So, your photoshoot is secured, the departure day is approaching and you are about to start packing when you start asking yourself : what should I wear for a photography session in Bora Bora? You’re not alone. I am no fashion expert by any means – far from it actually – so this set of guidelines is simply based on my experience as a photographer. It’s important to put together looks that feel 100 percent you. Before you go shopping it may help you to consider the next style tips regarding what to wear for your upcoming shoot in Bora Bora.
My 8 style tips
1. Show your personal style
Show your personal style , showcase your personality and whear clothes that make you feel like you 100 percent you . The more you feel like yourself, the more comfortable you will feel during the photo session and that’s going to help a lot to create candid, natural moments. There is no reason to dress up in a glamorous way if you aren’t used to it and you won’t feel like yourself wearing that type of clothes.
2. Use a colour squeme
I don’t mean you and your partner should wear the same thing, but do try to pick outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Look for complimentatry colours and solid prints. What does this mean? Wear clothes that go well together. Are you wearing a sundress? Then ask him to wear shorts with a nice beachy button down to go along with your theme! Aim for clothing that’s made from similar fabric, or that looks nice when you two stand together.
Some examples:
Classic white : White dresses, white shirts and white linen look simple and beautiful against the colors of the sand, the wood of the overwater bungalow and the lagoon. White helps to show off sunkissed skin, pops off and works as an added light soft reflector offering a timeless look. You can use different textures and materials to give uniqueness to each outfit.
Bold colours : They really pop on camera. Bolder will give your photos an instant celebratory feel and are perfectly appropriate in a casual summer destination. To make bright colors work, pick ones that play off each other
Nautical vibe : Navy blue and white ensembles are a safe bet for pulling off a beach style that’s laid-back.
Sparkly: What the red carpet is for celebrities is what Bora Bora is for us, so why not go all out and really shine? If you want to make an extra dazzling entrance in the lagoon like a mermaid bring a sparkly dress to Bora Bora!
3. Bring different options!
I like to start with elegant outfits (women wearing high heels, men in shirt…) for more formal pictures, and then switch to something casual (light dress, T-shirt, swimming suit…). I appreciate when clients put a little effort into their outfit, and as a result, they appreciate their photos more.
3. High hells and sand?
We all agree, no stiletos on the beach but what about the bridges, pontoons and decks? Wearing high hells for some pictures can accentuate confidence, increase stature, and hip sway. If you love wearing high hells bring them on!
4. Create movement!
Try to use flowy, moving materials that can get influenced by the wind for adding more energy and a more natural feel to the photos.
5. Accesorize!
I love accessories. Sunglasses, flower crowns, and/or leis necklaces (you can ask the concierge team of your resort for natural Polynesian flowers), hats, borrow a necklace of Tahitian black pearls from the resort boutique… you name it. That would be the cherry on the cake.
Althought I would recommend you to stay away from wearing watches though, as often times hands are used for expressing a lot of the emotion and feeling in the image, and any big element there would simply be distracting.
6. Dress comfortably
I like to take a photojournalistic lifesytle approach to work, love capturing candid moments,… I get some of the best photos that way! So while you want to look nice for your shoot, you also want to be sure that you are wearing something comfortable, something that allows you to get sandy, splash in the lagoon and run around the beach.
7. You may get wet
Wear something you don’t mind getting wet if possible. In Bora Bora is difficult to resist the water and I love shooting in the water!
8. Hair and make up?
If you really want to pamper yourself, treat yourselft having your hair and make up done by a professional for this special occasion.
Special tips for honeymooners
Remind everyone that you just got married. Bring your wedding dress ensembles for a epic trash the dress session!
Go shooping for some casual (and luxe) extra gowns. From swimsuits to robes, sandals to swanky gowns there are plenty of white wardrobe pieces to remind everyone that you are “The Bride“.
Straw hat personalized for brides are getting very popular and hot right now along with some fun bride floats.
A little effort goes a long way.You’re having professional photos taken in Bora Bora — this is your chance to shine! Think island chic. A simple, colorful dress, a beaded necklace, or a smart button-down can go a long way. Bring a chance of clothes with you, bring your swimming suit or a light dress and finish the photo session in the water…
See, it’s not that hard to look your best. Think simplicity, think color, think comfort. You bring your best outfits, and I’ll take care of the rest!
Need more inspiration? Follow my Facebook Page, Instagram Feed, Pinterest to see my recent work or check my portfolio.
