What to Wear for a Photoshoot

What to wear and what not to wear

One of my most frequently asked questions is what should I wear on my photoshoot! Weather its a portrait shoot, a cute family session, or a romantic couples shoot, you always want to make sure that you look your best and your outfit matches the theme of the location. I know it can be stressful to pick out what to wear for photos. Here are a few guidelines I've put together so you can be sure that you'll look great and feel comfortable, while still making sure the images are focused on you, not what you're wearing. Disclaimer! I am not a stylist! But I do know a few tips to make sure you're photo dreams come true and it all starts with the outfit!

Couples Outfits


I know it can be stressful to pick what to wear for photos. Here are a few guidelines I’ve put together so you can be sure that you’ll look great and feel comfortable, while still making sure the images are focused on you, not what you’re wearing. Disclaimer! I not a stylist! But I have learned some tips and tricks when it comes to outfits. This is just what I’ve found to work best from trial and error from past shoots, they’re only guidelines, not rules! Don’t feel like if you don’t follow these guidelines that your photos are not going to be beautiful. The most important thing to me is that you feel and look like yourselves, how you normally dress, so you can be as comfortable as possible!

Compliment, Not Match

While picking out an outfit you always want to contrast against each other instead of match.

Colors

In terms of the clothes, I recommend you wear complimentary colours. Being too 'matching' or identical can look a bit cheesy. I typically recommend choosing neutral and earthy tones. Neutral doesn't have to mean grey and brown - there are neutrals in every colour! eg mustard yellow, forest green, navy blue, burnt orange etc. I would stay away from bright, fluorescent and distracting colours. If you are still feeling lost, look through some of my blog posts for past shoots.

Patterns

Avoid big, loud, chunky, crazy patterns. The smaller or more subtle, the better! If the pattern is too loud, it will distract from your faces. Checks and flowers are always a yes in my book! I usually try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because, you guessed it, it makes the photos feel a little hectic and distracting from your faces and the location. Also, be sure to iron your clothes before so there’s not huge wrinkles distracting from your faces either.




Portraits & Graduations


Whether you are graduating or need to take some cute portraits or need some business headshots...you need to dress to impress. Here are some tips that I like to keep in mind while dressing for a portrait or graduation shoot.

  • WEAR WHAT YOU FEEL LIKE A BOSS IN! I have learned if you wear something that you feel amazing in it helps give so much confidence! If you feel good, you look good.
  • Stay in the neutral color range! Try and stay away from bright obnoxious colors, that way people are less focused on the neon pink shirt you are wearing and more focused on you!
  • STAY AWAY FROM PATTENS! I typically tell my clients to stay away from striped and polka dots. The main 2 that are okay are flannels and some floral. The reason for that is patterns are not only distracting but they look different on camera.

Family Photos


Don't you just love taking family photos to document your family's growth?! Having coordinating outfits is essential to have the perfect family photos.

  • PICK A COLOR SCEME ! I would say to pick about 3-4 different colors so you all can compliment each other. Say you have a family of 4 make 2 people wear black jeans and 2 other people wear light blue. If you wear dark pants you would want to wear a light colored shirt, if you are wearing light pants you should wear a dark shirt. I do recommend if you want your kiddos to match buy the exact same clothes. If possible try to keep the matching outfits for kids under the age of 10!
  • KIDS MOVE AROUND ! If you have younger kids (7 & under) put them in an outfit they are comfortable in and something they won't be constantly adjusting.
  • DARKS COMPLIMENT ! For all the hot mommas out there dark colors make you look taller and thinner. A cute black romper or black jeans and a cute blouse is always a hit.
  • STAY AWAY FROM PATTERNS ! Especially when there are more than 2 people try your best to stay away from patterns. If 3 people are wearing crazy patterns other people arnt going to be looking at your family they will be looking at yall's outfits. If you do want to wear something with a pattern try and keep it very minimal.