Traditional clothes can look cool if you know how to manipulate the elements. Make use of makeup, the environment, poses, movement, and a good camera to help you capture the moment. Here are five tips to get you started.
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/500sec, ISO800
1. Make use of contrasting backgrounds
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/400sec, ISO1600
First, you will need to figure out what you are going to wear. We picked an orange Punjabi dress that displays different colour gradients to project vibrance and youth. With that, we looked for a background with a contrasting colour, such as a blue gate, to make the dress stands out even more. Contrasting colours are colours from different segments of the colour wheel (see diagram below). Shooting from a low angle gives the photo a different perspective – strong and powerful – and with the help of EOS R’s full articulated LCD touch screen, it makes shooting from higher or lower angle more effortless.
2. Create movement with your clothes
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/1600sec, ISO800
Sometimes, standing still is not enough. Instead of posing, create movement with your clothes. Give it a twirl, take a big step, or throw your scarf around – play with different movements to show your personality. Movement however, is tricky to capture, but with EOS R’s fast autofocus speed, the mirrorless camera is able to focus extremely quickly and capture sharp photos of movements, such as the shot above. Learn more about this camera in An Immersive Shooting Experience Awaits with the All-New EOS R.
3. Mix tradition with modernity
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/1600sec, ISO400
Using the juxtaposition of old and new is always a good idea. Mix traditional costume with modern structure, experiment with an environment that may seem normal but actually gives meaning to your photo. Once again, we took this shot from a low angle, and with EOS R’s excellent ergonomic design and intuitive control ring setting, we were able to adjust the settings on the camera effortlessly without fumbling through the buttons or grip. The new full-frame mirrorless camera also comes with its own range of lenses – the EOS R System.
4. Use complementary makeup
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/640sec, ISO400
Choose makeup colours that complement the clothes. In this case, we picked orange and turquoise as the makeup colours to pair with our Punjabi dress. Not only do the colours blend well with the clothing, orange and turquoise also make the eyes pop. Learn how to create a natural makeup look in How to Create Your Own Makeup Tutorial.
5. Show off your clothes
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/500sec, ISO1600
What is an OOTD shot without showing off your beautiful clothing? Understand your outfit and display it in the best way for your Instagram followers to see. If it is a flowy dress, try a twirling or walking shot, otherwise hold it up slightly to show off the colour, craftsmanship and details.
There are plenty of amazing sari and Punjabi dresses. Choose the ones that best suit your skin tone and practise the above tips to create your unique OOTD style. If you are shooting at night, learn these 3 Ways to Light Your Portraits When Shooting at Night with the EOS R, or try to Shoot Beautiful Night Portraits with No Tripod, No Flash. Want to do more than just OOTD? We have 5 Tips to Shoot Better Photos for Your Online Fashion Store to help you venture into the world of the fashion business.
Read more on the EOS R:
Reimagine Optical Excellence with EOS R
An Interview with the Developers: Introducing Canon's First Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, EOS R
Expand Your Range of Shooting Possibilities with the All-New RF Lenses
An Immersive Shooting Experience Awaits with the All-New EOS R
Receive the latest update on photography news, tips and tricks.
Be part of the SNAPSHOT Community.
Sign Up Now!