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Thoughts on WIW Posts

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm curious about Angie and everybody's thoughts on this...what is more important in a WIW photo...a good post/artistic photo or simply showing the outfit? What do you as other YLF members want to see in an outfit post? Do you want to see close up shots of certain components of an outfit (i.e. interesting ring; interesting detail on a shoe)?

The reason I'm thinking about this is my hubby is a part-time amateur photographer. If he takes my WIW picture (which I thank him dearly for) he's always wanting to take it in a more artistic manner, such as the one in my Outstanding in Her Field photo (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-her-field). I'm always saying "it's not really about the picture, it's about the outfit". But when my co-worker Kristin takes my photo (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ack-yellow) it's just to show the outfit and the pictures are lack luster (no offense Kristin!). What's better?

General

54 replies

Latest reply was from Sylvie

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I admit I just make do with what I have - and that's a bar at chest height in the kitchen! I enjoy better photos but mostly for the detail I can see in the outfit. Good lighting - no smears on mirrors, etc.

Queen Mum

Veteran

By default, I take my pictures in my full length bathroom mirror, thus nothing artsy....and apologetically not always the best lighting ;-( I don't mind the more artistic poses/pictures, but really I just want to see what you're wearing. Also, my own personal preference is to see just one picture of each outfit sans too many close ups of jewelry, etc. Every once in a while a close up shot is warranted, but to be completely honest, if there are too many of those, I will skip over the post in the interest of time (which I already spend too much of here

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I think it's most important to be able to see the outfit. Clear light (preferably bright natural light) and multiple poses/detail shots are what I like best. I like looking at all the photos people post, but the more "artistic" close-up shots with multiple poses are my favorite, because I feel like I can almost see the outfit "in action." Sometimes an outfit looks great if I stand very still with my hand on my hip, but how often am I REALLY doing that during the day? I particularly like Angie and Sarah's photos because I can see the outfit from multiple angles and they also show off details in close-up shots. I realize this isn't possible for everyone, though.

While we're on the subject, just wanted to add that I think I prefer one or two outfits posted at a time, unless someone is challenging themselves to post every single outfit they wear. Generally, when I see six-ten photos posted, they all tend to run together for me. That's just my personal preference though. I also like the WIW challenges. I like seeing how everyone interprets one subject. : )

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Yup, it is all about the clothes, color, and fit to me. Although I haven't been posting any WIWs lately because it is dark in the morning and I find the photos with the flash are really bad. Perhaps it is a mix of both.

Anonymous

I appreciate the photography, and you will LOVE that you have the fantastic photos to look back on... (I did a year long project "picture a day" self portraits, and love looking back)....

For me, in WIW, it does not matter how individuals showcase the outfits since i am looking for inspirations in the clothing, not necessarily the surroundings...

But keep rocking the great photographs!

rae

(website)

Veteran

In my opinion, the most useful outfit photo is an accurate one - minimal distortion from lenses or artistic angles, a good white balance, good light, and details when necessary (e.g. to better show a pattern or texture).

For posing, I do think it's helpful to strike a nice pose, as no one will look good in a shlumpy stance. Nothing too outlandish like a fashion editorial spread, though, since that won't give a good read on how the outfit looks in real life (this is one of my pet peeves about some other fashion blogs).

Amy

(website)

Veteran

For WIW photos, I want to be able to see the clothes clearly and how they look on you. While I like artsy photos for their own sake, they are generally not all that useful in this context. I want to be able to see prints and texture and stitching and colors, so detail shots are great.

For what it's worth, the field photo works both as an artistic piece and as an outfit photo. It's beautiful, and I can see your clothes in enough detail; however, some fashion photos focus too much on mood or some more elusive artistic element and fail to document the outfit in a straightforward manner-which is really the point of a WIW--for me, at least.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I can't stress enough how important it is to take *as good a quality photo as possible*, AND an accurate depiction of the outfit. Bad lighting and blurring is a total deal breaker. (See Rae's comment).

Headless shots are at a disadvantage for sure. Faceless is fine (blurring, sunglasses or turning your head away from the camera are good solutions), but headless shots take away from the outfit in my book. I just don't judge an outfit is the same way when it's headless.

Interesting poses are not as important to me as the above three points, unless you have a blog and you have to change it up for your readers.

I personally like smiley photos because I am very drawn to people who smile - but its not a prerequisite.

I have also noticed that some forum members and bloggers are standing very much "side on" and looking forward because it makes them look slimmer in the photograph. I can appreciate a slightly side on pose, but the ones that are too side on are not accurate outfit depictions. And I want to see lovely you in your outfit

Isis

Veteran

I love the photo in the field! AND you can see the outfit! Denise also posts photos with interesting outdoors backgrounds, and I love her photos.

The other photo is fine, because we can see the outfit.

If you want feedback, the most important thing is to be able to see details, so good lighting really helps. I also don't mind closeups with details.

I'm good for up to 5 or so photos in a single post. More than that, and everything blurs together.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Great post. I am an artist and love everything about artistic photos but it is often not the best way to view an outfit. Everyone has already stated the obvious. I also get very lost with more than 3 photos
I would much rather see and be much more likely to comment on one outfit at a time. Fine to see a few views of the same outfit.
A whole week with detailed descriptions is unfortunately a post I usually cannot spend time with as much as I would like to.

Jonesy

Veteran

I like clean, clear pics. I don't have a preference re. the number of pics in a post. If I am in a rush I can just look at the pics and skim the text descriptions.

kellygirl

Veteran

What Jonesy said. I like clear, bright photos. I like details too but tend to look more at the overall look. Dark and underexposed photos are really hard for me to evaluate--it also helps when the picture is oriented correctly. I tend to skip photos that are sideways or at an odd angle.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

It's a personal choice. And the fact is that EVERY photo is an interpretation and a selective presentation. I love pix for remembering outfits, what i liked about them and how i put them together - but they are never a deal breaker for me on an outfit. The mirror, other's opinions, comfort, etc. all go into the mix.

Here's the thing - i don't look naturally good in pictures. You take a straight-on shot of me in my normal smiley face and it's usually very so-so. Well, okay, i don't look that great in that outfit. Fine.

Except - i can't tell you how many times friends and family have told me "Ack! That picture looks terrible! You didn't look like that in real life! What happened!" So - in still photos i tend to pose to compensate for what the still camera sees that people tell me does not show up in real life. Interestingly enough, it also doesn't show up on video. On video i look fine. But then they are two different mediums, and they pick up different things.

I do agree that good, natural light is best and you should try to get the best technical quality photos you can as they show the most detail which you're trying to capture. At the same time, when the sensor looks at things differently than the human eye i will edit my own pics for color, etc.

In the end it comes down to your own motivations for taking outfit pics. Fortunately there's a lot of great info. out there on photography so that you can learn how to get the results you want. Happy Friday! steph

Fruitful

Veteran

My pet peeve is people posting frontal shots only. An outfit can look great from the front and terrible from the back or side, which is how the world is often going to see us.

Then again, no doubt some people hate my obsessive posting of those extra angles.

In answer to your question, both +1.

I want to see clear shots of the outfit that capture honestly how it looks on you in terms of light and colour, but also fit, movement and texture. That includes both the distant gestalt, and the detail. Both are functional aspects of how our outfits impact an onlooker.

I also want to see you at your best. So as well as plain poses that allow us to see the fit clearly, I want to see you with attractive body language and expression that shows me how great this outfit can look on you when you're in motion, talking to people, going about your day. Life is not a mug shot after all!

AND although I don't need this, I will *remember* and spend more time looking, if your photo is beautiful. So why not include the photo in the fields, as well as a standard pose?

I really like it when someone posts about 5 outfits together as it takes off the pressure to overanalyse. I can just pick out a couple of things that stand out and comment. I also find that people who don't post often tend to pique my interest more when they do post. I love it when Aida decides to post a little batch of outfits. (She often has beautiful outdoor shots as well). Then again, I miss a lot of WIW simply by not being online at the right time.

Jonesy

Veteran

Interesting, Fruitful: I feel the same way about the batch of pics vs. one (less pressure to overanalyze), but I couldn't have articulated it until you said it.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This has been really interesting, hearing everyone's perspective. I particularly note Steph's comment (and Happy Friday to you too Steph!) about not looking naturally good in photos. I am not natural in front of a camera - very uncomfortable and awkward. So I'm finding that if I don't like the photo then I tend to equate that with not liking the outfit.

Also, I felt quite relaxed when my husband took the photo in the field and I think it was because there was other visual interest around me and therefore, I didn't feel like the whole focus of the picture was me. Whereas the "stand still take a picture of the outfit" photos make me more uncomfortable. Does that make any sense?

Fruitful

Veteran

Shannon, I couldn't agree more with the point about being photogenic that Steph made.

I was at a wedding recently; it was a hot day and everyone was sweating, makeup melting, hair straggling etc. There was one young woman who looked immaculate, effortlessly poised at all times, naturally tall thin and beautiful, hair perfectly positioned. We all know that kind of person and wonder what superhuman power they possess. Sitting near her was another young woman I consider beautiful, but slightly awkward, a bit chubby, her hair wasn't quite where it was supposed to be, her makeup looked shiny, her features a little disproportionate.

I got the shock of my life when I saw the photos. The "perfect" girl's face looked flattened, indistinct and washed out, with a weak smile. The "just shy of gorgeous" girl looked like she had amazing cheekbones, deep eyes, great colour and a killer smile.

For the first time I understood what photogenic really means.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Interesting post! I like both types of photos. I think for judging a keep or return, we need photos from all angles and sometimes closeups. That's why I have been guilty of those mega-photo posts, because I'm afraid I'd be more annoying to others to post five keep or return posts in a row rather than one 20-25 shot post with five different coats or shirts. But that's just me, because I tend to buy things in multiples to compare which one looks the best on me and return the rest.

For WIW's I tend to post one or two outfits at a time, but I'm with Fruitful, I still like the multiple angles (I always like her posts because she has so many different angles...and has even posted a "runway" video!). I think my favorite type of pictures are lyn's, because you can see the polyvore-like compilation of the outfit pieces plus she takes multiple angles of herself. And Aida's too with the multiple angles and close-up details--plus being outside the lighting is really nice. The few times I've been able to get DH to take pics of me with the SLR outside, I've been much happier with the photos. But I can't bug him too much anymore so all I can post is the mirror shots with no flash and funny indoor color. Sorry! I tried doing white balance but it looked worse. So I just keep it on auto, no flash.

It does bug me a little when people post pictures of themselves with the flash on because it reflects off the mirror and makes it hard to see the details of the clothes. But other than that, I'm not too picky about other people's WIW's. I would rather people not feel pressured about taking a "perfect" or "artistic" shot and refrain from posting. I love seeing WIW's so any type of photo (as long as you can see the outfit) is just fine!

Oh and PS, Shannon and Steph, I think you are both quite photogenic!

Fruitful

Veteran

I absolutely agree with GP that it's best not to worry about taking perfect photos! There's enough obstacles to posting without worrying about that. And lot of my photos, especially the ones taken at night, have colour and light problems. I may have sounded like I expect artistic photography, but I don't, I just enjoy it when it's there.

Flash off for mirror shots is definitely good though!

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Thank you Shannon and Natalie (blushing)

Shannon, if you're feeling shy and awkward there's a few things you can try. First, practice practice practice! Taking a lot of pics will get you used to looking at yourself that way, and over time you will notice things you can change that will give you pics that you feel are more accurate, flattering, whatever you like.

You don't have to look at the camera if you don't want to. You can wear sunglasses, look to your left or right, let your hair fall down in your face - these ways you don't have to worry about how your face looks, but you still have the head in the frame. Sometimes trying a particular pose (something simple) can give you enough to think about to take your mind off your nerves.

Another way to get over nerves is to concentrate on getting great shots of the clothing - lots of details get lost in photos! instead of looking at your body, scrutinize your pics to see if they capture pleats, pintucks, buttons, etc. Indoors, standing next to a window with lots of light can work to get nicer shots. Try turning at an angle, like 45 degrees, to the 'straight on' direction of the sun. Facing straight towards the sun will result in details getting washed out, if you turn a bit small details will cast a shadow and become more distinct. Many times this accounts for an 'at an angle' shot in my case - i have a small space outdoors with not a lot of places to put the camera!

Fruitful, that's a great story and just what i am talking about. I can come across in photos now because i've learned how to do it. Why do you think models and stylists and makeup artists and photographers get paid so much $$$$? Not because it comes naturally!

HTH!!! steph

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Natalie, heehee - i just looked at your 'field' pic and noticed you're looking to your left AND wearing sunglasses!

You know all this already!! happy saturday! steph

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

As an amateur photographer myself (mostly nature / outdoors/ macro), I try to take indoor photos as much as possible as close to natural light as possible. Lighting is key to indoor photography and stay away from florescent lighting too.

Sometimes I just don't have time, so I'll use the IPhone which are not high quality photos. I also tend to crop my photos when posting on this site and brightening up the ones taken on the IPhone.

Marley

Veteran

I'm so picky about photos - I don't really know why, because I certainly don't know what I'm doing when I take pictures. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I tend to skip over photos on the forum that are of bad quality - that is, if I can't see the outfit details, decipher colors or textures, or if there is a flash reflecting from a mirror - I usually can't even come up with any kind of feedback for the person who has posted the pic. *hanging head in shame* I also get really distracted by the arm that is held up to hold the camera - I then can't tell how the proportions are in the oufit, nor can I see how it fits. So . . . like I said, I'm picky.

I prefer pictures that are sort of half-way between artistic and "just the outfit." I don't like seeing a "model" pose that really doesn't show me the outfit - on the otherhand, I really don't like those where people are just standing facing the camera with maybe a hand on their hip (not that I haven't posted pics like that myself - cuz I have!) I also really don't like the photos that are headless - I understand the rationale for doing it, but it takes so much away from the outfit - I need to see the energy of the person in the outfit and I don't get that with headless photos!

Finally, I prefer just 2 WIW outfits per post. I like multiple pics of each outfit - but if there is more than 2 outfits being featured, I get completely overwhelmed and tend to not give any feedback at all! I have tried to learn how to do the collages (like Aida and lyn*) but just haven't conquered that yet!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I am really nervous about posting pictures, and will admit that seeing regular pictures in regular rooms or backyards make me feel less intimidated about trying it myself. I understand the need for clear pictures (I have a hard time 'seeing' the dark/blurry ones too), but the more model-y/artistic sort of photos can sometimes leave me feeling a wee bit daunted.

Let me explain...

I love the artistic/model-y picture posts...really enjoy looking at them, but will admit to sometimes thinking, "I can't even get my clothes right, let alone great pictures.." or something along those lines. In the meantime, I guess I look to the main YLF blog for the 'model' type posts, and am sort of looking to the forum for the regular, 'real-life' pictures.

I actually like the WIW posts where someone's balanced on a tub, or their not-so-perfect bedroom or kitchen is in the background. Where there's a patch of brown grass, or a cat peering through the window. When someone's holding their camera or phone up. Where there's a full-length mirror balanced precariously. Undone dishes, or someone's laundry room that turns out to be a great place to take photos because it's nice and bright and white in there. A slightly messy closet. A leftover half-pot of coffee. Wine glasses on the counter. This is what makes YLF so appealing to me - regular people looking fabulous. To me, this is better than any fashion magazine.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Brava, velvetychocolate! I completely agree! I hope more lurkers decide to post their WIW pics, because YLF really is all about us "regular folks"! There really is so much to learn from posting your own pics and getting feedback that you can't get anywhere else. This is such a special place!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I have completely enjoyed reading all of these wise and wonderful responses! And velvety chocolate, I totally agree with you - YLF members are definitely better than any fashion magazine!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I do love looking at the more artistic and stylish photos too. I guess I like seeing both on the forums? The 'real life' pictures help me a whole lot, but I also enjoy the beautifully composed WIW's as well.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I must confess that i feel guilty about my exceedingly boring pics. I know they'r enot exciting, partially because I don't ever photograph well, partially because our photo locales are limited by my boyfriend's limited vision/preference for a certain type of light, and partially because the only cameras we have here are our cell phones. ;:) Apologies to all for the less than desirable photo situation that isn't likely to change soon.
You know what I love in a wiw post? Some sort of verbal description. It's massively self-serving, i know, but could also be a useful tool for those whose pics aren't turning out as they hoped. It doesn't have to be a work of romantic poetry, either...Even just something like purple tunic, grey tights/otk boots and green beaded bib necklace would be helpful.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I try not to be too picky with my photos!

Just try to show you guys a pic of me having fun wearing whatever I pulled out of my closet

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