5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Outfit for Your Photo Session

If you’re currently struggling to figure out what to wear to your upcoming photo session whether it’s an engagement shoot, a family session, a solo shoot, or something else that requires you to put a little extra thought into it, these 5 tips will help you hone in your options and focus on achieving a natural and effortless but coordinated look.

1. Don’t over coordinate.

Do you remember those family photos that you used to have taken where your mom would buy everyone the exact same colored t-shirt, likely from Old Navy, jeans, and either barefoot or coordinating shoes. It was too much! Nobody looked like an individual at all. It was just a sea of white tees and faces, and there was nothing interesting about the photo.

Wear different colors, patterns, layers. This not only allows everyone in the photo to express their individual styles, but it also provides more visual interest to your photos. Don’t get me wrong – you don’t want one person in jeans and a t-shirt and another in a tux, but you don’t all have to wear the exact same thing to have a cohesive look to your photos. Try picking a general color palette or style instead to keep everyone looking like they have their shit together.

2. Be yourself.

Have you never worn a pair of heels in your life? Your photo session is not the first time to do so. Make sure you are comfortable in what you’re wearing. You want to feel like a total badass but also act naturally! If you’re constantly picking a wedgie because your pants don’t fit correctly or wearing shoes that are giving you blisters because they aren’t broken in yet, it will show in photos. I always say “If you feel uncomfortable, you’re going to look uncomfortable.” Also, don’t pick your photo shoot day to try out a new hairstyle. Stick with your go-to look or at least give your new look a few practice runs to prevent frustration on the day.

3. Consider your environment.

I beg you not to match your environment exactly. For example, if you’re taking photos on a beach, don’t wear the same shade of tan as the sand because you’ll blend right in. You want something that will provide a little bit of contrast – whether it’s in colors (red/ green, purple/ yellow, blue/ orange) or value (light/ dark) It’s okay to also have a difference between the style of your clothing and the style of the location. You don’t have to wear anchors and boat shoes by the water, unless that’s your vibe. Don’t shy away from getting funky and being playful with your outfit!

Also, you will want to consider movement. If you’re somewhere windy like a mountain top, don’t wear a short dress that will fly up with every gust of wind and stick to all of those body parts that you want to keep hidden. Wind can be a beautiful thing, and I absolutely adore a veil blowing in the breeze or a long flowing skirt, but too much of a good thing isn’t the best in this case. On the other hand, you also don’t want to be too cold or too hot. Skip the leather jacket in the dead heat of August, and don’t come in your sandals in January.

4. Observe all your angles.

As your photographer, I will take photos of you from all angles – front, back, side, up, down. We will tell you if you have a big obvious hair sticking up or a jacket coming unbuttoned, but we can’t change your outfit choice. Plop yourself in front of a full length mirror or have someone snap a few full body photos on their phone before deciding on your outfit.

You know that favorite button down shirt you own where now the buttons pull a little bit too much to wear to work? Leave it at home! How about that jacket that really only looks good from the front? I’m all for body positivity and appreciating your body for the way it is and the things it does, but I never want anyone to get their photos back and wish they picked a different outfit because of the way their dress wrinkles from sitting in the car on the way to the session.

5. Accessorize.

Sunglasses, hats, scarves, bandanas, jewelry all add visual interest to your outfit and provide something to possibly play around with when posing. I also highly recommend layering (season and weather dependent) because it adds extra dimension to your outfits. Some good examples include: jackets, flannel shirts, and tights under dresses.

FAQs

Should we not wear patterns?

We love patterns around here! Graphic tees, flannels, bold florals and geometric designs. The only thing I would shy away from because it can create a weird visual distortion is teeny tiny stripes that are close together, but ditsy florals are okay!

Do we have to buy something new?

Not at all! I love a good thrifted find or even just shopping your own closet. If you’re having trouble putting together an outfit send me over some pictures, and I’ll happily help you!