Dress for Success

Nikon D750, 28-300mm, ISO 2200, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

My good friend Robin Nelson and I enjoy catching up over coffee, and our latest conversation was about how surprised we are about how photographers dress on jobs.

Now above is my good friend James Dockery getting a video in a church in Romania. Dressing in dark colors like James is doing here is typical for photographers to blend in at events.

Nikon D750, 28-300mm, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/125

The photographers wore dress shirts and dark outfits at my friend’s wedding.

Now I would recommend that photographers avoid jeans at formal events like weddings. Dark dress pants should be something you have in your wardrobe for formal occasions.

Nikon D4, 14-24mm, ISO 2200, ƒ/5, 1/100

Atlanta Business Chronicle Byron Small wore a suit when setting up an interview with The President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández.

Nikon D4, 28-300mm, ISO 3200, ƒ/5.6, 1/30

The President’s photographer is also in a suit while covering his visit to Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta.

However, these are the photographers at the top of their field. Robin Nelson and I noticed that many who struggle for jobs are often the worst-dressed photographers.

I made a few black dress shirts with my logo to wear to formal events and then had some casual shirts with my logo for other events.

I think you need to dress as close to the people you are covering at an event as you can. I even own a Tuxedo and wear this for black tie events.

My favorite shoes, which are also crucial for comfort, are the Clarks Wavekorey Free shoe.

My recommendation is to be successful; you need to look the part. So start by dressing for success.