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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Black Tie For Photographers?
Scott Serio, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Colora | MD | USA | Posted: 10:12 AM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> What is proper dress for photographers? I happened to get access to a black-tie event in Louisville for the Derby for photographs. I do not own a tux and just can't imagine taking photos in one. Is a black dress suit with conservative tie and shirt good enough? I usually match my dress for the occasion, but this is a wee bit different. Thoughts please... |
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Nick Doan, Photographer
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 10:18 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> I shot a black tie event a couple of weeks ago that was attended by somewhere between 20-40 photographers. None of us were wearing a tux.
I wore a lavendar shirt with a black tie though. |
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John Harrington, Photographer
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 10:28 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> Scott --
Black tie would be appropriate. Absent that, a black suit, white shirt, and a black neck tie (i.e. the long one, not the bow tie) would also work.
Not respecting the dress code of an event is a no-no. Just because we're carrying cameras does not exempt us from dressing properly. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 10:32 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> I would question some folks who have covered the event before and find out what photographers wear.
As John says, dark business attire at the minimum and the dressier but not flashier you can get the better -- and you can shoot in a tux. Been done for many years here in DC. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 10:39 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> As someone who has shot in a tux and owned TWO it's not a big deal. Around here in the 80's and 90's wedding shooters and DJ's commonly wore tuxes when working.
John pretty much says it all, respect the dress code. |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 10:54 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> "I do not own a tux..."
Rent one (keep the receipt, it's deductible).
"...and just can't imagine taking photos in one."
Awe come on. It's not that big of a deal. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 10:57 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> I wear a tux 4 or 5 times a year because these events are "black tie" meaning formal attire required.
One thing to think about if not dressed appropriately: Being self-conscience over what you look like. You ready stick out because of your gear. You don't want to add to that by not being dressed properly.
Also it is a matter if respect. You want to be viewed and treated as a professional, dress and behave like one.
The one thing I go concede is I usually wear a little more comfortable shoes. I look at that as a safety issue because of all the movement I have to do while working.
And speaking of not sticking out and dressing appropriately, keep the gear to a minimum and use a black camera bag or waist pack.
Just some advice from someone who has to work in formal situations from time-to-time. |
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Scott Serio, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Colora | MD | USA | Posted: 10:57 AM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> Alright, alright. Tux it is. |
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Brian Tietz, Photographer
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Fort Myers | FL | USA | Posted: 11:01 AM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> I wore a nice black suit w/ black tie to Barnstable Brown one year, if it is anything like that you should be fine. Formal Jacket and tie is a must though. |
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Aaron Rhoads, Photographer
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McComb | MS | USA | Posted: 11:06 AM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> So the powder blue tux with pink trim and ruffled dress shirt is out? |
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Scott Serio, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Colora | MD | USA | Posted: 11:07 AM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> Well it is Barnstable Brown, so that is good to know. I am checking into the tux rental right now though. I have always matched my dress to the event and would rather not stick out. Did that ONE TIME in college - self-correcting error. |
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Jeff Kowalsky, Photographer
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West Bloomfield | MI | United States | Posted: 11:23 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> Check out Syms. There are a couple of locations in MD. I bought a tux a few years ago and the cost to buy was a little more then renting.
http://www.syms.com/ |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 11:31 AM on 04.23.09 |
->> Here's a story for you:
A few years ago a photographer was assigned to a big event... "proper attire required" was stated on all of the credential material and everyone knows this is a formal event...he showed up in faded black jeans, a black Harley Davidson t-shirt, a ball cap on backward and dirty sneakers.
The other photographers were "dressed appropriately" ... men in black suits and ties and the women in black pants suits or long dresses.
Needless to say this unnamed photographer stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb ... he was noticed by EVERYONE and the 10 or so other photographers were all a bit embarrassed as well.
Eventually someone at the event complained about his appearance ---sticking a wide angle into people's faces probably added to his troubles --- and he was asked to leave and was escorted out of the theater.
Photographers as a lot are not easily embarrassed by our colleagues' bad behavior, but all of us were more than a little upset because we did not want to be painted with the wide brush of the "rude photographer cyndrome".
Needless to say this photographer told me a few weeks later that he knew what the dress code was, but said "I'm working so I dressed like I do for work".
I have never been of the Clarkson-Mentality of wearing a dress shirt and sport coat on the baseline of a basketball game. But I always wear clean khakis, clean sneakers, a shirt with a collar and a "it's not about me" attitude when I work ...
Maybe I am getting old, but that tiresome "Animal" act (see old episodes of "Lou Grant") wore out years ago.
As they say: Dress professional. Act professional. Be professional. That commands respect ... and in this day where you never know where (and when) your next job might come from, giving a good first impression is more important than ever.
'Nuff Said. |
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Joe Livingston, Photographer
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Dallas | GA | USA | Posted: 12:16 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> I agree with Jim and Bert, dress for the event on the upperscale of whats expected.
First impressions and professional impressions are forever and very important especially when your at an event that will be hosting persons influential enough to command formal attire.
I would rather be remembered as the "Professional looking photographer in the Tux" and not the the Paparazzo looking guy with a camera. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 12:27 PM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> Scott if you don't want to buy a tux and think that you may actually have a need for one 3-4 times a year talk to a rental shop or two. When I was at the end of my wedding days I approached the local tux shop and told the owner that I was scaling back my weddings and looking for a deal on a rental. I'd be renting a few times a year and didn't want the expense of replacing an older well worn tux. He handed me a business card that had an account # on it and a discount. All I had to do was call in the # and they had all my measurements and the tux was good to go for $30 !!! |
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Peter Wine, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Dayton | OH | USA | Posted: 12:40 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> I've more often worn a shirt and tie to an event that would normally be casual dress (or less in a couple of nightclubs) than gone to a gala underdressed.
Most of the galas I've attended are black-tie optional, and I've felt ok wearing a dark shirt and tie (or a dark suit.)
I haven't been to a black-tie required event, though. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 12:47 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> The one military funeral I had to shoot here for the first kid killed in Iraq, several posters stressed to dress appropriately when I asked for advice, which I did.
Two other shooters showed up and the one was dressed in blue jeans and a parka - it was cold. He looked at me like I was overdressed. I looked at him like he was underdressed.
Dress appropriately for the assignment/event. It's that simple. Common sense, no? |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 1:30 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> along this line--what do you do if there is no place to store your bag?
I had a formal shoot the other night and there was no place to put my bag, so it was on my back for the entire 3 hour shoot. This happens a lot-I feel stupid with it on my back but here was no place to secure it/store it |
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Jonathan Roberts, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 1:47 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> Debra,
When I cover formal or semi-formal events, I will leave what bag or cases I have with the person operating the light or sound. It's a convenient and safe place to leave that kind of equipment. Often, I'll introduce myself to the technician and get an informed idea of the lighting and sound for the event throughout the evening.
Scott,
Welcome to Louisville next week. The Barnstable-Brown house and the tent where the event is held are very small and crowded. If you're in need of a hand through the week, please contact me. I'm headed into my 19th Derby.
Jonathan |
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Nigel Farrow, Photographer
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Suffolk | UK | United Kingdom | Posted: 2:23 PM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> Check out charity shops. A friend bought an as good as new tux from one near a university. Apparently students would buy them for various university dinners and then give them away on graduation. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 2:37 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> While perhaps not appropriate for a strictly black tie event, I've found that a vest often works very well to look formal but still allow you some freedom of movement to shoot.
Jackets/sport coats always have been an issue for me wearing two bodies and/or a belt/wasit pack. A vest allows far more ease of movement in bringing a camera up to your eye and lets you wear a beltpack with different lenses or a battery pack without getting in the way. Its also a lot cooler as well for those events were your really running around.
Its not a tux, but its a great way to look as formal as possible and still be able to shoot.
Some black gaffers tape works wonders to cover up the "Canon" logo's if your vest of choice as those as well lol |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:41 PM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> A photo vest...You're kidding, right? |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:48 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> I have seen some photographers wear a Domke-type vest UNDER their tux jacket...but not instead of a tux jacket.
And I won't say anything about using gaffer's tape to cover up a camera company's logo...
Look professional. Dress to what the event requires. Command respect.
'Buff Said. |
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Michael Granse, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 3:20 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> For weddings and other such events I wear black pants, black dress shirt, and a dark colored tie.
This allows my camera, flash, strap, flash power cable, and Quantum Turbo battery on my belt to all blend in to the black background formed by my clothing.
With this combination of dark clothing and dark colored straps, cables, and cameras I rather doubt that anyone has even noticed that I'm not wearing a jacket. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 3:27 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> Think of it along these lines:
If it was your wedding, or the formal event you spent months planning, or your kid's Bat or Bar Mitzvah or a loved one's funeral -- would you want a photographer showing up in ragged attire and standing out and drawing attention to themselves?
You would not and you would probably want to kick them out and tell them you won't pay them a dime for not being professional.
So, be respectful of others. If they want you to wear a tux then honor their request.
(and keep a bag in the trunk with at least nice khakis and a dress shirt, maybe a tie, so if you are called at the last-minute for something that calls for dress nicer than pet of the week then you are ready) |
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Juliann Tallino, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Port Townsend/Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 3:52 PM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> I did a celebrity black tie charity event once, dressed up in a nice suit. I was the only photographer there who bothered to dress for the event. Some of them looked like they were homeless people who crashed the event for free food. It was embarrassing to say the least. Made me think of Animal from the Lou Grant show. Tatty jeans, sandals, they really stuck out amid all the tuxes and gowns. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 3:53 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> The last line was simply a joke since it is a photographers message board and a photo style vest is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind. Perhaps my sense of humor didn't come across well.
I thought the mention of gaffers tape to cover up the company logo's would of obviously been seen as a lightheated attempt at humor and a tounge in check jab at previous heated debates over the topic of vest.
In all seriousness though, I was in fact refering to a nice dress type of vest, along with a button up shirt and a tie. I've found it very comfortable to wear and shoot with and its my choice over a jacket whenever possible.
I just think it gives a more professional and formal look over the option of wearing just a dress shirt alone.
A good vest choice however would not have reflective panels, nor be made of mesh, nor have sponsors logos (taped up or not), does not have pockets large enough to hold a camera lens or film drop pocket nor an assortment of flies for a variety of stream conditions. Additionally if its hanging in the back of your closet from your old high school part-time job of tearing movie ticket stubs or saying "Welcome to WalMart" you might want to take a trip to the Mens Warehouse.
I personally like vest even with a suit jacket myself but thats really neither here nor there. |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 4:03 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> Maybe a camera holster type set-up?
Better to be overdressed than underdressed. In LA, you can go to the garment district in downtown and get a fitted tux while you wait for well under $200. It's funny, when you have a tux, you wear it to formal occasions when you might have worn a suit. |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 4:15 PM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> JC Penny also has a line of reasonably priced tuxedo separates (just pick the right size jacket, pants and accessories) that would set you up for (probably) less than $300. If you're going to shoot more than 3-4 black tie events within the next year it's worth thinking about buying. |
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Scott Serio, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Colora | MD | USA | Posted: 4:22 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> OK, I should have prefaced this. Part of the reason I asked is because the Barnstable-Brown is billed as black-tie event, but I looked at video and stills and there are really a ton of folks who aren't even close to black-tie. That being said, I am just renting the tuxedo. I only found out about this last night and I leave Monday, so doing the whole tailoring thing is out for this.
I appreciate the input, but a few folks have taken this way overboard. I didn't say I was showing up in jeans. I only asked the perils of black suit vs. tux. Not a great stretch. |
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Curtis Clegg, Photographer
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Sycamore | IL | USA | Posted: 4:43 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> ->> A photo vest...You're kidding, right?
Hey Bert what about one of these?
http://www.adorama.com/ZZVTS.html
I am actually considering it... |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 5:53 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> Curtis- that is both funny and cool!
I am sure that it would be a topic of conversation at whatever event you wear it at.
Very Clever! |
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Dave Collyer, Photographer
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Haleiwa | HI | USA | Posted: 6:35 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> Every year when I shoot the Pipe Masters some tourist shows up with Black Loafers on. He bumps around on the beach with them and gives the locals a laugh. Don't be him...
Damn, Curtis, that vest is rad! |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 6:42 PM on 04.23.09 |
| ->> If you buy a tux, it may be deductible. Talk to your tax pro. |
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Aaron Rhoads, Photographer
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McComb | MS | USA | Posted: 11:31 PM on 04.23.09 |
->> Well, I have to attend a formal event soon. It's women's garden club event, so do I need to go and buy an evening gown?
I want to fit in.
And if so, is it bad form to keep my beard? |
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Matthew Bush, Photographer
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Hattiesburg | MS | USA | Posted: 12:14 AM on 04.24.09 |
| ->> I think we are covering that event also Aaron so don't buy a red one because that is my color ! (How are things in McComb ?) |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 8:04 AM on 04.24.09 |
->> As has been said already, dress for the event. There is always the possibility that you might want to work that same event next year and years to come.
I used to own a tux and listed it as an expense on my tax return. One night while covering a black tie ball, I got paged to cover a double homicide at the back of a gas station. The cops at the outer perimeter weren't going to let me beyond the yellow tape. It used to be that there was a second, inner perimeter to keep back the press and officers not actually investigating the crime scene. While I was trying to convince one of the officers working crowd control that I really was a credentialed photographer, while still wearing my tuxedo, a homicide detective arrived and waved me in saying, "He's OK, I think." |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 8:12 AM on 04.24.09 |
->> If you choose to work in a tux shirt and vest, you run the risk of appearing to be a waiter. Wear the whole tux.
Ladies, and gents, if you cover enough black tie events consider also getting the smallest black bag you can find to carry just the essentials you need for the event, such as spare camera and strobe batteries and camera cards. Such a bag does not need to carry a few extra lenses, a convertor, or a spare body. By using it infrequently it won't get worn or torn-up. This is just part of completing the package. And don't forget the shoes. As was mentioned, they should be black and nice looking, but I would not get formal footwear. All black athletic shoes (sans any logo) such as worn by basketball refs should be fine. You may be standing, even walking long distances, for several hours. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 3:20 PM on 04.24.09 |
| ->> Black pants, white shirt and red vest. Then you can double as a valet parking attendant and make some real money! |
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David Stephenson, Photographer
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Lexington | Ky | USA | Posted: 9:48 PM on 04.24.09 |
->> Scott,
I'll see you at Barnstable Brown - in my rental tux. If you have any questions, let me know. Get there EARLY! And pray it doesn't rain. |
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Aaron Rhoads, Photographer
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McComb | MS | USA | Posted: 10:30 PM on 04.24.09 |
->> Matthew,
Hangin on. |
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