Looking professional?

[scotty]

I am going to be photographing for the Auckland Corvette club down in Hamilton in 2 weekends time.
Anyway

I was looking for something to wear that makes me look like a professional and stand out so that people dont just stand in front of me when im trying to get a shot.

In my search for a nice short sleeve shirt I have come across 100's of shirts that all look the same, from shop to shop... all the same

they are all Striped, or checkers.... lines vertical, horozontal.... all the same!!

Where do I go to get a shirt that isnt what EVERYONE else wears?
Also because im going to be planning making money, I dont want to spend too much on clothing.

Ive seen some nice black shirts with subtle patterns in them, and white ones the same. however black is hot and white might get dirty if I lay down to get a low shot.

Im sick of seeing all the shops that stock mens clothing follow all the same designs.. and if it isnt the same its expencive like Barkers... which by the way have shirts that I quite like but cant afford !!!

Advice please!!

[talan]

It's great that you want to look professional but you're going to a Corvette meet, shouldn't you dress like this?
http://miund.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/joedirt2ay.jpg

In all seriousness though, if it's just a casual meet then keep yourself casual. You'll look professional and people will take you more seriously if you have business cards you can hand out to people.

If you really have to just dress tidy then any type of shirt can do, even a polo. It really depends on the occassion and how casual the event is.

Remember, dress to the occassion :cool:

[possum]

Awww, I feel your pain... I never know what to wear to weddings, lol. I usually end up buying something new and stupidly impractical. I am warning you now, don't attempt it in a dress and heels...

xxx Lou

[robo git]

1) Don't get black - shows up dirt as well as white does and is ALSO hot in the sun
2) Don't get white / very pale colours, shows up dirt
3) Remember that you're not getting photos taken of you, so don't be too worried about distinctive clothing, but DO make sure you're well-presented - ironed shirt, use antiperspirant on hot days, clean clothes, tidy shoes, etc.
3a) Indeed dressing too distinctively (unless it's some form of Staff or Photographer vest, or similar) can be bad as it attracts attention to you rather than the attendees/presenters
4) Dress at or slightly above the dress-standard of others that will be attending. Exception: Weddings where you need to dress nice but not so nice you get mistaken for a groomsman.
5) And as Lou put so eloquently: Dress in practical clothing - shoes that you CAN wear for an entire day of standing/walking with very few rest breaks, clothing that won't rip/snag/etc.

[possum]

Yes, lol, that's what I meant!

Have you thought about looking in a second hand shop? Doesn't have to be SaveMart, I used to work in The Recycle Boutique in Darby Street, and they always had some choice things come through. Expensive for a second hand shop - but still cheaper for good quality and different items.

Nice pants and shoes for sure. Don't rely on your clothes to move people out of the way though. Be polite and assertive, or wear stilts. ;)

xxx Lou

[stic]

I am going to be photographing for the Auckland Corvette club down in Hamilton in 2 weekends time.
Anyway

I was looking for something to wear that makes me look like a professional and stand out so that people dont just stand in front of me when im trying to get a shot.

This will always happen, even if you are the 'OFFICIAL' photographer on the day...

In my search for a nice short sleeve shirt I have come across 100's of shirts that all look the same, from shop to shop... all the same

I got a loosish (one size bigger) Black t-shirt and had MEDIA printed in white on the back; not much good at weddings ;) but usually fits right in at car shows and motorsport events, it can even get you more attention from the vehicle owners (as they can gt a bit tired of answering thousands of questions from happy snappes).

they are all Striped, or checkers.... lines vertical, horozontal.... all the same!!

Where do I go to get a shirt that isnt what EVERYONE else wears?
Also because im going to be planning making money, I dont want to spend too much on clothing.

Ive seen some nice black shirts with subtle patterns in them, and white ones the same. however black is hot and white might get dirty if I lay down to get a low shot.

Im sick of seeing all the shops that stock mens clothing follow all the same designs.. and if it isnt the same its expencive like Barkers... which by the way have shirts that I quite like but cant afford !!!

If you want to wear a collar, go for s loose polo shirt, as this will be much less restrictive than a normal shirt...

Advice please!!

Just my 2c...

[EGD]

from my experience, its not what you wear its how you interact with people that makes the difference. if someone gets infornt of you, just politely ask them to relocate. i tend to have a few chat with people the around, explaining what you are doing and etc, that way you might get even more business.

been a professional photographer is not always about the pic, sometimes how you social with the group/clients is as important as the photography skill.

p.s. if you are plannin to make money through photography, don't spend money on your clothing, spend on camera, lens, lights etc. normally when i pull out my nikkor af-s 200 f2, no one would even want to get infornt of me :)

[scotty]

Heels??

I dont want that sort of attention!!,I dont swing THAT way lol.

Thanks for the advice guys, its a national meetup of all the corvette clubs across nz.

should be fun..

[mata.saina]

how about a hi-vis hi-glo yellow / orange vest ... warehouse sell some . wear it over your t shirt or something. and, if possible, have the club logo or pic on the back (somehow).

Cheers

Paul
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mata-saina/

[Redal]

With this being a car show, id go casual , if the cars are to be parked on grass, id wear a green shirt, if on tarseal,id go grey.
White shirts or hi viz shirts are going to show up in reflections in the polished cars.
People at car shows are usually accommodating as everyone wants to get shots of the cars.

[scotty]

Thank you so much for that reflections thingie, That will help alot!!

[bokboy]

how about this
http://www.zazzle.co.nz/photographer_not_terrorist_tshirt-235605362648346239

would make a great addition for the pro, lol only joking, what you should do is jsut keep it casual and if someone steps infront just politely ask them to move chat to lots of people around and get the feel for why people like corvettes it will give you more inspiration for photos and give you a better quality of shot and a better time, you may even pick up more business from doing it