Deciding what to wear to your portrait session can be a bit overwhelming. It’s one of the most common questions I get asked. Here’s 4 tips to help you be 100% confident in your outfit choice while still making sure the pictures are focused on you and your love, not just what you’re wearing. While this post is geared towards couples (since that’s what I mainly photograph), these tips can be applied to any session, from families to senior sessions!
Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, not rules. This is just what I’ve found works best from past shoots. The ultimate goal is to make sure you guys look and feel like yourselves, how you would normally dress, so you can be as comfortable as possible. Because, when it comes down to it, if you don’t feel comfortable during your session, you won’t look comfortable. A lot of couples feel the need to go shopping for “nicer” clothes (which is totally fine) but sometimes they wish they would’ve just worn what they feel most themselves in. So I recommend bringing what you normally wear, the clothes already in your closet that you love. If that’s an old tshirt and ripped jeans? Go for it.
Now, let’s dive in…
Tip #1- Bring Options
It helps to bring a few outfit options to your session. That way I can help pick and pull to make sure your outfit compliments each location we shoot at, making sure that the focus is on you two, not any distractions (which can be your outift). Just bring a few things you feel most comfortable in and love the way you look in them!
Don’t feel like you have to bring your entire closet. Most people just bring a couple pairs of bottoms and 2-3 tops. Then you can bring any dresses, jackets, or accessories. If you’re not able to bring several options or don’t feel like changing during your shoot, then feel free to text me a few photos of outfit options. That way we can pick it out together beforehand!
Tip #2- Your outfit should make sense
When picking your outfit, consider the weather conditions and environment we’ll be shooting in and plan around that! Will we be hiking? Bring shoes that won’t break your ankles. If we’re shooting on a beach, maybe go barefoot! If it’s cold, bring layers of warm clothes and boots. Hot outside? Bring breatheable clothes that you can move around in.
Be as comfortable as possible.
Tip #3- Colors
I generally recommend sticking with neutrals and earthy tones. This doesn’t just mean you should only wear gray or tan. Every color has a neutral- mustard yellow, forest green, navy blue, etc.
I would just stay away from bright, fluorescent colors since these tend to be distracting and can be unflattering on skintones.
Tip #4- Patterns
Avoid loud, crazy patterns. Super busy patterns can sometimes become distorted on camera. Stick with smaller and more subtle patterns. These tend to look better on camera and are less distracting.
I also would avoid pairing several patterns together since it can tend to look a bit hectic in photos.
And that’s a wrap!
Still feeling unsure about what to wear to your session? Feel free to send me a picture of what you’re thinking of wearing prior to your session! I love helping my couples pick their outifits, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions.
The overall idea is to wear what you’re comfortable in. If you do that, I promise your photos will be amazing!
For more outfit inspiration, check out my Pinterest board!
Great advice and writing! I will be sending this to some of my clients. ??
Thanks Daniel!:)
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂
That is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Short but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!