Chic for Cheap: Wedding Photographer

Last week two readers wrote in with a similar chic for cheap request for us to tackle.  Both Bonnie and Katelyn are wedding photographers in need of a professional ensemble that doesn't lack in personality.  Bonnie is 36 and wanted something sophisticated.  Katelyn requested something with color (you can see I failed on that one, but I'll explain why in a second).

Before my sister's wedding last year, I put an extensive amount of time into finding out exactly what I should wear as the photographer.  My situation was slightly different than normal since I also needed to be in some of the shots.  But overwhelmingly the the same things were repeated time and time again in every forum I visited online:

• No denim
• No white dresses ; )
• Neutral colors and classy cuts
• You should take care to dress in a way that reflects your profession (i.e. not as a wedding guest). (edited)
• Remember that everyone will be looking at you and what you wear is how you market yourself as a professional.  Don't forget to bring business cards in case there are interested guests.

So with that being said, I skipped over adding color to this look because I felt that things could easily go wrong by doing so.  Of course, instead of black you could opt for navy or even go for gray or khaki slacks (if the event is informal).  If you must wear color, try slipping on a subtle pair of colorful stud earrings... or better yet, wear your chicest pair of colored knickers.  You'll know you're colorful, but nobody else will be the wiser.  And no matter what you're wearing underneath it all, don't forget to wear a belt... the last thing you want is to flash all the guests when you're crouching down to get the perfect shot.

• Polished Rose Bonny Pins - Forever 21 (Keep your hair out of your face and away from your camera in style).
• Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen - Drugstore.com (Sunscreen is a must if you're shooting outdoors in warm weather.  This sunblock is my favorite because it's not greasy at all.  For cooler weather, slip on a lightweight cotton blazer or cardigan).
• Pleated Cap Sleeve Top - Old Navy (Whatever top you wear, double check at home to be sure that when leaning forward "your girls" don't pop out).
• Straight Fit Flare Pants - Gap (be sure to test any pair of pants to be sure that you have a full range of motion in them.  Bending, kneeling, crouching, etc.)
• Leather Rectangle Buckle Belt - Gap
• Sheryl Ballet Flats - Target
  

Comments

[Sal]

Great advice, Ez. When Husband Mike and I shoot weddings, we always err on the conservative, non-colorful side. Clean and classic does best.

[RhiannonM]

This would also be a really good look for someone cocktail waitressing a private party. I used to hate being made to wear white shirt and black pants while walking through an over-crowded house were inevitably I would get chicken wing or red wine on my top. I could never understand why they insisted on white and black instead of all black. It makes me want to send this idea board to some of the people I worked for. Thanks for posting!

[Amanda]

Great tips (and CUTE finds!) I'll be photographing a wedding this summer and this will definitely be good to keep in mind. I forgot I'd need to think about what I'm wearing! ;)

[Amanda Herzberger (Orchard Cov]

Designer Sarah Waldo did a great feature on this on her blog a few weeks back - http://goingstarfishing.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-to-wear-wedding-photographers.html

[SoniaBonia]

This is almost exactly what I wear when shooting weddings. I can't stress the need for flats enough. Also, fashioning yourself a "supply belt" is very smart (camera bag on a belt type thing).

[Katelyn V]

OH THANK YOU THANK YOU!I can't wait to go check out those items!I think for the pop of color i may just add a colored pin in my hair or some earings..thats all i really meant by a pop of color.

You guys are awesome. Thank you again

[mosey]

I'm officially addicted to your blog. This is great advice. I'm going to pass is on to my sister who is actually a wedding videographer!

[Jill]

I totally hear you on all black... maybe a dash of color with a scarf or a fun belt. But nothing that would offend any of the guests or the bride! Great outfit!

[Sarah]

Another reason I can think to wear darker colors-- many times the photographer is up around the couple during the ceremony and vows. You definitely don't want to distract people with a bright colored outfit up at the altar!

[bonnie tsang]

Oh, how wonderful, Ez!! Thanks so much! I'll be going shopping this week! :D

[aya]

It's the first time I've seen anyone building an outfit in a blog or a magazine or anything and add "sunscreen" to the list. Even the "what should I wear to sit by the side of the pool" over look it.

I'm really proud of you for not forgetting, we should all protect our skin.

[desiree fawn]

Oooh la la :) I've shot a couple weddings and this is a fantastic ensemble!

[Mo]

It's like you read my mind--I'll be the photographer at my sister's wedding and need something inconspicuous but nice enough for the family portraits. Thanks!

[Mel Watson]

Great advice. I always follow a very similar style when shooting. Bad thing is I've gone from cute flats to near orthopedic shoes because my feet just burn out on me. Oh I long to wear cute shoes at a wedding. Sigh.

[carina romano]

great post! I think about this all the time as a wedding photographer. you have to remember to stay away from the "white top, black bottom" outfit because all caterers wear that uniform! flat shoes and slacks with pockets are essential! also, sometimes i like to spruce it up with a classy black dress (nothing low cut or too short) for those middle-of-the-summer-god-awful-hot-and-humid weddings.

[Valisa]

Great look! I think *colour* can be easily added by wearing a stripe or print top in Black and White. You'd still look professional but a chic professional.Or use a *textured* blouse/top with embossed black on black or dark purple on black or something - which will look really good and classy.Another thing maybe it is a European thing - a little chi chi scarf is aroung the neck will express the creative side. Not one of those very long/big cumbersome shawl but a small but colourful scarf/kerchief.A bold jewellery like a huge bracelet that is in vogue now is also a great way to inject colour and personality.For cute shoes - what about Campers? they are flat, cute and expressive!

[Leslie]

"You should not look like the caterers or like a guest but like the professional that you are."

Caterers are also capable of being professionals. I know that's not what you meant but it reads a little white collar snobby.

[Little Gray Pixel]

I love this challenge. I tried to incorporate gray instead of a full-on black in my outfit. It's hard, but I imagined my wedding (a hot summer garden wedding) and how miserable my photog would've been in all black. So, not appropriate for all seasons, but I think it works for the outside weddings to come:

http://littlegraypixel.blogspot.com/2009/04/chic-for-cheap-wedding-photographer.html

[Nicole]

Great post here! I always go black and err on the side of conservative, but tend to worry that I look morbid. I'm glad to see my intuition for black confirmed!

[Courtney]

wondering... for hot summmer days - what about dressy capris?