Touch Your Hair: And Other Tips for Aspiring Models

Touch you hair and other tips for aspiring models

Hey y'all, Amy here! Over the years of working at Closet Core, we have really refined our photoshoots. It's gotten to the point where Heather and I can have a fully unrelated conversation about just about anything while capturing a new make from every angle. This is not because we are particularly gifted at modelling or photography, or that we have a telepathic brain connection. We just do this, A LOT. And what you realize when you shoot a lot of garments is two main things: get every angle, and take more photos than you need. There is nothing easier in the world than erasing pictures of yourself with your eyes closed but if you get your phone back from your friend and there are only two pics and you don't really like either of them you won't likely feel confident sharing them to social media. So I guess that brings me to my first real rule: find a patient photographer who you are comfortable asking for their time. Sometimes I get my 8-year-old to snap some pics of what I'm wearing because he is just down to clown. Find someone who you trust and let them know...this is going to take a while. And then get ready to VOGUE. (

(To read the original posts you can click on the caption.)

WORK THE GARMENT

One of the easiest things you can do if you're feeling self-conscious is simply to show how the garment functions. Does it zip up? Do that. Does it wrap or tie, pretend you're doing that! If it has a collar, you can pop it and hide behind it like a coy tree frog. One of the best tricks I learned from a queen on the runway of Ru Paul's Drag Race was to just pretend you're cold. "It's chilly! I need to snuggle in my oh so warm sweater." You'll feel silly, and then you'll smile and then your photographer can capture that. In terms of showing other sewists the make, they get the added benefit of seeing how the garment works plus any fun details.

Red silk Kielo Wrap dress by Named Patterns // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Kielo Dress

Blanca Flight Suite Pattern // Boiler Suit sewing pattern // Available from Closet Core Patterns — Blanca Flight Suit

Oversized Kimono Jacket from Making Zine // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Wiksten Haori

Clare Coat sewing pattern // Funnel neck collar with exposed zipper // Closet Core Patterns — Clare Coat

Rowe Cardigan by Brooklyn Tweed in Cascade 220 yarn // Closet Core Patterns — Rowe Cardigan

TOUCH YOUR HAIR

Oh, the classic. If this isn't a meme yet, we should probably make one. When I was going through photos to put this together I couldn't stop laughing because literally every single photoshoot with Heather, at some point, she has those fingers up in that hair. Not only is it an easy pose for almost anyone to strike without feeling too silly, it often frames a garment well and shows off the sleeve. When you're trying to get all the angles, it's an easy move to remember and adds some movement to the photo.

Ariana Dress pattern by Style Arc // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Ariana Dress

Gibson Girl Blouse from Folkwear Patterns | Lace Insertion technique | Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — A Victorian Blouse

Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory in black cupro // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Zadie Jumpsuit

SHOULDER PEEK

We always try to include some back views of everything we shoot but don't love a photo without a face. The over-the-shoulder peek, though it can seem a bit goofy, is a really nice way to say "Hello, friend" to your viewer while showing off your back pockets or whatever. Bonus points for combining it with a hair touch.

Hadley Top + Morgan Jeans // Closet Core Patterns — Hadley Top

Jenny Overalls pattern in cotton twill with hip buttons // handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Jenny Overalls

A Blanca Flight Suit in Tencel // Closet Core Patterns — Blanca Flight Suit

McCalls 7154 - Couture 1930's Evening Gown in 4 ply silk charmeuse // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Couture Gown

Fiona Sundress in blue denim // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Fiona Sundress

Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Zadie Jumpsuit

USE A POCKET IN AN UNNATURAL WAY

We all know pockets on a garment are worth showing off but why is it they seem totally normal until you go to use one in a photoshoot??!! I could not find a single picture with a hand or a thing in a pocket that looked in any way natural. Don't feel alone if you too try to stick a hand in a pocket in a photo and immediately forget how. Here for your enjoyment is our blooper reel of pocket shots. Honestly, I have no idea what's going on.

Sienna Maker Jacket made from up-cycled denim, handmade by Alexis // Closet Core Patterns — Patchwork Sienna Maker Jacket

Heather's Sienna Maker Jacket with embroidered yoke // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Sienna Maker Jacket

White Ginger Jeans + Denim Kalle Shirt/Tunic — Kalle Tunic and Ginger Jeans

Flint Pants by Megan Nielsen in linen // Closet Core Patterns — Flint Pants

FLASH YER GUTS

You made a jacket. You found a beautiful match for lining fabric. You sewed something with bias bound seams!!? Congratulations! Now show us those pretty guts! We want to stand up and applaud you and to dream up our own lining/binding combinations, so make sure to show off the insides! Sure, you'll feel like the Flasher in the park your mom warned you about but who cares?! YOU BAGGED A LINING!

Sienna Maker Jacket with Removable Lining // Closet Core Patterns — Sienna Maker Jacket with Removable Lining

Waterproof Kelly Anorak // Waterproof raincoat pattern // handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Kelly Anorak with Lining

Quilted Tamarack Jacket with Shibori print lining // Closet Core Patterns — Tamarak Jacket

Oslo Coat by Tessuti Patterns in Pendleton Wool // handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Oslo Coat

IGNORE THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Sometimes we are on a deadline to shoot something and we are just not in the mood. Maybe the internet is being sketchy that day, or we have wicked period cramps but you know what? You don't have to smile! You don't have to "fake it" or do anything you don't feel like doing. Maybe just tell your photographer you still love them before you casually look away into the distance and order them to capture your majesty.

How to Wear a Velvet Jumpsuit // Amy Jumpsuit pattern from Closet Core Patterns — Amy Jumpsuit in Velvet

Cropped Carolyn Pajama top in striped linen (inspired by Everlane) // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Hacked Carolyn Pajama Top

Sewing Cielo and Pietra in Knits // Closet Core Patterns — Cielo Top in Knit

YOU'RE A DANCER BABY!!

... and then somedays we feel like camping it up big time! Maybe you've had a couple shots of espresso (or tequila) and you are totally feeling your outfit!? Embrace your confidence and have some fun! There are no rules to posting your makes and if someone is upset your jeans are a bit blurry because you are having the BEST TIME then they can take it to the comments (where you can ignore them). All of this is supposed to be fun and feel good so make sure more than anything else, you are doing that for yourself!

Sierra Jumpsuit in yellow linen by Papercut Patterns // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Sierra Jumpsuit

Flora Dress from By Hand London | White cotton eyelet | Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Flora Dress

Strathcona Sweater from Good Night Day // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Strathcona Sweater

Crushed velvet wrap dress // vintage Butterick 5119 // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — A Velvet Wrap Dress

PRETEND YOU'RE LEAVING

When we want to capture the side view of something, there is the always popular:" I'm out of here". While having the benefit of capturing a silhouette and some motion while doing something relatively simple this move will give your photo confidence and glamour. Especially if you recite some Alexis Carrington monologue while you stomp away.

Fiona Sundress in Green Linen // Handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Fiona Sundress

Kalle Shirt/Tunic in Ikat fabric // handmade by Closet Core Patterns — Ikat Kalle Tunic

FIND A TWIN

If you're feeling insecure about posting pictures solo, find a buddy! Whether it be a fellow sewist in a matching anorak or your best doggo, sometimes we're more comfortable if we don't feel like the lens is only on us!