The Other Gear - Photographers Fashion
As photographers we love talking about gear: camera’s, lenses, lights, … There’s also a lot stuff that can’t be found in most photography stores but can make our work more comfortabel and often even save a shoot. Yes, I’m a freak, a maniac but I’m always looking for things that can make my photography better. In this series of articles I’m going to walk you through some non photography items that I find important.
This post was sparked by finding the perfect pair of photography trousers a couple of weeks ago. I was so happy that I found some pants that fit all my requirements and my big ass. I realized that I spend a lot of attention to build my photographers wardrobe that I decided to list what I find important and what I use. Clothing protects you from the elements, carries some of your equipment and plays a part in your image. It’s a smart thing to wear clothes you are comfortable in and fit all your needs (that may be different from mine).
I work a lot on location in very different conditions and I’m not afraid to lie down in the dirt, climb a tree or walk several miles to get the shot. So it’s not a surprise that I get a lot of my clothes in outdoor shops. These days those stores also sell clothes that don’t make you look like Rambo. There are lots of brands that make highly functional yet good looking clothes. Some of you might want more trendy clothes than I do (probably so) or need more formal clothes for their work. A good quality suit is much more comfortable than a cheap one, so it might be worth the investment. Professional bodyguards often wear suits that are designed like sportswear but look like … a suit. If someone needs it, chances are someone makes it.
SOME OF MY STUFF:
- shirts: I want my shirt to be lightweight, reasonably wrinkle free, transport transpiration out and still look good. My favorite shirts are from Columbia and Haglofs.
- trousers: My Fjallraven Greenland trousers immediately felt like the pants I had been looking for for years: comfortable, strong, big pockets and sturdy belt loops. The fabric is breathing and seems to be pretty dirt repellent. After a few days in these pants, I bought some more Fjallraven pants and if they should ever stop making pants, I’ll make sure I buy enough to last through my life.
- shoes: Most photographers spent a lot of time on their feet, so wearing something decent is a very good decision. I have shoes, sandals, and boots from Teva, Timberland, Geox and Boreal.
- jackets: I believe in dressing in “layers”. it makes it easy to adapt to the conditions you are in. A thin fleece jacket from the North Face and my trusty Jack Wolfskin rain jacket go with me pretty much everywhere.
So what have you found to be good photography wear?
http://tinyurl.com/plmoby <- Barbour Neoprene shooting gloves with retractable finger/thumbs (originally for gun shooting) are fantastic in cold weather. Easy to shoot and make adjustments without having to take them off completely.
Same here. I really adore these outdoor stores. Shoes are from North Face and Lowa. Rain jacket is from North Face. Fleeces are from North Face and Regatta. I also have some regular sweaters. But I do have a problem with finding decent trousers though. They don’t fit well and are too wide even if the pants fit excellent on my hips. Very frustrating.
Naked!!! To make the
kidsmodel smile?I’m with you all the way with Fjallraven G-trousers, i’ve just waxed my pants a couple of times for my next trip to Norway. I wouldn’t shoot a wedding with them though
As this post is moving to the outdoors anyway. My gear stays waterproof with sea to summit bags, easy to take whilst kayaking. keeping the inside dry with lots of silica gels.
Jan, where do you keep your CF cards …. :os
A nice photographer’s vest is great — I have one from Hummer… I carry my cellphone, keys, sunscreen, bug repellent, pencils, notepad, cables, lenses and remotes; just about anything I need at hand when I’m shooting and don’t want to tote my full bag.
Now, bear in mind that I’m a relatively new shooter… but I was shooting a Lacrosse game last month… I had my Canon 50D on my Manfrotto monopod with my 70-200 f/2.8 IS. A friend of mines son said, “Daddy, is he a professional photographer?” To which he replied, “Well, it’s a serious hobby, but he doesn’t do it for a living.” The son said, “Naw… he’s a pro, he’s got the vest!”
Hah! No, it’s not the camera or the massive fricken lens on the monopod, it was the vest. I’ll need to remember that next time I wanna “access” a more official event.
That’s still a problem…any suggestions?
I wear :
Black stan smith
Levis denim or black jeans
black tee shirt with my logo or button down shirt with my logo on it
Black blazer.
I love the stan smith shoes. I have like 5 pairs and a lot more that are now completely dead. They are so comfortable and the only shoe that does not hurt my feet… Maybe my feet has taken the form of the stan smith shoe after some years wearing it !
Or a suit for weddings.
I think you have a good bead on what to wear, which is light weight synthetics that dry quickly, worn in layers.
I suggest that the cheapest but ‘best’ place for all of this is Canada’s Mountain Equipment Co-op. You only have to pay $5 CAD to join, but you will not find top-notch gear anywhere else for prices as low, especially for those of you living in Europe. Their website is: http://www.mec.ca
On top of that, I find the Lululemon menswear to be awesome enough to fly in (many a long, 6 or 8 hour flight spent in this stuff) and good enough to shoot while looking respectable. This is really ‘yoga’ gear, and I like it because it is very easy to move in as you crouch or lie down while shooting. Yet like the MEC stuff, it dries very easily and looks great. As an added bonus, the stuff doesn’t seem to wear out. Website: http://www.lululemon.com/
-Scott.
I love crag hoppers and walking boots. As for the top, just a cheap plain black one is fine, the thing I obsess about is a well fitting, supportive bra, I know this is a bloke show, but trust me, if you haven’t got a good bra on then you might as well be dressed in a cloth sack.
I love the Quicksilver skating jeans. The have a “quick-dry” system that is great even on hot days and because they are black, there are no reflections
Just joking^^ But black is seriously good if you lie down to the ground (I do it so often^^) so nobody recognizes that you just played the street-cleaner. As well the stretch a lil´bit so they became my fave jeans.
I never really thought about it. Clothes that is. Hmmm… does it matter as long as you are comfortable? But then maybe being comfortable isn’t good either? Perhaps it is more important to see? So I’d say a pair of correct prescription glasses. NO sunglasses since they modify the light in a way you’d have to compensate for. A hat with a wide brim or a bill if it is sunny. But then you are shooting in mid day sun.
I guess clothes you are comfortable enough in that you can shut off your computer and go out side and explore. The key is to explore…
I always use layers. Most of the time I wear jeans, a blouse and a jacket.
I use to wear more trendy than comfortable clothes. But I always wear my LOWA walking shoes. Very high quality and makes you stand sturdy. They look quite ok too.
@Michella: I agree! A good supportive bra works wonders! I find it rather funny to see all those man talk about their fashionpreferences
As a girl, I always wear black during a shoot, mostly comfy black pants and a black t-shirt. AND my black Nike silent shoes. I love high heels but never wear them during a shoot. One of those little sacrifices
I always shoot naked ..XD Kidding
Always wear dark clothes, especially when you’re shooting events with more photographers or videographers. You won’t be noticed as much, and won’t ruin someone else’s picture because you’re flashy shirt atrracts all the attention.
When photographing animals, I sit a lot on the ground. I always have a pair of waterproof trousers in my car.
Not very fashionable, but extreemly usefull somethimes.
I also never wear thin fabric when working with animals. Nails or teeth can destroy to easy.
My attire is about the same regardless of the time of day, weather, or time of year.
Usually a Nomex Jacket with lots of yellow and orange reflective stripes.
Nomex pants with suspenders and again the same reflective stripping.
Leather helmet and Leather boots. gloves are the neoprene.
You see I am a fire investigator and forensic photographer.
When shooting documentaries or portraits, I wear jeans, converse shoes and simple t-shirts that won’t attract too much attention. I love being able to wear ‘normal’ clothes and feeling at ease! I also think it helps for people to be comfortable when I dress a bit like them - and in case of editorial assigments they’ll mostly wear jeans too.
Of course, when shooting a wedding I dress quite different. Black trousers, black t-shirt, black/dark grey & proper sweater or cardigan.
Still looking for the perfect wedding clothes though, I’d love to fit in with the guests in terms of properness, and be invisible and comfortable at the same time. And the things I wear need to still look okay after I’ve spend time on the ground, in bushes and climbing up dirty walls.
My first choice for shoes and boots are Camper shoes and Red Wings’ 875 boots. They both look serious (unlike sports sneakers) and are very comfy.
On my photoshoots on location I always wear my jeans and t-shirts. (colourful ofcourse)
In the studio, the same, I do a lot of maternity photography in there. And people do not really care what I wear.
But on the wedding, I try not to overdress, but I have to be dressed properly.
But often on weddings in the Netherlands, to blend in, you need a t-shirt.
Greets,
Chris
What camera strap do you use bert? Because my default camera strap is killing my neck…
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