


should i start marketing it? oh now i must start a thread for help on naming it......

And she also has a bell she rings when it is time for the formals.

Hey Jim,

Tami sent me this pic of you -- she had to go to bed early tonight.

Is this at one of your recent seminars? She said you were modeling the latest in men's wedding attire (complete with knock-off conterfeit shoot sac). I think this is where you were about to demonstrate how to make a pin-hole camera with a potato.

y'all owe me a new keyboard at the very least