How does photographing WIW influence style? - YouLookFab Forum

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How does photographing WIW influence style?

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Hello.

I have yet to post a WIW, but I was wondering, for those who do: how does photographing your WIW outfits, and photographing them with the intent of posting them online, influence your style? If you don't post the photos online, does this make a differenc in how you dress? What changes have you made to your style as a result of posting WIW?

Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

Sarah A

Veteran

I havent posted a WIW in a while, but for me honing in on an outfits proportions is really much easier to see in a photo versus the mirror. Ill often take photos esp for K/R and not even post them but see in the photos that a fit isnt as good as i thought it was in the mirror (extra helpful for jeans rearview!)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Short answer: IMPROVES IT.

(Sorry for shouting.)

The camera shows us different things than the mirror. I have learned a great deal about proportion and outfit cohesion from studying my own (and others') photos -- things I could not learn through descriptions alone. Each body is a bit different, so simple "body type" categories don't always tell the full story. The information you get from photos helps you understand your own body type modifiers better, and see what actually looks good on you, as opposed to what you might imagine looks good.

Also, the knowledge that you are going to take a photo can encourage you to step things up a notch. Even when I don't post photos to the group (I sometimes take them without posting) I might make more effort if I am taking a photo than if I am not. Especially for my work-at-home life where the temptation is to give in to wearing PJs or gear for most of the day.

I didn't even have a style before I joined YLF. Posting pictures was a crucial part of figuring it out and beginning to refine it.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Exactly what Suz said.

I've often taken a series for "K/R" and made up my mind by the photos without having to post.

Also wanted to add... sometimes when you look in the mirror, you see a lot of what you percieve to be your "faults". Asking "does this sweater make my shoulders look huge" and getting honest responses can sometimes help you step outside a box you've put yourself in.

Anonymous

I think you get benefit from taking photos, even if you never post them. I think posting for comment gives the biggest feedback boost, but just seeing an outfit in a static photo can provide a different viewpoint than seeing yourself in the mirror.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Very interesting question, and responses.

I have enjoyed how taking photos of your outfits makes you self-accepting and less critical about what you look like. The more photos you see of yourself, the more accepting you are. For me, that's powerful and positive.

RunswithDolphins

I've only posted a few WIW since joining (hoping for a clicker for Xmas to make selfie pics easier). What I found is that it does help me see how the outfit ties together, or not, and feedback with suggestions from the YLF group is so helpful to improve a look. My biggest challenge is that it takes time and energy to set up the shot and post. Most times I'm busy running out the door and after I'm on my way to work I think, oh yeah I should have taken a pic. I'm hoping to slow things down a bit in January and stop to smell the roses and take more WIW pics.

donnat

Veteran

Definately improves it. About 3 months ago, i started taking my picture daily. I stiill have not posted one. The camera definately shows things the mirror doesnt see. It is a humbling experience but it is worth it.

Diana

Veteran

Definitely improved mine (although it has made my punctuality suffer sometimes! Good thing nobody actually cares when I get to work...).

I would say that for me, both taking the photos and posting them are valuable. Looking at the photos can make me realize things like "oh, that shirt is not hanging right" or "I really like these colors together" etc. And posting them for comments can reveal totally different insights from totally different minds. On the flip side, I can get a little perfectionist and analretentive about my photos (in the same way I can nitpick about something in the mirror) so it's nice to post the photos and realize that nobody in fact cares or even notices about that tiny little nitpicky thing.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie makes a super point -- it also leads to greater self-acceptance. The first few photos can be difficult and we always tend to be our worst critics. But over time you become much more accepting of yourself and realistic. I've seen it have tremendous effects on many of us here. The greater self-acceptance leads to improved style because we start buying for the bodies we have.

Alassë

Veteran

It definitely helps with proportions, contrast level, accessory amount, etc. Highly recommended!

Angela K

Veteran

I haven't posted any WIW pics yet myself. But have been taking photos daily to try to get used to the whole process. It has been fun! I find that I tend to step it up a notch knowing that the outfit will be documented (even if it's just for me!) Also, it has been a great learning experience. I would have to agree with the others about becoming more accepting of my "flaws" and seeing a different perspective in pictures as opposed to the mirror reflection. My husband is my photographer-so every morning before I dash out the door he takes several shots with different poses for me. He always has a positive comment and I've gotten over my shyness at "feeling silly" for wanting photos of myself. I think that I will be posting WIW to the forum soon because I would love some unbiased feedback (well, he has to think I look great doesn't he? All in all I find it a very productive exercise in self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I don't see any downside to it. As for time, less than 3 minutes is involved for me, including uploading or cropping any pics to then post.
Also, having a month (or year) to look back on can be very instructive. Maybe you think you wear a lot of dresses, and keep buying them, but looking at the pics see that only 4 were worn the last 2 months, for example.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Another fabulous point, Mo.

Or you find out that you're not wearing all your tops for some reason (and then work to figure out the reason).

Lisa

Veteran

Taking WIW photos has really helped me assess proper fit and cuts for my body shape. Also which colors work best. I don't keep anything without a photo assessment anymore, even if I don't always post them for keep return votes on the forum.

kkards

Veteran

i had posted a few WIW's in my first year, but it was really the no repeat november challenge that made me realize the value. the daily picturing made me think more...about what i was wearing, about how often i was wearing the same silhouette , about the colors i was wearing (or lack of color), about proportion, and about the little details that complete an outfit.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, it may be too obvious to mention... but photos can be posted for others - with a mind for it - to see and analyse. It's hard to see yourself and one always has a little bit of doubt about the advice of their teenybopper children... Lol.

Jacky

Veteran

Taking photos for WIWs has definitely made me a lot more thoughtful about my clothes. I realized I've unintentionally started a no repeat streak, which I've never done before! I spend a lot more time thinking about what interesting things I have in my closet that I haven't worn in a while, and I've revived a number of my closet orphans thanks to that process

Debra

Veteran

I really like having a visual record of how I put things together. I am starting to see my own preferences and style and can look objectively at a photo.
And finally I am becoming more accepting of me and my shape and working with what I've got.
Sorry there's more.......It I easier to be part of a regular photo, Practicing helps

qfbrenda

Veteran

I agree with all of the above and more. Angie said it helps make us more accepting, and that's true. But the opposite is also true. If I hadn't ever started posting some WIW, I might never have figured out that I needed to lose 30 lbs. What I looked like in my head just didn't match reality. I also saw how my clothes were fitting me and how I needed to do better. I was not accepting of what I saw on film and worked to change it.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with the others - improvement & acceptance are the big pluses imo.

I took daily outfits all winter & it has been really helpful in seeing what I like & don't like about particular pieces. I didn't post pictures because I wasn't looking for help or validation so much as wanting to "fine tune" my eye to see what worked for me.

Posting outfits is helpful in a different way; people have given me fantastic feedback here. Other points of view can be really enlightening on things like fit & how we are perceived.

Beth

Veteran

It's a huge influence for me. I'm much more aware of fit, the balance of color and proportion in an outfit, and understanding what flatters my shape.

In fact, I consider it so important that I tend to take quick shots of any item I'm thinking of buying. It's amazing what the camera reveals that you might not see otherwise.

Carla

Veteran

Just taking the pics and studying is hugely informative. Ofttimes, I've made a decision about an outfit after looking at the pics, but still post to get some consensus. Sometimes am surprised by what others see, and generally there is more acceptance from folks than my own critique.

Some of the honest opinions and suggestions have also helped me with the editing process or improve an outfit from okay to fab.

I'm struggling with photos this winter, since I use an iPad, and 'photographer' (DH or DS). Outside pics are best for colour and light, indoor pics with house lights are poor quality.

Meli

(website)

I have blogged outfit photos for a few years. It really helps to analyze what you dont like to find WHY, and the same goes for your favorite outfits. It IS a problem when you depart from your own style and get caught up in what is popular with other blogs and/or commentors. Those types of outfits and purchases are the ones I end up regretting the most. Stay true to yourself and it's ok if you feel inspired by others, but not okay to do outfits for the sole purpose of getting approval from a group of people whose tastes may not be what is best for you.

jayne

Veteran

I started out without style. and just bought hero fun items when I shopped. First photos showed to myself that I was wearing too many heroes and had no cohesive thought behind an outfit. Sometimes seeing the picture through others eyes, by posting and getting honest feedback, helped me acknowledge that maybe something should be planned a bit better. Then came several months of trying styles and getting feedback until the magical one outfit pulled it all together for me. And YLF confirmed what I felt. That outfit became my model for several others, my uniform if you will. But once that was established I took several more months of different other outfits but trying to acheive that same 'feeling'/vibe of the ideal one. That took lots of photos to find the balance. Now that I have a pretty good feeling and understanding of my style. I still take the daily photo and post it in my app, but less often here, since I have enough confidence to feel that I am doing well. There are problem areas, which I still put out here for help. And it is amazing how one YLFr or another is able to see what I cannot and describe the problem and potental solution. I think those who actually dare to say something is not working are heroes. That is tough to do because we don't want to be tought of as negative, but withoiut honest feedback we won't learn....so YLF heroes, my thanks!

Aquamarine

Veteran

I have not posted online yet, but taking outfit shots has been very instrumental for me. Prior to finding YLF a few years ago, I was 20 lbs. heavier. As I lost weight, I still saw myself as "heavier" and had a distorted view of myself. When I was searching online for tips on buying denim for my new figure, I stumbled upon YLF and it was a lightbulb moment for me to see the forum outfit shots. I started taking shots of any new items I purchased, and realized the benefit immediately. It was two-fold: I could really see how the item looked on my body and styled with other items as well as compare outfits side-by-side. AND in my mind the mirror still reflected the heavier me but the camera seemed a more accurate view of my new shape.

Catnip

Veteran

I'm new and have posted only 4 photos so far, but I've taken many more. I see things in a photo that I never noticed when looking in a mirror. Some of the things I've learned include:
1. I really need to improve my posture
2. Pants I thought fit reasonably well really don't
3. I own the most boring shoes you can buy
4. Pants and a sweater alone do not make a cohesive outfit

But on a more positive note:
5. I was really smart to switch hairdressers
6. I've made several good color decisions (and need to keep practicing what I've learned)
7. My specs look better than I had thought
8. Quality really pays off. It actually shows in a photo
9. It's really important to have the basics, but basics alone without a little something extra are deadly dull

I really want to improve the way I dress. Without photos, I don't think I could make that happen.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I want to echo what Brenda said, sometimes an honest picture from an angle you never see can spur you into some action, fitness wise Not once, but twice, several years apart I had a shock of seeing my back from an angle I never do. I am doing 100 push ups app because of it. And that's a good thing. I've often heard trainers say people work on the 'front' that they see, and not so much the back that they don't.