Darker Colors
If you have a lighter skin tone, pick colors that are darker so that you don't appear washed out. If you have a darker skin tone, the reverse is true - go with something lighter and brighter for contrast.
Over the Knee
If you're wearing a dress or skirt and your lower half will be in the shot, make sure it's long enough to cover your knees white sitting. This way you won't be worried (or worse- not worried!) about your leg position.
Long Sleeves
Wearing long sleeves is certainly not a requirement, but in the end, most people end up liking the way their arms look when they're a longer length.
Wear Loud Jewelry
Bulky necklaces and bracelets can interfere with the mic and pick up unwanted noise.
Reflective + Neon
Steer clear of bright and vibrant hues such as lime green, neon pink, or electric blue, as well as anything reflective (think - sequins or anything transparent)
Tight Patterns
Choose clothing with subtle patterns or solid colors. Avoid tight patterns like narrow stripes or tiny dots, as they can create a moiré effect on camera, which appears as a distracting shimmering or wavy pattern.
don't
green screen
Bright Green
A bright green like these two options won't work, unfortunately. It's too close to the hue of the green screen itself and anything covered in this color choice will disappear.
Dark Green
A green that is darker like this example will be fine on a green screen. Because the pigment is so different than the green background's hue, you'll be just fine.
do
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WARDROBE
for camera:
A GUIDE
As illustrated by
Catherine, Princess of Wales & Colman Domingo.
After 20 years of on-camera interviews, I’ve learned that what not to wear can be just as crucial as what does work. Here’s a quick list of dos and don’ts to help you feel comfortable and choose what reads well on film. Have more questions? Drop me a note below!
Color Choices
If you have a lighter skin tone, pick colors that are darker so that you don't appear washed out. If you have a darker skin tone, the reverse is true - go with something lighter and brighter for contrast.
Pants vs Shorts
This tends to be more of an issue for women, as short skirts or dresses can cause a wardrobe malfunction. Gender aside, you can see that even when the framing hasn't been thought through very well, or the on screen talent is "too" comfortable... the wardrobe can make the shot awkward. Make sure that talent is sitting up straight and not slouched with shoulders back.
Long Sleeves
Wearing long sleeves is certainly not a requirement, but in the end, most people end up liking the way their arms look when they're a longer length.
Wear Loud Jewelry
Met Gala fashion, as modeled here, is not likely a choice you'd make. But for the sake of illustration, note that bulky accessories may interfere with a lavalier mic attached to your shirt.
Reflective + Neon
Again, the Met Gala outfit is fabulous, but the reflection on the bottom of the image is common with sequins and bright colors.
Tight Patterns
See how these polka dots pop off the page and are hard on your eyes? Especially when you scroll up and down...? This is called moiré. It's becoming less of a problem with more advanced cameras whose resolution can handle challenges like this, but it's not a guarantee. I always encourage my clients to avoid tight stripes and patterns just in case.
don't
fin.
WARDROBE
for camera:
A men's GUIDE
As illustrated by
Colman Domingo
We want to help your audience focus where they'll get the most value out of your content - which is why these wardrobe decisions matter so much.
Here are some examples for the men-folk! Have questions? Drop me a note below!