A Guide to What to Wear On Camera: The Creative Kin Studio Lookbook

Welcome to the Creative Kin studio!

You’re booked in, the concept is locked, and now the big question looms: “What on earth should I wear?”

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

What you wear on camera is more than just clothing.

It’s a crucial part of the storytelling that helps you look, feel, and perform your best.

This guide is your definitive resource for choosing the perfect outfit for your shoot with us.

We’ll walk you through the core principles of dressing for the camera, inspired by our unique studio aesthetic, to ensure you arrive on set feeling confident and ready for your close-up. 📸

Our Studio: Your Backdrop

First, let's set the scene.

Our studio has a modern industrial aesthetic designed to be both professional and welcoming.

Understanding the environment is the first step to choosing an outfit that complements it.

Our key features include:

• An exposed distressed brick wall that adds warmth and texture.

• Custom finished oiled pine cabinets for a touch of natural elegance.

• Black and charcoal acoustic panels that provide a clean, contemporary feel.

• Lush navy velvet curtains for a splash of sophisticated colour.

• Accents of brass and foliage scattered throughout.

This blend of textures and tones creates a versatile backdrop that works beautifully with a wide range of styles.

Core Wardrobe Principles

Before we dive into colours and styles, let's cover a few non-negotiable rules for looking great on camera.

The Golden Rule: Avoid Solid Black & Stark White

This is the most important tip we can give.

While a classic black top or a crisp white shirt might be your go-to in daily life, they can be tricky on camera.

Stark white can easily overexpose, losing all its detail and drawing the viewer's eye away from your face.

Solid black can absorb too much light, appearing as a shapeless void and crushing all the detail of your garment.

Instead of black, consider charcoal grey or deep navy blue.

Ivory, cream, or a very light grey are typically safer than pure white.

Fabrics & Texture Are Your Friends

Smooth, shiny fabrics like silk or satin can create unflattering reflections under studio lights.

Instead, choose textured, matte fabrics that add depth and visual interest without being distracting.

Think high-quality cotton, linen, merino wool, or corduroy.

Our absolute favourite? Velvet.

Its light-absorbing pile appears incredibly rich and luxurious on camera, adding a touch of instant sophistication.

Focus on the Top Half

For most shoots, the framing will be from the waist or chest up.

Prioritise your top, as it will command the most attention.

Pay attention to the neckline.

A classic crewneck, a flattering V-neck, or a sharp collar all work wonderfully.

While your trousers or skirt should be comfortable, your top is the star of the show.

Colour Palettes for the Creative Kin Studio

The right colours will make you pop against our backdrop and enhance your natural features.

We’ve curated three palettes that work exceptionally well in our space.

Warm & Earthy 🍂

These tones beautifully complement the red brick and oiled pine in the studio.

They create a look that is approachable, grounded, and confident.

• Colours to try: Rust, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and olive green.

Cool & Professional 💼

For a sharp, sophisticated, and authoritative feel, these deeper shades provide a fantastic contrast to the warmer elements in the studio.

They look incredible against the charcoal panels and navy curtains.

• Colours to try: Deep navy blue, forest green, charcoal grey, or plum.

Bright & Vivid ✨

Want to make a bold statement?

Jewel tones are your best friend.

These vibrant colours create energy and dynamism, ensuring you stand out in the best way possible.

• Colours to try: Magenta pink, sapphire blue, emerald green, or royal purple.

Finding the Best Colours for Your Skin Tone

While the palettes above are a great starting point, the most flattering colours are always the ones that make you shine.

Here are a few tips for matching colours to your complexion.

• For Cool and Fair Complexions:
  To avoid looking washed out, lean into cooler jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, and deep purples.

  Rich navy and charcoal are also excellent choices.

• For Medium and Olive Complexions:
  You can wear a wonderfully wide spectrum of colours.

  Earthy tones like olive, rust, and mustard will bring out the warmth in your skin, while vibrant jewel tones will look equally stunning.

• For Dark and Melanin-Rich Complexions:
  Bold, saturated colours look absolutely incredible.

  Don't be afraid to embrace vibrant magenta, royal purple, or electric blue.

  Rich, warm tones also create a beautiful, harmonious look.

Seasonal Outfit Inspiration

To make things even easier, here are four go-to outfit ideas, one for every season.

• Autumn: A fine-gauge merino wool jumper in a warm, muted colour like mustard or rust.

• Winter: A high-quality turtleneck in a deep, saturated colour like forest green or plum.

• Spring: A linen or lightweight cotton shirt in a fresh, muted tone like a dusty sage or a soft blue.

• Summer: A well-fitting polo shirt or a casual button-down in a breathable fabric and a rich colour like navy.

A Note on Our RGB Lighting

One of the creative tools we have at our disposal is our studio's RGB lighting system.

This allows us to paint with light, adding subtle coloured accents to complement or contrast with your outfit.

• Complementary Lighting:
  Imagine you're wearing a deep navy blue top.

  We can add a subtle warm amber or gold backlight.

  This creates a beautiful, rich separation from the background and makes you pop.

• Contrasting Lighting:
  For a bolder, more contemporary look, we could pair an olive green top with a magenta or deep blue accent light.

  This creates a dynamic and visually striking effect perfect for creative projects.

You bring the perfect outfit, and our team will use our technical expertise to make sure it, and you, look absolutely flawless.

The "Please Avoid" List

Finally, a quick checklist of things to leave at home:

• Busy Patterns:

  Small, tight patterns like houndstooth or fine stripes can create a distracting visual shimmer on camera (an effect called a 'moiré' pattern).

  Larger, simpler patterns can work, but solid colours are always the safest bet.

• Large Logos or Graphics:

  These can be distracting and may date your content.

• Noisy Jewellery:

  Dangling bracelets or necklaces can clink and rattle, interfering with our sensitive audio equipment.

• And once more for good measure... avoid pure black and stark white!

What’s Next?

We hope this lookbook leaves you feeling inspired and prepared for your session.

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.

Your personality is what will truly shine on camera.

This guide is just the beginning.

In the coming months, keep an eye on our blog and YouTube channel for video styling guides and a special interview with a professional on-camera stylist.

If you have any questions before your shoot, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Creative Kin team.