When I started out with photography, one of the trickiest questions I struggled with was: what should a wedding photographer wear?
I needed to figure out how to dress up a bit, but still wear an outfit that allowed me to move around easily and blend in. These would be long days, and I needed clothes and makeup that would hold up for the duration. Also, let’s not forget about having to dress for the various weather conditions and temperature changes the Northshore, Massachusetts area can bring!
Whew! That’s a lot to consider. For my photographer friends out there, can you relate?
Thankfully, over the years I’ve found some outfit staples that work great for me. I’m so excited to share with you my top tips on what to wear to photograph a wedding.
Wear comfortable shoes to photograph a wedding
Once my feet start to hurt during a shoot, it’s game over for me. Rothy’s are by far the most comfortable shoes I’ve found. I love my chili red ones! Plus, these super cute shoes are made from recycled plastic…how cool is that?
Bonus: Here’s a discount code for $20 off your next pair.
Lipstick that lasts all day
When you’re shooting a wedding, you’re busy! You don’t have time to worry about reapplying your lipstick. Maybelline all day lipstick is my favorite matte lipstick that I’ve found truly lasts all day and has the most gorgeous shades to choose from.
Pockets are a wedding photographer’s best friend
When I’m photographing a wedding, dresses or pants with pockets are my go-to. Dresses with pockets are oh-so-fun, and pockets make photo shoots so much easier. I love being able to hold things like a lens cap or film in my pockets. This is my favorite pair of wedding day pants; they are super chic and comfortable.
Look sleek (but keep it functional) in a jumpsuit
This jumpsuit may not have pockets, but I still adore it. You can’t go wrong with a classy, black jumpsuit. If you’re scrambling last-minute to figure out “What should a wedding photographer wear?” a jumpsuit is the perfect, effortlessly beautiful choice. I love how polished and sleek the feel of this outfit is, and it’s comfortable and easy to move around in. Win-win!
Know your wedding day photography schedule with an Apple Watch
My Apple Watch helps a ton on wedding shoot days. I love that my calendar is synced up to my watch and alerts me of my full wedding schedule, so I don’t have to spend time pulling out my phone or planner to figure it out. On busy wedding days, efficiency is key.
Add a camera bag to what you wear to photograph a wedding
For the times I don’t wear an outfit with pockets, my Ona Bowery bag saves the day. I use my camera bag to keep an extra lens, film, or SD cards in. Keeping my gear safe and easily accessible when I’m photographing a wedding really helps my peace of my mind and workflow throughout the day.
What to wear to photograph fall or winter weddings
For fall and winter, I love to layer a duster over these outfits like this one from Nordstrom. This light cardigan keeps me warm, especially during outdoor weddings, and is flowy enough that it doesn’t constrict my movement while I work.
Related: How to prepare for a rainy day wedding in New England
A wedding photographer’s dream: the multi-camera strap
My Holdfast multi-camera strap has made it a thousand times easier to shoot weddings. I wear this when I need to use both of my cameras and absolutely love it. Holdfast’s straps are great because they’re made of the most beautiful and durable leather. Combining fashion and function is a huge plus in my book!
Bonus: always have a backup outfit with you to wear to photograph a wedding
Whenever I photograph a wedding, I always carry a backup pair of pants in my car. I’ve actually seen my friend’s skirt rip right down the middle once during a wedding day photoshoot and have learned my lesson from her. (Luckily, she had a backup outfit with her!)
So, what do you think? Will these tips work for you? Maybe you’re like me and you’re already finding ways to make your outfits work for your wedding day photoshoots…
I would love to hear your thoughts… what should a wedding photographer wear?
xoxo, Marcela
