You might think that because I’m a style blogger, I’m all about having photos taken of me. That’s not really the case. I adore style, fashion, creativity, and sharing with all of you, but being in front of the camera isn’t always my favorite part of the job. While it’s a part of everything I love, it can also be quite exhausting since cameras can really drain your energy. Of course, it’s fun work, and I’m not complaining, but it definitely still counts as work. Juggling outfit changes in the car, worrying about how the photos will turn out, dealing with people staring, and just trying to capture the right moment can be a bit much at times.
For those of you aspiring to be bloggers, I want to share some of my top tips for capturing the right shot quickly and efficiently without burning yourself out. Every blogger has their own preferences, which might differ from mine, but hopefully, these tips will help you enhance your street style photography. If you have any questions or want more information, feel free to ask!
**Street Style Photography Tips**
**1. Choosing a Photographer**
People often ask how I found my amazing photographer, Arielle. It was actually a bit of luck. She initially shot me for a magazine feature, and afterward, we weren’t too thrilled with the magazine’s vision, so we did some additional shoots on our own, and they turned out great. From there, our collaboration grew. Before Arielle, my boyfriend used to take my photos. He’s a talented photographer, but his own commitments meant he couldn’t always accommodate my photo schedule. My sister also helped out, even though she had no photography experience. If you’re going to use family members, get a good camera and lenses. I’m a fan of the 85mm lens for edgy shots and the 55mm for a blurred background. Just set everything up for them, and they can press the shutter. Simple as that. If you want a professional touch, try reaching out to up-and-coming local photographers on Instagram for collaboration. It’s a great way to build a relationship and give them exposure.
**2. Finding the Light**
Everyone has their lighting preferences, and mine is a bit different. I’m not a big fan of the golden hour because I don’t like the orange tones. I usually prefer shooting later in the day before sunset, often seeking out shaded areas. Shooting in places with tall buildings can help create the shade I need. Sometimes, I do shoot in sunlight, depending on the outfit. And remember, the light source should be in front of you for the best shots.
**3. The Backdrop**
I used to love using plain backgrounds but have since evolved. Your backdrop should match your brand. Minimalists might go for black and white walls, while those into street style should consider urban scenes. Bright and colorful settings like flower fields or amusement parks are perfect for a more playful vibe. Depending on the outfit, unique places like a tire shop or vintage laundromat can be fun. I often note cool spots while driving and keep a list of them for future shoots.
**4. Playing with Angles**
Learning your angles comes with experience, but once you get it, it becomes straightforward. I love low angles because they make me appear taller and elongate my legs. Always check how the photos look if a photographer is shooting from a higher angle since it might not be the most flattering.
**5. Move a Lot, but with Purpose**
I tend to move a lot, which can be beneficial if done intentionally. Action shots like walking are often exaggerated steps rather than actual walking. Play around with movements like adjusting your hair or twirling—anything to get some motion in your shots, especially if you’re wearing something flowy. Straight posture also makes a significant difference, even if it feels unnatural.
**6. The Three Shots to Get**
There’s a helpful rule of three for photographing: full body, half body, and details. It’s a straightforward approach and a great way to guide your photographer during a shoot.
If you need more tips on taking outfit photos, check out some of my favorite photography hacks to elevate your blog game!
Outfit: Biatu ‘the Erica’ hoodie (custom-made—it’s now available for everyone and is super soft), black vinyl mini skirt, red sock boots, Quay x Kylie ‘Starstruck’ sunglasses.