Fashion Forward: Indianapolis Bloggers Share Their Style Tips for the Camera
When you’re in front of my lens, my number one goal is to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. I’ll work with you to lighten the mood (ie. get us laughing, because my shoots are ALWAYS goofy), help with posing and make sure I’m capturing your best angle.
Before we even meet up, I’ll talk to you about your style. Hair, makeup, color schemes. I want to know what looks will show you in your best light, and have you feeling amazing. Now with all of that said, some of the work starts at home, long before we hit the streets and has nothing to do with clothing. I’m a big proponent of styling it up and getting your glam on when it comes to lifestyle photography. But what can you do to make sure you’re prepared and feelin’ good on the inside (self love, boo)?
To offer a little inspiration, I sought out fashion tips and advice from two of my favorite lifestyle bloggers in Indianapolis. These ladies STAY in front of the camera, so I wanted to get their perspective on how to maintain your confidence and show off a bit of style. Both happen to be named Sarah (what are the odds) and both have a wealth of experience to share, whether you’re an aspiring blogger or a simply prepping for your next portrait session. Read their interviews AND scroll through to see photos from our fabulous mini shoot.
Meet Sarah, House of Wend
Tell us about yourself!
Hey, I’m Sarah Yekinni. The creator behind the travel and lifestyle blog, House of Wend. I grew up in Indianapolis, then moved to New York after law school and now I split my time between New York and home with a ton of travel in between! I’ve visited 36 countries and counting and love sharing travel tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way.
How would you define your style in....three words?!
Feminine. Comfy. Classy.
How do you prepare for a blog photo shoot? Do you have a specific makeup routine or any clothing and hair tips for making your look pop on camera?
Since most of my photos are taken in destinations I’m visiting for the first time, it can be challenging to prepare in advance. It helps to look at pictures of the locations ahead of time to get a general idea of the colors and lighting there. For example, when I traveled to the Amalfi Coast last August, I knew we’d be visiting a winery and romantic hillside towns so I packed a lot of pastels and flowy dresses.
Bright colors tend to pop more on camera. But if your aesthetic is more neutral (white/beige) or edgy (black/gray) then finding locations with greater contrast can help make your photos more dynamic.
At the end of the day, unless you’re a beauty or fashion blogger, your photos should highlight YOU and, in the case of travel bloggers, your surroundings. Your clothes, hair and makeup are somewhat secondary. If you’re comfortable and confident, that will shine through.
What do you do to feel confident in front of the camera?
I try to focus on the end product. Often times, I’m shooting by myself with a tripod, which can be a bit awkward especially if I’m in a public place. But I just have to block everything out and focus on getting my shot. I remind myself that the discomfort I may feel in the moment is temporary, but the photo will last forever. Get your shot girl!
Do you have a favorite accessory that you MUST have to complete your look?
I don’t have a favorite accessory per se, but when I’m shooting I do prefer to have my hair down. It kind of serves as a prop and just gives me something to move around and play with.
Designer or No Label?
I like whatever looks good on, but typically no label. However, I recently signed up for a Rent the Runway subscription, so I’ve been incorporating more designer pieces into my wardrobe without having to drop thousands to do so. I’m OBSESSED and tell everyone who will listen how much I love it! [Editor’s Note: Rent the Runway is everything! Good call]
Who usually takes your photos? Do you find better results working with a camera phone versus a professional camera?
I’d say it’s a 50/50 split between my tripod and my boyfriend, Serge. When I travel solo, it’s up to me to get my shots and I’ve become pretty self-sufficient. Serge definitely appreciates that since he’s not too fond of his “boyfriend of Instagram” title!
Now that I’ve upgraded to a 35mm lens and have learned the basics of editing in Lightroom, I’ve started shooting with my DSLR more. But for quick snaps and video, my camera phone is just so much easier. Nowadays, camera phones are pretty powerful and with features like portrait mode, you can get some really beautiful shots.
Since it’s the start of the year, let’s talk goals. What's on your radar for 2019?
I actually just laid out my goals for 2019 in my latest blog post! This year, I’m really working on staying consistent, growing my engagement by providing greater value to my audience and building brand relationships.
Anything else you would like the Drea & Co Blog readers to know about you? Where can folks contact you to get in touch or collaborate?
I obviously love traveling and the thrill of exploring new cities. But when I’m not on the go, I’m actually a homebody. I love baking, experimenting with recipes, creating fun cocktails and sharing them with friends and loved ones.
You can find me on all social media platforms at @houseofwend, on my blog at www.houseofwend.com or contact me directly at sarah@houseofwend.com!
Meet Sarah, Indy Dressed
Tell us about yourself! Name, blog site, etc.
Hello! I'm Sarah, the creator behind IndyDressed, a fashion, food and lifestyle blog based in Indianapolis. How we dress ourselves isn't the whole story of who we are. It's how we dress our lives: the people we meet, the food we love, the environment we crave. And that's what I blog about.
Website: indydressed.com
Facebook.com/indydressed
@IndyDressed on Instagram and Twitter
How would you define your style in....three words?!
Only three?? My style is sophisticated, feminine and (usually) colorful.
How do you prepare for a blog photo shoot? Do you have a specific makeup routine or any clothing and hair tips for making your look pop on camera?
I always start with figuring out the feeling I want people to have when they see the photos. Should they feel inspired? Should the photos make them think a different way about some aspect of their lives? Should they make them trust in me, like a friend they've not yet met in person? (Because really, who's going to take fashion advice from someone they don't trust?) There's so much you can convey with an image.
It may surprise you, but I rarely switch up my makeup routine! Foundation, concealing powder, mascara, blush ... all are the same brands I've used for years. We're all busy, right? Keeping my makeup routine consistent saves me time and a lot of money, now that I'm not throwing away half-used products simply because I didn't finish them before they expired. So, how do I switch it up from day to night, or from outfit to outfit? Lipstick color and eyeshadow. Each year, I limit myself to one eyeshadow palette and no more than four lipsticks in versatile colors (nude, classic red, pink and a burgundy for fall and winter) so I'm not a grown-up kid in a candy store when I visit the makeup counter.
My tips for outfits: Start by opening up your closet and taking a look at what you buy and wear the most. Do you love patterns? Bright colors? Seeing what you buy is a good way to understand what you like -- and what you'd feel most like yourself wearing in a photo shoot. If you're not sure which colors look best on you, your best bet is jewel tones. Ruby, emerald, sapphire, amethyst ... These are colors that flatter all skin tones and will brighten your complexion on camera. Follow the New York-style all-black look? Add a pop of a jewel tone, pattern or unique texture in a scarf, purse or shoe to make your look more visually interesting. Bonus points if you mix patterns!
What do you do to feel confident in front of the camera?
This might sound strange, but stretching is one of my secret tricks. If you're a 9-to-5er like me and spend your days in front of a computer, it's easy to fall into a physical slump. Take a few minutes to stretch right before your photos, and it'll be so much easier to pose naturally and with good posture.
Do you have a favorite accessory that you MUST have to complete your look? If so, what is it?
Bold lipstick and heels. ;)
Designer or No Label?! What's your preference?
Both! Well, whenever it works in my budget. It's not new advice, but it's true that the smartest way to budget for clothes is to invest in timeless pieces you'll use more often, like a trenchcoat, and spend less on this season's trends. One of the easiest ways to personalize your look is to mix pieces of different price points and brands. It's why I love pairing high-end pieces with more affordable vintage finds. You're practically guaranteed that no one else will show up wearing the same thing, and your outfit won't have that straight-from-one-department-store-mannequin look that doesn't allow your personality to shine through.
Who usually takes your photos? Do you find better results working with a camera phone versus a professional camera?
Honestly, both have their places: When I'm styling to match a concept I'm writing about on my blog, I collaborate with several fantastic Indianapolis photographers. There's no substitute for the quality of a good photographer and a professional camera. But there's also something special about those in-the-moment phone shots for Instagram Stories when it's more practical to let my readers see what's happening, unfiltered and in real time. That's when I can share more about myself.
What's on your radar for 2019? Is there anything in particular you would like to accomplish with your blogging? Anything cool in the works?
2018 was a fabulous year -- IndyDressed turned 5 years old, and I turned 30, attended New York Fashion Week for the first time, sat on my first blogger panel and was invited to speak onstage at Midwest Fashion Week for the third year -- so it's hard to imagine topping that. For me, 2019 will be a year of re-energizing and re-imagining. A chance to take a step back and ask: In a world full of fashion copycats, how can I stay original and true to my own style? What can I bring to the fashion scene that's different?
Not to spoil any surprises, but I can say that you'll see more creative, glamorous approaches to fashion on IndyDressed.com this year, some even with a Japanese twist in honor of Newfields' "Year of Japan" celebration this spring. And for anyone who made a New Year's resolution to see more of the world, stay tuned for my travel guides for NYC, Paris, London, the Pacific Northwest and St. Joseph, Michigan. Of course, I'll still be covering fashion, food and lifestyle here in the Circle City as usual, and you can expect more interviews with local designers and artists, too.
What else you would like the Drea & Co Blog readers to know about you? Where can folks contact you to get in touch or collaborate?
I'd love to hear from you! If you want to leave me a note or collaborate on a future project or event, contact me at indydressed@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram or Twitter (@indydressed).
werk.
Thank you ladies for sharing your insights with us, and a personal thank you for being my muses for the day! Folks, be sure to follow along with them on their social media platforms. Check out more flicks from our shoot below. To schedule your next photo session, click here. Talk soon!
