FAQ : What Does a Photographer Wear to a Wedding?

I've marinated this blog post for a bit because–well–it makes me slightly uncomfortable. I don't know what, precisely, is so nerve-wracking, but I want to preface it by stating: 1. I don't think I'm a fashionista; 2. I don't think I have it together; and 3. When I look into my closet, I secretly pray Rachel Zoe will magically appear and help me address my fashion woes. Having said that, I've received more than my share of emails from photographers asking what I wear to photograph a wedding.

For years I struggled with what I should wear, as well as balancing the desire to be functional, professional, and represent my brand. To be honest, when I look back to outfits I wore my first year of business, I cringe. Basically, I looked sloppy. I once heard I should dress for the job I want, not the job I have. If this was true, I was dressing to be a vacuum saleswoman or Cupid Shuffle instructor.

A bit ago, I read this note on Facebook

Today I'm blogging photos of outfits I wore as a wedding photographer in the past month for Kori and anyone else who might be interested. If you're disinterested at this point, I heavily suggest you mosey on to a different part of the web because we're gonna get into shoes, clothes, and a whole lotta jsuche.

This is one of my favorite outfits because it looks like a skirt and shirt, but it's really a dress. I think the length is appropriate and I like the pop of color, but it's not enough to be too distracting or be noticed (which is why I stay away from wearing prints at a wedding).

A lot of my outfits in the past month were sleeveless because it was hot. Unbearably hot, if I was being honest, but when work demands being outdoors, the key is to look professional and not necessary like I'm ready for afternoon tea. I particularly like this dress because it was only $34…at full price. I was tempted to leave the pricetag on so people would know what a great bargain hunter I was.

What you'll notice is a pattern of black clothing in my work attire. For whatever reason, I feel like wearing black is understated and allows me to work without drawing attention to myself. I wore this beige dress because it was over 100-degrees, an afternoon ceremony, and hosted on a Monday. These factors allowed me to take a slightly more casual look, because the goal was blend with guests.

Some might say the photo above is blurry, but I'm okay calling it SOFT FOCUSED. Totes. I not-so-secretly think JD did it on purpose because he doesn't like this dress. He muttered under his breath something about looking like I was about to make homemade tortillas, but I ignored him. I'm just in touch with my roots, okay?!

When I saw the photo below, I admitted JD was right. I don't mind the off-the-shoulder look as much as much as I think the ruffles were a bit much for work. Aye aye aye. I mean, need I remind you about the RUFFLE DEBACLE OF 2010?! We all make mistakes, Internet.

Yesterday it was chilly enough to wear a suit…or so I thought. The morning started with a cool nip in the air, it rained during family photos, but then cleared to be an 80-degree day. In any case, when I bought this suit, I told JD I felt like Don Draper. Except with long hair and sobriety and the capability of commitment.

So. That about wraps up this Photography Meets What To Wear To A Wedding post. Like always, it'll hopefully help one person…if it does, then I'm thankful.

Happy Monday!

**Updated To Add**
Wearing a dress is definitely a personal decision. I'm not the type of photographer who is crouching, climbing, or doing somersaults, so as long as the dress/skirt is to my knee, I'm well covered. Literally. 😉
Also, I shoot with one camera only (and don't use a strap), so I don't have to worry about my outfit getting in the way of gear. A couple months ago my doctor and I had a discussion about my health, which resulted in bringing an assistant with me to weddings. Kendra is officially my intern/assistant/right hand and I love her!
For those who asked about the heels…I have officially crossed to the dark side. I wear flats when I work and I make no apologies! 😉