As a bright and bold photographer, I love pops of bold color and good contrast. You might hear suggestions for your upcoming shoot about your wardrobe that are somewhere along the lines of, “Don’t wear black.” It’s not that you shouldn’t wear black; it’s how you wear it that can make or break your photos. Lighter colors definitely help achieve the look in my style of photography, but black isn’t off the table. Knowing how to wear black for photos will make all the difference.

I typically avoid suggesting black because it’s such an intense color and can be more distracting than not. On top of that, unlike lighter colors, black and other similar dark colors absorb visible light. In photography and videography, there are black light modifiers known as flags that block unwanted light. Consider these tips when choosing your outfits if you want to incorporate black into your wardrobe for your photo session.

Always wear dressier black material than casual, even for your casual outfit, as it photographs better. Consider the material your outfit is made out of when selecting your photo shoot wardrobe. Fabrics like cotton, wool, suede (microsuede would be a better alternative), velvet, and polyester attract pet and human hair, dander, lint, and dust. Fabrics such as leather (or faux leather for my vegan friends), silk, satin, rayon, chiffon, and denim are excellent at repelling hairs, dust, and fuzz. Unlike denim, those other fabrics have some sheen to them, allowing them to have a more reflective and polished look.

As I mentioned above, black is a heavy color. The first thing you see when you look at a photo is the contrasty and dark colors. Darkness and shadows pull focus to an image, at least for lighter styles like mine. When adding black to your photoshoot wardrobe, mix it in with lighter colors. Pastels, jewel tones, earth tones, and neutrals pair well with black for my style of photography. Wear black sparingly in your photos to keep the focus where it should be, on the two of you.

When finalizing and polishing your outfit, accessorize and use layers. Necklaces, bracelets, watches, and handbags add texture to break up the solid black material. Using layers like cardigans, jackets, scarves, and sweaters adds dimension. Consider alternatives to black for photos, such as dark blue, navy, dark grey, olive, dark brown, and similar colors.

Hopefully, these tips will help you style your outfit if you choose to wear black for your session.

TM Grey Photo is a Wedding and Portrait Photographer, as well as a Private Editor in the New Jersey area. TM Grey Photo focuses on bright and bold stories and genuine smiles. Check out more weddings, portraits, and engagements in the gallery. Want TM Grey Photo to tell your story? Let’s chat.

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