Dress code - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

05/12/2005 12:37:08 PM · #1

Looking for some input from those who have done it...

I will be shooting at a dinner for international diplomats next week. One thing I'm wondering about is what to wear. A suit seems like it would be awfully difficult to work in, but I definitely can't go in jeans. Any suggestions?

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

05/12/2005 12:40:21 PM · #2

I've never worked as a photographer, but in anything I've been involved with there's no such thing as under-dressing, not including field exploration work, of course. I'd go with suit & tie. Well-fitted they're not a problem.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/12/2005 12:41:43 PM · #3

I wouldn't say jeans are definately out however they should be teamed with a nice shirt, tie and sport jacket if going that route. Khaki's would probably work better though.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

05/12/2005 12:42:42 PM · #4

To me, 'international diplomats' screams conservative.

Arcanist

Nikon D810

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

05/12/2005 12:53:31 PM · #5

Determine what the guest list has been told is the dress code.
Then apply.

At minimum you are looking at a definite suit/tie, but with a name like this event, you may be required to wear a tux.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

05/12/2005 12:53:38 PM · #6

Originally posted by aronya1:

I would MOST DEFINITELY go exactly by their dress code. Blend in.

I have done chef work at more State affairs than I can remember (literally hundreds) and the photographers always dressed then same way as the guests.

If it's "Black Tie" get a Tux.

Message edited by author 2005-05-12 13:00:50.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

05/12/2005 12:54:57 PM · #7

Yeah. I'm kinda leaning toward the suit & tie, although I may just add a jacket to my normal day-job work attire, which includes dress shirt & tie anyway.

edit
You guys type fast. I really hope I don't need a tux. My dinner is being paid, but otherwise it's a freebie for me.

Message edited by author 2005-05-12 12:56:28.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

05/12/2005 01:05:09 PM · #8

I'm notsure how laid back people are where you live in Califo but here, not wearing a tux to a "black tie" State dinner would be tacky...it might even piss off the host of the event.

Keep in mind....I'm surrounded by the most uptight people on the planet so the rules might not apply where you are.

Ask the person who hired you for the job if you can. That way you can't go wrong.

Message edited by author 2005-05-12 13:05:53.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

05/12/2005 01:22:40 PM · #9

Originally posted by pawdrix:

I've already sent an email to this effect. Just waiting to hear back & wanted some input from you guys.

Thanks for the input, guys.

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

05/12/2005 01:33:04 PM · #10

Another common-sense thing to do would be not to draw too much attention. If you will be taking 'candid' shots as well, it is best to blend in as much as possible. Light-blue jacket (even if made by Armani himself) would draw too much attention and your photo quest would be less successful. If all you'll be doing is set-up photos, then it is less important, but may still score you a better service when you eat your dinner...

sage

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

05/12/2005 01:57:51 PM · #11

Originally posted by aronya1:

"International Diplomats" sounds like a black tie tuxedo affair. If it is, you better wear a tux or you will be way out of place.. even if you are just taking photos and not an actual guest.

You don't want to look out of place. And as another poster stated, showing up to a black tie event wearing anything less is typically looked down upon.

Prof_Fate

05/12/2005 02:04:30 PM · #12

Are you a guest? then dress like it.
Are you working? Then you can dress like that...dress pants and shoes, a shirt (perhaps for this event a button down w/ a tie) - a decent knit Izod type shirt is usually fine.

Full suit will be very warm, constricting, etc.

Message edited by author 2005-05-12 14:04:58.

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

05/12/2005 02:09:11 PM · #13

Originally posted by sage:

"International Diplomats" sounds like a black tie tuxedo affair. If it is, you better wear a tux or you will be way out of place.. even if you are just taking photos and not an actual guest.

Or it may not be, people may be wearing white togas etc.
For example...

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

05/12/2005 02:16:42 PM · #14

Originally posted by srdanz:

If you will be taking 'candid' shots as well, it is best to blend in as much as possible. Light-blue jacket (even if made by Armani himself) would draw too much attention and your photo quest would be less successful.

So, light-blue Armani is out. What about red?

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

05/12/2005 02:27:39 PM · #15

Originally posted by aronya1:

So, light-blue Armani is out. What about red?

For other suggestions, see the link in my second post.

garrywhite2

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/12/2005 03:34:00 PM · #16

Originally posted by pawdrix:

Originally posted by aronya1:
Looking for some input from those who have done it...

I will be shooting at a dinner for international diplomats next week. One thing I'm wondering about is what to wear. A suit seems like it would be awfully difficult to work in, but I definitely can't go in jeans. Any suggestions?

I would MOST DEFINITELY go exactly by their dress code. Blend in.

I have done chef work at more State affairs than I can remember (literally hundreds) and the photographers always dressed then same way as the guests.

If it's "Black Tie" get a Tux.

So if you're shooting "Life at the nudist ranch", proper attire is your birthday suit.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

05/12/2005 03:37:08 PM · #17

Originally posted by aronya1:

Originally posted by srdanz:
If you will be taking 'candid' shots as well, it is best to blend in as much as possible. Light-blue jacket (even if made by Armani himself) would draw too much attention and your photo quest would be less successful.

So, light-blue Armani is out. What about red?

You might want to wear an Ali G/Eminem type, powder blue, track suit with lots of chains. Think comfort.

I've already put out my $3 worth of advice but the invitation to the event should state the dress code. Stick to the code. Your comfort, whether you are working or not, isn't the issue....looking proper and extremely professional is. You can get a Tuxedo pretty cheap BTW.

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

05/12/2005 06:30:33 PM · #18

Originally posted by garrywhite2:

So if you're shooting "Life at the nudist ranch", proper attire is your birthday suit.

Is that a telephoto lens in your lap, or are you just happy to see me?

yido

Canon EOS-5D

05/12/2005 08:33:56 PM · #19

Dark Suit with a dark tie and a white dress shirt. If you find that you have over dressed, remove the tie and the jacket, even roll up your sleeves if you like. If you underdress, you can't run out and get a suit and a tie that easily.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/12/2005 09:18:24 PM · #20

I'd wear black jeans, a black shirt and sandals, as not be be confused with any chargÃ© d'affaires.

Message edited by author 2005-05-12 21:35:08.

blemt

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Nikon

05/12/2005 09:27:31 PM · #21

Living in the land of diplomats I happen to have some experience with this.

If it's formal attire/black tie you need a tux. I would be shocked if this was not black tie. It's not uncommon to see guys with a full pro rig on metro in a tux. I counted three on Inaguration Day/Night alone.

Plan mentally for a tux.

Clara

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

05/12/2005 09:46:03 PM · #22

I'm more & more afraid that you guys are right about the tux. Men's Fashion Depot, here I come... I'll know for sure on Saturday when I meet with the local Consul.

Thanks.

Arcanist

Nikon D810

05/12/2005 09:50:54 PM · #23

If this is a black tie event, BUY the tux.

You will use it over and over as you increase your professional outings and never miss the few extra bucks you spent the first time when someone just cannot come through for you. 3 shirts to go with, a tie and stud sets. (Disc Jockeying Weddings taught me a lot here. AND always bring an extra pair of pants in the car - that's a story for another time.)