Weddings – we love weddings! Full of love and laughter! And for you, the wedding photographer, a lot of work.
You have your hands full capturing your clients’ major moments and ensuring they look magical in every shot. The last thing you need is to worry about your own outfit. That’s why it’s crucial to choose an outfit that is simple, professional, and functional.
What Should A Wedding Photographer Wear?
When it comes to wedding photographer attire, “you’re not just blending into the background,” says Emily Newton, professional photographer and marketing specialist at Insurance Canopy. “You’re also moving, crouching, stretching, and probably sweating a little (or a lot) while capturing someone’s biggest day.”
Ensure your fit is both functional and professional with these gender-neutral tips.
- Match the vibes
- Invest in versatile basics
- Find comfortable but polished pieces
- Pockets! As many pockets as possible
Match the Vibes
Even as a vendor working instead of attending the wedding, photographer outfits should still match the formality of the event.
For formal weddings, go with things like a collared shirt, a nice jacket, or a long skirt. Business casual styles like knee-length skirts or polo shirts work for semi-formal affairs. For a casual wedding, you can do short-sleeve dress shirts or dressy tees with a pair of nice pants.
Pro Tip: Double-check with the couple to confirm expectations. For example, a family may have a cultural tradition that reserves the color red for the bride. Or, the couple with a Pirate-themed wedding would like you to blend in with the theme.
Key Takeaways:
- Match the formality of the wedding
- Be aware of any cultural traditions or special circumstances
- Confirm expectations with the clients
Invest in Versatile Basics
A few staple pieces like button-ups, slacks, and blouses in neutral colors are a great place to start. These items are easily dressed up or down and let you build several work-appropriate outfits for a reasonable price.
According to pro photographer Emily Newton, black is your best friend. “Wearing black is the norm within the wedding photographer industry. It helps members of the wedding party identify you easily and disguises the inevitable sweat produced throughout the day.”
A couple of flexible layering items are also ideal, especially for events where you have to switch settings or move between indoor and outdoor locations.
If you are going to be outdoors, be sure to dress for the weather. Consider keeping back-up outfit staples in your vehicle or kit in case of emergencies.
Key Takeaways:
- Stock up on basics for easy mix-and-matching
- Stick to neutral colors – black is the most popular
- Layer
- Dress for the weather
- Keep back-ups for emergencies
Find Comfortably Polished Pieces
Your attire needs to work with you on long wedding days, during all the different shots and moments. Newton’s advice: Look for breathable and stretchy.
“Go for breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and something you can bend down in without needing constant readjustments. For me, this means stretchy black slacks or a flowy black skirt.”
Another crucial piece of every wedding photographer’s outfit: shoes. When you’re on your feet directing and shooting photos for 10 hours straight, you need supportive and reliable shoes. Check that they fit well, break them in, and add any necessary insoles well before the day of the event.
“For shoes, these Chelsea boots are surprisingly comfortable and are stylish with any outfit!” says Newton.
Key Takeaways:
- Key Takeaways:
- Opt for stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric
- Ensure pieces fit well to minimize the need to readjust
- Comfortable and supportive shoes are essential
Pack Your Outfit Full of Pockets
As many wedding photographers say, pockets are gold.
“Hidden zip pockets or utility belts are lifesavers. I use mine for extra batteries, cards, and even a protein bar or two. Anything that saves you a trip to your gear bag.”
Newton cites the black Isabel pants from Wondery Outdoors as her go-to pant for all her photoshoots. If you opt for a skirt or dress without pockets, she recommends something like this camera bag from Kindly to store your loose items.
Beyond Clothing: Additional Wedding Photographer Outfit Tips
Don’t overlook this last essential component of the wedding photographer dress code: gear. Not the cameras and lenses themselves, but the things you need to carry those items around! It’s extremely helpful to have gear that works with your outfits, Emily explains.
“A good camera strap setup is a game-changer. I’m a fan of harness-style straps (think HoldFast or similar). They distribute weight across your back and shoulders, keep your hands free, and let you carry two camera bodies easily without smacking your gear into people around you. Bonus: leather straps in brown or black look super clean and blend right in with a dressed-up look.
A single sling strap or even a hip holster can work too — just make sure it’s something that doesn’t dig into your neck or get tangled in your outfit.”
In addition to camera straps, there are other small items you might want to carry with you in a pocket or stashed in a bag. For example:
- Stain remover pens
- Fabric tape
- Adhesive bandages
- Mini lint rollers
- Safety pins
- Bobby pins
- Small sewing scissors
These extras often come in handy at weddings. You never know when you, the bride, or another wedding party member might need an emergency safety pin or a blister bandage!
Key Takeaways:
- Invest in quality, comfortable, and secure camera straps that won’t tangle in your clothes – like harness-style straps
- Keep a few key wardrobe-support items in your kit, like stain remover pens or Band-Aids
- Pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up
Female Wedding Photographer Outfit Ideas & Guidelines
Here are some additional tips and guidelines for female wedding photographers.
- Keep hair and makeup simple
- Find a hairstyle that doesn’t get in your way while you work, like a ponytail or bun
- Ensure accessories aren’t noisy, distracting, or otherwise a hindrance to you
- Avoid high heels (unless you’ve got movie-stunt skills with stilettos)
Outfit recommendations and suggestions include:
- Stretchy black slacks
- Flowy black skirts
- Flowy dresses (with pockets – even better!)
- Wide- or straight-leg slacks with a blouse and/or blazer
- A solid or basic-print midi skirt with a sweater
- Solid Chelsea boots
- Oxford sneakers
- Stylish jumpsuits (caveat: some photographers love a jumpsuit, others stay away due to the challenge they often present in the bathroom, so this is definitely a personal preference!)
Male Wedding Photographer Outfit Ideas & Guidelines
Let’s explore additional tips and guidelines for male wedding photographers.
- Keep facial hair neat and well-groomed
- For long hair, find a simple style that keeps it out of your way while you work
- Ensure watches and other accessories aren’t a hindrance to your movements
Outfit recommendations and suggestions include:
- Black or brown Oxford and derby shoes
- Dress sneakers or loafers
- Dockers pants or shoes
- Classic solid colors like black, navy, and gray
- Matching belts
Tailored or well-fitting suits – avoid super baggy pieces - Nice slacks with a vest over a button-down
- Dark slacks with a crisp polo
- Slacks and a sweater
Pro Tip: Your professional attire is an investment in your career — just like your cameras. Going for quality over quantity in your dress, even if it’s more expensive up front, benefits you in the long run by ensuring your pieces last.
What to Avoid In Your Wedding Photographer Attire
When piecing together your outfits, there are some things to avoid, regardless of gender.
- Casual wear like athletic shorts and tank tops, unless appropriate or previously approved
- New shoes you haven’t adjusted to yet (to save your feet)
- Ripped, stained, or obviously beat-up clothing
- Distracting accessories like loud, jingling jewelry or an extremely reflective watch
- All white outfits or other colors with special significance
- Over-the-top hairstyles and makeup
- Overly bright or busy patterns
Ultimately, your wedding photographer outfits should be appropriate for the occasion, not draw attention, and keep you as comfortable and functional as possible so you can do your job effectively.
Pro Tip: A polished and professional appearance ensures you make a good impression. One wedding gig has the potential to lead to others – you never know which guest may be in need of a photographer in the future!
Dress to Impress, Insure to Protect
Your outfit isn’t the only thing that needs to be ready at the next wedding you shoot. You also need to protect your business with wedding photography insurance designed for photographers who plan ahead. Get the coverage you need to keep your business thriving starting at $12/month or $59/event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Photographer Attire
Should Wedding Photographers Wear All Black?
All black is the current industry standard for wedding photographers, as well as one of the simplest outfits. It allows you to look professional while simultaneously diminishing the appearance of sweat, dirt, spills, or other stains you might obtain.
You don’t have to wear black exclusively, but you should stick to neutrals and basic patterns unless your clients say otherwise.
Should a Wedding Photographer Wear Jeans?
Most of the time, wedding photographers should not wear jeans. The one exception is if your clients suggest you do so.
Do Wedding Photographers Need Insurance?
Yes! Most wedding venues will require you to have your own liability insurance before allowing you to work on their property. Liability insurance also helps protect your business, your finances, your reputation, and your clients.
Learn more ways liability insurance can help you become a successful wedding photographer.
