If you’re an outfit-of-the-day (OOTD) blogger, you know well the amount of shots that never make your blog for one reason or another. As I was trolling through photos on my hard drive the other day, I thought how sad it was that there are so many shots clogging up my memory, really, for no good reason. Some of them are totally fine…I just didn’t have enough good ones to generate an entire post about that look.
I decided to salvage a few from the cutting room floor to share with you, plus some things I learned in the process.
1. Sometimes your own past looks can inspire you.
I’m inspired to get my fitness and eating habits back on track after seeing this shot of me last year. I’m still active, but have softened up a bit more than I like. I’m using this photo for inspiration to get back in shape for summer, and beyond.
I love this shot. It’s ridiculous for the blog, and the outfit is, well, absolutely bland. But hey…I haven’t worn my hair like that in months! I need to revisit the wavy look, and soon.
2. Sometimes you get the shot, but not the outfit.
Last summer I had the rare opportunity for a beautiful backdrop and someone else to take the photo. Unfortunately, sometimes you get a great shot, but not a great shot of what you’re wearing.
3. Sometimes all you get is one good shot—and you should go with it.
For some reason I’ve got this idea in my head that I need perfectly crisp shots of an outfit, plus detail shots, to create a post. You know what? I think I need to rethink that approach. Sometimes all you need is one good shot, that you love. I mean, if Garance Doré can do it, why can’t I?
Here are some of my one-shot-wonders:
What do you think? Are one-shot-wonders OK every once in a while?
{ 78 comments… read them below or add one }
@myheartblogged
May 9, 2011
I think one shot wonders are great once in awhile. I need to do them more often. Sometimes one amazing shot can say more than four okay shots.
vanessa’s latest post: Outfit of the day The pants do all the work
I loved this post. Your one shot shots are amazing! You are quite the model.
annie’s latest post: War Craft III Review
@styleactivist
May 9, 2011
I totally dig this post. Half of the time the photos are nothing like I imagined they would be from being in from of the camera and then uploading them on my MBP. Then the other half I actually like the photos but the focus on the outfit is lost.
And yes! I think one-shot-wonders are great. They are like teasers. Little bites of a delicious cupcake. Mysteriously deliciously enough to make you want to keep re-visiting the blog for more.
I have been trying to hit the gym hard, too. I hate what winter does to my physique. Your photo is officially my new inspiration, too
Xo,
E
http://www.styleactivist.com
@StyleActivist
Erika’s latest post: Food & Fashion- Cinco de Mayo
@ConsiderMeLuvly
May 9, 2011
Oh my V, I love your one shot wonder pictures! I think one shot post are lovely!
Consider Me Lovely’s latest post: Friend Friday- SHOES
@caseemarie
May 9, 2011
I think one-shot-wonders are definitely okay. One of the (many, probably) reasons I’m not a routine OOTD poster is that I just don’t get enough pictures; it takes so long to get my self-timer properly balanced somewhere and finding the right backdrop, and feeling awkward and thinking people are watching me… And as the one posting the pictures I feel like it never takes more than one or two shots to properly document all the details of an outfit, so what’s the point in posting six or seven? Are the rest just posing? (Mind you, I don’t think that when I see OOTD posts by others, it’s just my own insecurities, I guess.)
Anyway. Love the post, love every single look on here, love the wavy hair, love the beachy backdrop, love you.
@apple_franca
May 9, 2011
Oh yeah, totally fine, especially when they’re as lovely as these. the second to last one – swoon!
Franca’s latest post: Florals- jeans and yellow
@slowsouthstyle
May 9, 2011
I actually prefer less pictures when it comes to outfit blogs. I really don’t need to see 8 pics of the same outfit just with slightly different poses that end up looking like all the rest of the poses on the blog. I like that you make yours to the point and have an interesting story behind it.
Christy’s latest post: What I Wore- Southern Fashion Bloggers Meetup
@leia12
May 9, 2011
I’m so glad you posted this, V, because I absolutely adore ALL of the pictures in this post! I think it’s okay sometimes to post pictures where the outfit isn’t totally clear, if you like the photograph. For the most part all your readers enjoy nice pictures as well as killer outfits, so I don’t think there would be any complaints! And you should definitely go with one-shot wonders sometimes, because those ones are stellar.
Leia’s latest post: Couture Cinco- Childhood Dreams
Meep. These are all gorgeous and Yes you SHOULD do wavy hair again… its beautiful. Happy Monday V!
Jessica’s latest post: Full Time Fabulous Blog Event
@stilettostetico
May 9, 2011
Honestly I dont think that the appeal of a (trendy or not) shooting (necessarily) stays in any form of clinical exegesis, according to me beyond all a way to catch a certain essence, temporary alchemy dedicated to be engrave for timelessness . . .
ps: Frankly far to be ridiculous , this wavy hair stunningly suits you Dear V !!! I (shyly) must confess that I (fantastically) shall never cease to see in this “wild mane in motion effect” a possible capillary finery, an (utterly captivating) “neo Venus” vibrancy (“shy smile”) . . .
à Bientôt, Antoine
Antoine’s latest post: VAINilicious Sylphid- Julie Ordon par Greg KADEL in PLAYBOY FRANCE décembre2007
@inkblotphtgrphy
May 9, 2011
i see no problem with ‘one shot wonders’ as you call them. i’d MUCH rather see one great shot of a fantastic outfit, than 5 bazillion shots of ANYTHING. unfortunately, most people tend to lean more towards the latter.
Cate’s latest post: Editorial- Fernanda Tavares by Jacques Dequeker for Status
@gawgusthings
May 9, 2011
What a great idea! I have loads of ‘one-shot’ outfits that never get to the blog but when I think of some of the sites that inspire me e.g. stylestalker, they only ever have one shot of the outfit (sometimes not evern the outfit – just a shoe or something!). Love your hair wavy and love the first shot of you – gorgeous! Sir Alfred sends licks across the water
xx
GawgusThings’s latest post: Lazy Days
@leeoliveira82
May 9, 2011
You always looked good V.. but I almost died when i saw the second picture (literally).
I want to photograph you again based in the 2nd photos.. shall we?
lee x
Lee Oliveira’s latest post: It’s all about the accessories…Sydney
@tanvii
May 9, 2011
You know this had been on my mind since a couple of weeks too!!! When the pictures are fabulous but they are not telling anything really about the outfit!
You look fabulous in all the shots and SOO fit!
Great Post!
♡ from © tanvii.com
Tanvi’s latest post: Never Good Enough
@ebtwet
May 9, 2011
I love it! I think one shot posts are great – some posts might be about style, so the details don’t need to be, well, detailed; if you can sum up your style in one shot, you’re gifted
If you’re trying to sell me the shirt, the shoes AND the necklace, more details are encouraged, lol!
Pretty, Polished, Perfect.
@katy_rose1
May 9, 2011
Vahni – I was just thinking I need to go through and delete all the random pics clogging up my computer! But I love your take on this. One hit-wonders can be good for a day you are feeling a little uninspired. Sometimes all it takes its one picture to capture the essence of your look or mood for the day. And I LOVE your hair wavy! It looks stunning, especially since it is so long. – Katy
Katy’s latest post: Tired Eyes and Exposed Roots
Sometimes I don’t get why people need to post so many photos of the same outfit so one hit wonders are probably better in my eyes! The blog fashion snag was one i used to visit but stopped because she puts way too many photos of the same thing every day so it can get repetitive and uninteresting to me!
I agree with you though, you definitely should have your hair wavy some more!
Much Love
xoxo
Meg
Meg’s latest post: Get The Look For Less- DVF Spring 2011
@msfemminista
May 9, 2011
I agree with the commenter you re-tweeted. I don’t need to see 10 shots of one outfit. If you have one fabulous shot, go with it and scrap the rest.
–Courtney
Courtney’s latest post: What I’m Wearing When- The Shoe Edition
Completely agree with the one shot wonders. I am always in this mindset that I need at least 2 pictures to create a post, but WHY? That one shot shows it all and looks fantastic. You look amazing in all of your one shot wonders and you should definitely start a series called “One Shot Wonders”
Lynzy’s latest post: Eclectic
@NorthOnHarper
May 9, 2011
I agree with previous comments…. I only need one shot. Sometimes that speaks volumes and the rest is just fluff.
Alexis of NorthOnHarper’s latest post: Great Introductions
@BonBonRoseGirls
May 9, 2011
I think they’re totally ok. If it’s a shot you really love, guaranteed your readers will love it too!
@canelahada
May 9, 2011
I am so glad you rescued them I love, love the second one from the top, and the second from the bottom, ahhhhhhhhhh Magnificent, my dear friend.
Mil besos from Berlin.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
@madelinequaint
May 9, 2011
Thank you for sharing these, they’re absolutely blog-worthy!
Your hair in the second picture is stunning, and the one-shot-wonders are great outfits! You’re brilliant at wearing black in a multitude of ways!
The reason I’m throwing away most of my shots is my ridiculous face. Honestly, if I look like most of my photos in real life, I must be one scary lady.
Madeline Quaint’s latest post: Pálinka and Broderie Anglaise
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Thank you Madeline!
I get those hated “I hate my face” shots. That’s why I hardly ever look at the camera! I feel like the biggest DORK when I do! Maybe try looking elsewhere some. I think it helps.
@madelinequaint
May 11, 2011
Thanks for the tip, Vahni, I will try!
Amazing how self-conscious one can feel in front of a camera…
Madeline Quaint’s latest post: Polka Dot Day
@diyraven
May 9, 2011
OH EM GEE…..V! *Shaking my head* – YES!!!!! You really do need to use these……like seriously Love. These shots one-off shots are amazing. It’s just like the quote you retweeted about earlier today using like 8 shots for one outfit – I agree. It’s like alRIGHT already! Haha. That’s overdoing it a bit. But every now and then if you just have one choice shot, that can really be amazing. Many times when I reference back to things in magazines, I am only focusing on that one page with that one shot that says it all.
Besides, even if you think one isn’t enough to tell the whole story, it’s best to leave them wanting more than to beat a dead horse with 12-too-many of the same shots, right? These are gorgeous. PLEASE use them!!
xo,
raven
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Thank you Raven…and am stil SO excited for your new venture. Pack me in your carry-on, will ya?!
Sometime less really is more. I know that is easier said then done first hand. I am the first one to scrap an entire photo session because I feel I did not get ‘the’ shot. I say to myself…when in doubt through it out. Not always a good thing. This is a perfect example of that. You saved some gorgeous photos that speak a thousand words.
xo Mish
Mish Dish’s latest post: My Favorite Accessories
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Thanks, doll. I sense you are the same kind of perfectionist as me…non?!
@5263 university way ne
May 9, 2011
This happens to me SO often – I get one good shot of an outfit, and several… other shots that we won’t talk about. But I love how you’ve revisited them.
birdie’s latest post: Style or the Sartorialist
@sheblog
May 9, 2011
I think using one photo for an outfit post is perfectly fine especially if it is the only one you happen to be satisfied with. One is better than none right? I always post a handful though for many different reasons. One of them being I’m terrible at decision making! I have a blast taking photos though and enjoy sharing them. I try and show different angles and I like doing detail shots too so when you add that all up I post on average about 5.
Love these shots of you btw! Your wavy hair is gorgeous!
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Thanks, love! I usually like to do a max of five, but I think one is indeed better than none.
@modanistajunkie
May 9, 2011
I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how many photos never make it to my blog. I completely agree with you that sometimes looking back at old photos can certainly be inspiring!! I am loving your hair on the 2nd photo. You look gorgeous!!!
xoxo,
melrod
modanista junkie’s latest post: Beauty Call
@audreyallure
May 9, 2011
I agree, sometimes when I look back on old photos, I get a lot of inspiration! I also think one-shot-wonders are great!
Audrey Allure’s latest post: Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Awesome! With so many photos not being printed anymore, I think we forget to do that. It really can be very inspiring!
@made2travel
May 9, 2011
Yeah, I totally get a tad irked when someone has 10 pics of the same outfit and none of them are really showing me anything new about that outfit.
Your cutting room floor is pretty HOT, you look totally stunning in all the pics. The list of what you’ve learned is totally LALM, I think it would be mega helpful for a lot of bloggers.
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Thanks, Jamillah!
@WellAppCatwalk
May 9, 2011
I love your hair wavy, V! Is that how it is naturally? You know I’m the furthest thing from an OOTD blogger, but as a reader, I’m totally fine with one-shot wonders. If the photo is great and shows off the outfit well, it’s really all you need. Those last two photos are definitely worthy of their own posts, and I’m only excluding the third-to-last because we don’t get as good of a view of your outfit.
Marissa’s latest post: In Bloom – A FTF Blog Event
@designedbyann
May 9, 2011
I’ve started taking outfit posts only the past couple of months and sometimes I think I overload my hard drive with unessesary photos, as I only use 3 or 4 for each post. I totally don’t understand why one has to post more. I get “tired” to scroll, scroll, scroll and only see more poses…what’t the point?! So hell yeah, one hit wonders would be very welcome! (and if I see an interesting detail, e.g. your top, then I’d add at a comment “would love to see a closer look of that top”)
Anna’s latest post: Zara Pre-Fall Collection
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
I think 3-4 is a good number, and you make a great point. Readers WILL ask to see more. They’re great about that!
@MJ_Beauty
May 9, 2011
Can I just say that I LOVE your hair with those waves!! Gorgeous!
I have a bad habit of not deleting all of my pictures because like you said, you never know that the one you thought was awful one day can serve a useful purpose later on! Loved the spin on this!
MJ’s latest post: Fierce OOTD- The Mommy’s Day Edition
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Thank you MJ!
@ladyofashion
May 9, 2011
Beautiful V, I always love your photos, and the tone/contrast in them. The first one is just lovely. Though I’m quite a novice at photography, I do have quite a bit of one shot outfit images that I have not yet posted..Sometimes I like to reflect on them, (even if I was unable to use it because) they spark other inspiration for another post. Thanks!
Madison’s latest post: Blue-Green Leaves- Floral and Chain
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Aw, thank you Madison! I’m definitely not a photo expert, but I have learned that photo editing makes a huge difference. It’s good that your own photos can inspire another post, and you. It’s good to reflect on them, bring ourselves back to a moment or a day or an outfit with .so many memories attached.
All of these shots are amazing!
http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/
foodfashionandflow’s latest post: Black and white with a little spice
@gritandglamour
May 10, 2011
Thanks, love, and welcome!
@kirstinfoley
May 9, 2011
I love this post, V. All of your pictures are gorgeous. I love your hair all wavy/crimped. Outfit shots can be difficult, but you definitely named some great pointers here. When I do my outfit shots, I sometimes take over 20+ shots, and end up with maybe 3 good ones, but hey, thats okay!
xo
Kirstin Marie’s latest post: Friend Friday- Oh my gosh- shoes
@WendyBrandes
May 9, 2011
Wow, I adore the wavy hair on you!
WendyB’s latest post: For Bloggers Only … A Word About Comment Signatures
Girl, if I could do a one shot wonder like THAT, I’d definately do more! Can’t seem to get enough said in one photo–as you do. Great photos–all of them! Paula
Paula’s latest post: Mint Juleps- Kentucky Derby and Hats
SO glad you decided to post these…they’re beautiful!
@122 W. Manheim Street Apt. 8
May 9, 2011
First of all, your body is rocking Mama! Can you say owwwww! It ridiculous the amount of unused photos on my computer, sometimes you just can’t get a shot you like. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with only posting a singular outfit shot, quality vs. quantity.
Fajr | Stylish Thought’s latest post: Want vs Need
@citizenrosebudz
May 9, 2011
Ah, the luck and luxury of a one-shot wonder! I’m not kidding- if you are lucky enough to get all of the needed info plus a great arty look in one photo- that is mastery! I like no more than 4 or 5 pics, and that’s only if I’m using a shoe and accessory close-up. That said, today I’m indulging in 5 shots but the focus is less on the (rather plain jane) outfit, and more on showing a colorful character in a black ensemble. Kinda like how you rock it.
Bella Q’s latest post: guest post- Vanessa of Queen VIIs Reveries
@FashionNextDoor
May 9, 2011
absolutely! I just wish my one shots were as amazing as these.
The wavy hair is fab on you, V! We (the people) definitely want to see more of it! Lol.
I also need to start working out again. These arms are NOT begging to be exposed this summer. Lol.
Eboni Ife”s latest post: Unexpected
@theloudermouth
May 9, 2011
You are SO beautiful, V! That last shot is my fave. I think it’s perfectly fine to post one amazing photo, or five decent ones!
And I love your hair wavy — but as you know, I’m obsessed with your locks always.
THE-LOUDMOUTH’s latest post: The sweetest surprise
@AnikaByAnika
May 10, 2011
YES! I absolutely think they are ok, and not only that I want shots like this. Fashion blogging is not only about the fashion for me, not the great ones, they are about the full package, the person. Shots like the stunning ones you have shared with us here convey a mood, a feeling, powerful stuff. I love your shots, I adore your blog and I adore you. You my dear are the real deal, blogging done at it`s best. Mwuah! xxxxx
Anika’s latest post: FTF Community- Colouring outside the lines
You’re quite the talent! I only know that all the shots looked great
Christy’s latest post: Friday Night
@fashnlvr9
May 10, 2011
Thank you so much for sharing these! I too struggle with “lost outfits” because the shots aren’t up to my standards. i rarely post only one photo and you’ve got me thinking I should do it more! You look beautiful in every picture. So happy you shared!
Fashnlvr’s latest post: Community Shoe Closet- Sharing Favorites
@missneira
May 10, 2011
You look beautiful! and you have such an amazing body! as for the shots I think I do about one outfit shot a month ahha I guess Im not that kind of blogger, I just got into it not too long ago but maybe I will get into it more!
xoxo
Miss Neira
Miss Neira’s latest post: The Lace- the Garter and the Dress
cool photos… You are looking gorgeous… Love the pics and your style…
Maria Smith’s latest post: Chrome Nail Art Designs
The 3rd picture, cropped leather trench, jeans, dark nails, you look amazing and the shot looks like something out of Vogue, I’m totally serious. It is divine! One shot wonder indeed!
@fashionlimbo
May 10, 2011
You are a stunning woman, and the picture with your hair in curly waves is soooo pretty. I struggle with outfit posts so much especially now that my camera is dying on me. The amount of casts-off is incredible, and the amount of good shots is minimal, but then I am really not photogenic, and I am my worst critic, so that doesn’t make for good outtakes. Today my dog ruined a moment when my camera decided to work, but even though it wasn’t a good pose I just went and published it, because it was the only one that wasn’t out of focus! I really need a new camera
Fashion Limbo’s latest post: Outfit – The Maxi Dress Conundrum
Not sure why alot of these didn’t make the cut..they are beautiful shots/outfits.
LOVE the white crochet w the black maxi that picks up in the front. Great look!
C
Carly’s latest post: SA VA Dress Giveaway!
these outfits are fabulous
Tanisha’s latest post: Off the Runway 2011- Urban Traveller-Going Tribal
@Mode_Plus
May 11, 2011
I agree with the one-shotters. It is all about a feeling. Well, that is what I like about an OOTD post, that it creates a parallel world. But you will need a good camera to pull that off.
Mode Plus’s latest post: Contrast
I have so many perfectly nice outfits on the cutting room floor because I don’t feel I got enough good shots. You are totally right and isn’t it refreshing to post just one, good, solid photo? Less is more. As long as it captures the look, who cares? You get something in your mind and it gets stuck, for no good reason at all! New goal for the blog. I am always so inspired after reading your posts!
noelani’s latest post: Louis Afternoon Part II
@beautifullyinv
May 11, 2011
These are gorgeous. Your one-shot wonders are better than many of the photo-overload images I see on other bloggers sites. Sometimes all you need is one angle to capture the essence of an outfit. It’s not that I mind multiple photos, I don’t at all, but AT MOST, one photo of the whole outfit, maybe 2, plus a couple close-ups of accessories are all I need. Some go completely overboard and post every possible angle imaginable!
I love the first shot, and your wavy hair is so pretty. I wish i was on that pier right now, and I think I own the same pair of jeans.
On a side note, I love the idea of this post. You should do this a couple of times a year and share some shots that were originally on the cutting room floor!
Beautifully Invisible’s latest post: LINK LOVE with a TWIST- May 10- 2011
@gritandglamour
May 13, 2011
OK, it’s decided: one-hit wonders are OK! I’m so relieved!
Thank you all for your comments, thoughts, and perspectives. I hope to see some cutting room floor shots on your blogs too. Give us a peek!
because I don’t have a library of photos I look up inspiration on websites like yours or chictopia for inspiration.
empress’s latest post: Looks- Kerry Washington in Gingham Print
@gritandglamour
May 23, 2011
Hi Empress, thank you! Blogs are such a great source of inspiration…I agree.
All true. I often end up going with the shot that’s best artictically and photographically and doesn’t necessarily show the outfit off to its full potential.
A’s latest post: Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A
@Vanessaordi
May 16, 2011
who took those nice shots? gorgeous!
vanessa
http://thepinkmateproject.blogspot.com/
@gritandglamour
May 17, 2011
All my shots are taken by me, with a timer and a tripod. Thanks!
@Heatherfonseca
May 16, 2011
Here are my thoughts:
1) OMG your arms are amazing in the first shot! I’m inspired to get back to the weights too!
2) I’m not sure what to think about one shot wonders. I think I would do it, but maybe as an extra random post during the week. I think you could do it for sure, but you have a very loyal following.
So glad to see you back!
Love,
Heather
Heather Fonseca’s latest post: Lace tights and date nights
@gritandglamour
May 17, 2011
Aw! OK…
1. Thank you! I figure while Hubby’s having a visit back home, I’m going to whip myself back into fighting shape!
2. I don’t think one-shotters will affect your level of readership…I think you could totally do them if you have one really good one for a post!
Thanks again, sweets!
Hell yess!!
You look absolutely beautiful in them all!! Remember that it’s YOUR blog we’re talking about, so at the end of the day the only opinion that matters is YOURS… 
@gritandglamour
May 23, 2011
Thank you, Laura, and AMEN to being to bosses of our blogs! I share your view 100%.
@mulika
May 23, 2011
Firstly, I ADORE the second image and would kill for natural hair like yours. Or at the very least spend a whole ton of money chasing it down. Secondly, I would not find it incongruent for that particular shot to be included in a series of OOTD images. I fear that many feel the constrain of what counts as or not (OOTD). I love a story so an image might not reveal the full ensemble but it gives me a better glimpse into another aspect of the outfit & personality wearing it – does that make sense. That image reads because your eyes are speaking to me, so why not showcase it alongside the others that read purely for the outfit worn. I think we should all feel able to mix it up as we see fit!
And lastly, you know I am more than happy to include just as SINGLE image to illustrate an outfit if I feel that a) it is really the best of the bunch b) is representative of what I do and c) shows off the outfit perfectly.
Keep doing your thing V. I, personally, continue to be a fan
Mulika
Mulika’s latest post: Portraiture- Furore
@gritandglamour
May 23, 2011
Thank you so much, Mulika…was a sweet comment!
I agree that I’d much rather read the story with only one photo, than read nothing and see a bunch of shots of the same thing. It’s overkill.
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