When it comes to wearing hats, people tend to fall into two categories–those who say “I can’t wear hats” and those who love to wear them. Wearing a hat is a fun way to experiment with color and whether you love to wear a hat or not, one thing is true–You cannot hide in a hat!
My dear friend LindaGrace is a hat collector. She brought her collection to my last dinner party and my guests all had a terrific time experimenting with them. As I photographed each person I realized how important a hat can be in helping to either define or soften a look. If you find that you seem a little washed out (especially in pictures), a hat can lift you up.
LindaGrace has an amazing head of white hair with big ringlets. In real life, her hair is always a source of compliments. In this photo (on the left), however, she looks a bit washed out. Why is that?
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- Light hair against light background creates a washed out look
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- Colorful hat frames the face and creates contrast with the hair so she stands out.
What the Camera Sees
When we see someone in person, our eyes and brain adjust to the light and other spatial dynamics. We perceive them in 3‑D. The camera is much more literal. It only records the light and places us on two dimensions uniting us with the background– In this case the light hair disappears against the light background, which is why Linda Grace looks fabulous in person but washed out in this picture (on the left).
However, when she wears this dark hat (on the right), it frames her face highlighting her features and silver locks. The hat creates contrast and separates her from the background with flair!
A hat can soften a look
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- Shahala’s dark hair helps her stand out from the background
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- This hat softens the look and lessens the contrast with the background
Shahala looks striking in this scarf (on the left) because her dark hair contrasts nicely with the light background. When she wears this hat, the same light color as the shawl, it softens and gives her a very romantic look. The contrast between the hat and background is also softer.
Wearing a hat can be a powerful way of controlling the background in a photo. The personality of the hat itself can add excitement, romance and expression to the picture. Hats are powerful accessories to help you “show up” with flair, I encourage you to experiment with hats and start your own collection.
Here are some local resources for hats:
LindaGrace of Half Moon Bay has the greatest collection of hats.
If you would like to meet this fantastic Yoga and Dance teacher let me know.
Black Cat Hats and Bags
59 N Santa Cruz, Los Gatos CA 95030
(408) 354‑1910
Carmel Hat Company
In the Doud Arcade off Ocean Avenue
(831) 625 9510
If you would like some help finding the hats that get you the attention you want, I can help! After all, there is showing up and then there’s showing up with style!