What to Wear to Your Photography Session: A Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best
You've booked your portrait session, and now the excitement is setting in—along with the age-old question: "What should we wear?" Don't worry! This is a very common concern, and the answer is simpler than you might think. Our goal is to help you feel completely at ease so that your true personality can shine. Here are some key tips to guide you in choosing the perfect outfits for your photoshoot.
1. Prioritize Confidence and Comfort
This is the most important rule. Whether you're planning for a family session, couple's portraits, or a solo shoot, what you wear must make you feel great. Your clothing should reflect your individual style and personality, allowing you to move naturally and comfortably. If you’re constantly pulling at a shirt or fidgeting with a hem, that distraction will show in your photos.
The best images are captured when you are relaxed and happy, not when you're worried about your clothes. Remember, your photographs are meant to bring back positive memories, so choose outfits that make you feel like the best version of yourself.
2. Embrace a Neutral and Cohesive Palette
When selecting colors, we highly recommend choosing a neutral or complementary color palette. Neutral colors like soft grays, creams, tans, earthy tones, and muted pastels are timeless and versatile. They ensure that the focus of the photograph remains on the people and their connection, not on loud or distracting clothing.
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Avoid bright, neon colors that can cast unflattering reflections onto skin tones.
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Opt for shades of gray and cream instead of stark black and white, as they tend to photograph more softly and create a more relaxed feel.
3. Keep Patterns and Logos to a Minimum
To maintain a clean and timeless look, it's best to keep heavy patterns and large logos at home. Bold stripes, busy floral prints, or oversized brand logos can be very distracting and visually "noisy," pulling attention away from the subjects in the photograph.
If you love patterns, consider using them as an accent. One person in a family can wear a subtle pattern, and the rest can wear solid colors pulled from that pattern's palette. This creates a cohesive look without overwhelming the image.
4. Coordinate, Don't Match
This rule is especially important for group and family sessions. The goal is to create a harmonious look where everyone’s outfits complement each other, rather than matching exactly. Think of it as building a single, beautiful color palette.
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Choose a primary color and a couple of accent colors.
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Mix different textures (like knits, denim, or linen) and layers to add visual interest.
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Everyone should not wear the same jeans and white shirts. Instead, have some family members wear shades of blue, while others wear cream, tan, or soft gray.
Taking the time to plan and communicate about your outfits will make a world of difference. It’s well worth the effort and will result in a set of beautiful, timeless images that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Not sure where to start? We can help. Our on staff stylist makes it easy to coordinate one or 50 outfits!
