Get ready for your Myrtle Beach photoshoot! I'm excited, and I hope you are too. For everyone who has a beach photo session coming up and those planning to book one soon, I've created this style guide with suggestions to help you plan a wardrobe, whether you're getting a family session or a romantic session for two. There's also a bonus section toward the end of this article just for high school seniors. Using my suggestions as a guideline, you will get great-looking photos to cherish and share. So, relax, read on, and get your outfits ready!
Being a Myrtle Beach photographer for more than ten years, I know which clothes look best in pictures. "What should I wear?" is also one of the most frequently asked questions I get from my clients. You don't need to dress extravagantly to look good in pictures. All you need to do is use this guide to help you plan your wardrobe before the day of your shoot to avoid feeling stressed at the last minute.
Myrtle Beach Weather
I can imagine my out-of-town clients standing in front of an open closet staring at their clothes and wondering what to pack for their photo session on the beach. The weather is probably the first thing you should think about when planning your photo session wardrobe. Springtime in Myrtle Beach is mild, with an average temperature of 65°. Summer months are hot and humid with an average temperature of 85°. There is commonly an ocean breeze along the shoreline, which offers relief on the hottest of days. Since it will most likely be windy on the beach, plan to style your hair accordingly and incorporate a light jacket or cardigan into your outfit(s) if the weather is chilly. Thunderstorms with lightning are more likely to occur from mid-July through September. I recommend planning backup attire just in case the weather is not quite what you planned it to be on the day of your photoshoot. For days with no end-of-rain in sight, we can always discuss rescheduling your appointment if possible.
Being Comfortable
Next, consider comfort. Whether you've booked a family session or a lovely couple's shoot, your clothing should be comfortable. Choose something that you know looks good on you and you like wearing. Doing this will boost your confidence when the time comes to pose in front of the camera, which results in beautiful keepsake photos.
Choosing Colors
Selecting a color palette of 3 to 4 compatible colors is helpful when choosing clothes for family or couple's portraits. I like to see less matching and more coordinating in clothing choices. The style of the clothes is less important than the color when it comes to photographing two or more people in the same picture. That said, the clothing style should be appropriate for a photo session on the beach. Think neutral and earthy tones and consider shades of ivory, cream, beige, pale blue, peach, lavender, soft pink, and sage green. You can also mix and match different shades from a few of these color families. Neutral and earthy tones complement the beautiful natural landscape of the Myrtle Beach shoreline, and they also render nicely in portraits.
Fabrics and Textures
Soft fabrics with movement, like cotton or chiffon, work great for a beach photo session. Cotton is a versatile natural fiber that is comfortable and keeps you cool in hot weather. Chiffon is an incredibly lightweight fabric that moves and flows with the wind. It's perfect for the breezy Myrtle Beach shoreline. Dresses with lace detail add a touch of elegance and femininity to a picture. Lightweight scarves and button-down sweaters are textures that will add visual interest.
Sometimes Patterns Are Okay
Some photographers say no to patterns, but I think when done right, wearing patterns works. One or two people in a group of four or more wearing garments with subtle, different patterns can add visual interest to a picture. Imagine three people wearing solid colors and two people wearing floral print dresses. One dress has a small floral print, and the other has a large floral print. Remember to choose different patterns, styles and colors while staying in line with your chosen color palette. This rule can be applied to a couple’s shoot, having a subtle motif on only one person's clothes. A few well-thought-out, simple floral patterns or subtle geometrical shapes work well, but busy patterns like tiger stripes, for example, do not. If you have doubts or concerns about wearing a specific print, feel free to send me an email and attach pictures so I can help.
Say No to Logos
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, please don't wear clothes with visible logos, and save the graphic T-shirt for another day. Unlike understated patterns, logos are a distracting element in portrait photography.
Think About Your Tan Lines
Don't forget, you'll most likely be spending each day of your vacation sunbathing and playing on the beach, so take into consideration whether your tan lines will be visible with the clothing you plan to wear at your photo session. Avoid getting sunburned too. Visible tan lines and sunburned skin do not render well in portrait photography.
Shoes
For beach sessions, it's perfectly acceptable to go barefoot, but you may want to wear sandals or other shoes appropriate for the beach in some of your photos. In my opinion, sporty athletic shoes and socks are not a suitable footwear choice for the beach and don't look good in beach portraits. When posing for pictures during your session, please make sure everyone in the picture either agrees to wear or remove their footwear. Shoes should be presentable and match your outfit(s) while staying within the color scheme you've chosen for your photo session.
How to Look Slimmer in Portraits
Styling your clothing a certain way can make you appear slimmer in portraits. Refrain from wearing baggy clothing. That said, your attire does not need to be tight. It should skim the surface of your body. Wearing a monochromatic color scheme or the same color from head to toe is another way to look slender. Wearing a V-neck shirt will elongate your body. Add a long necklace to enhance the look. Top this look off with a blazer to make your waist appear smaller. I love the way wrap dresses look in portraits, and they usually have a V-neck. Wrap dresses also have a cinched waist, which accentuates the hourglass body shape. Speaking of body shape, the shapewear on the market today is much more comfortable than it used to be. Shop around for a good piece of shapewear to smooth and slim your torso.
Final Thoughts
Many of the people I photograph are visiting Myrtle Beach for vacation. Naturally, most of my photoshoots happen on the beach. Using this guide, you can choose casual, comfortable clothing appropriate for the beach while giving off some seriously stylish vibes. I've given you lots of wardrobe advice to think about, but I've saved the best piece of advice for last. My number one tip for a beach photo session is to relax and enjoy the experience because that's what a day at the beach is all about. Bring a few towels in case you get wet. Scroll down to see examples of people who wore picture-perfect outfits and get inspired. Cheers!
What to Wear for Senior Portraits
In Myrtle Beach, most students get senior pictures taken during the mid-spring to early summer months of their junior year of high school. As spring draws near, my appointment book is already filling up. Please book your senior pictures now, before all available time slots are full.
Planning what to wear to school each day can be intimidating. Planning what to wear for senior pictures can be even more of a challenge. That's why I've created a special section just for soon-to-be high school seniors to help inspire your wardrobe choices and get you prepared for senior picture day.
It's a good idea to select a few different outfits to change into during your shoot. Doing so will add variety to your collection of senior pictures. Maybe you won't wear all of them as planned, but at least you'll have options while you're in the moment. I'd also like to recommend that you include your parents when choosing what to wear. That said, the clothes you choose for senior pictures should represent your personality and make you feel comfortable and confident.
For girls, a solid-colored sundress, and sandals, along with a pretty necklace or a delicate ankle bracelet, are always fashionable and look good in pictures. Alternate this look with a floral print or geometrical-pattern sundress dress layered with a jean jacket. Another option is a scoop neck shirt, knee-length denim skirt, and low-profile walking shoes for a fun and sporty look. Remember, your denim skirt doesn't have to be blue. Consider other colors like white or pink.
Want a more sophisticated look? Wear a form-fitted dress with heels. When all else fails, resort back to the tried-and-true blue jeans you love to wear or your favorite pair of jean shorts that represent the laid-back vibes of Myrtle Beach. Each of these pairs well with a cute tank top or an off-the-shoulder blouse, sandals, or low-profile walking shoes.
For guys, mix and mingle a couple of Cuban guayabera-style shirts containing different patterns or colors and pair them with simple neutral-colored, lightweight shorts and pants for added variety. Finish the look with sandals or boat shoes for a relaxed but stylish beach look. You can also incorporate your favorite jeans into your shoot, a nice-looking T-shirt, and low-profile athletic shoes. Layer your T-shirt with a long-sleeve, button-down shirt, which brings the outfit together nicely.
No matter what you decide to wear, the most important thing to consider when choosing your clothes is how the clothes make you feel. If you don't feel comfortable and confident in them, please don't wear them. Keep in mind my senior sessions usually occur outdoors, so make sure you choose clothes appropriate for spring and summer weather. Below are a few other reminders to ensure your pictures turn out great.
- Neutral tones work well with most outdoor locations, especially the beach. Please don't wear graphic T-shirts or clothing that has visible logos. These elements are a distraction in portrait photography.
- Plan each outfit from head to toe, paying attention to your shoes, which should match each outfit, look clean, and be suitable for keepsake photos.
- Pick a few coordinating layers to bring each outfit together and add variety to your pictures.
- Try on your selected garments to ensure they fit well and look the way you imagined they would.
- Choose a few accessories for added visual appeal.
- Launder and hang your clothes before arrival and transport them to the shoot on hangers to keep them wrinkle-free.
- Bring along any props to incorporate your interests into your senior pictures.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Please arrive fifteen minutes before your scheduled appointment to avoid stress. Don't forget the traffic in Myrtle Beach can be heavy during the spring and summer months.
- Bring positive vibes and lots of smiles. Relax and enjoy the experience of senior pictures.
Scroll down to see what other seniors wore and get motivated to pick out your wardrobe. See you soon!
If you've booked senior pictures, an engagement or anniversary shoot, or a fun-filled family session in 2022, I'm looking forward to working with you soon. If not, make sure to add that to your to-do list. The time to book is now.
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