First thing I want to say when choosing an outfit (or a few) for a photoshoot is, this doesn’t need to be a stressful thing. And if I am your photographer for this session, you have someone that is HAPPY to help direct you in the right direction. Now without further ado.. Here are my 5 tips! 

1. Comfort is keyyyyy.

Listen, it doesn’t matter how snatched you look in something if you aren’t comfortable and you’re fixing it constantly. If  you’re needing to readjust a few times within a few minutes it’s a no go. I’m not saying you need to show up in sweats, but be sure that whatever you’re in you can move around well enough to feel comfortable. 

Beyond just practical comfort, you need to feel emotionally comfortable in what you’re wearing too. You want to feel confident when you show up for your shoot. I’m all for being comfortable in your skin, but I also understand that insecurities are a real thing that we all go through and there are clothing options that can exacerbate them.

For example, I am currently one year postpartum and on a healthy journey. I’m not ashamed of my body, it’s done a lot for me. BUT I didn’t want to just pick myself apart when I received my gallery, so when we got our family photos done this year I wore a trendy sweater set that made me feel friggin cute and was flattering on my changing body. 

NO, you don’t need to wear a sweater set if you’re a mom. It was just what I felt good in. 

2. Neutrals or muted colors are the way to go. 

You don’t need to go for the sad beige aesthetic if it’s not yourvibe (although it can look dang good). But overall, don’t go for bright colors unless that’s the mood of the shoot you’re looking for. Choose colors that look good on your skin tone. 

I am pretty pale. When I was teaching preschool I had a student tell me I’, “white as paper”. Some tans wash me out, but because I wanted neutrals and I needed a bit of contrast, I went with a cocoa brown outfit while my husband and baby were dressed in charcoal and darker tans.

*note* we did not match perfectly, but because we were all in neutrals nothing clashed.  

If you’re wanting to wear a pop of pink or blue, I recommend sticking with muted tones. SO go for a dusty blue or a navy instead of electric blue. Or go with a dusty rose, or mauve instead of bubblegum pink.

You get it. Let’s move on!

3. Avoid loud patterns.

A loud pattern is any pattern that steals the show. This isn’t a catalog shoot, the main start of the show should be you and your love(s), not your shirt. 

You can get away with some patterns, more quiet ones, some neutral flannels, maybe even some soft florals. Just don’t go with any patterns that are too bold. 

And pleeeaasseee don’t have several patterns going on. 

Yes, in a family session it could be ok to have two people in flannels (although I don’t necessarily recommend it), but dont have Dad in a red and black buffalo check flannel, mom in a highly patterned sweater and baby in a bright red suit. Only excuse for that is for Christmas. 

4. Pass on the logos and graphics.

Once again, it steals the show and it creates a distraction from the main subject –YOU. The only time I’d ignore this rule is if the graphics or writing on the shirt had a purpose in the shoot.

For example: a jean jacket that says “Future Mrs. Wilson”or something along those lines in an engagement shoot. 

5. Make it make sense.

Make sure your outfit makes sense with where you are shooting and what the weather is like that day. 

If your family session is at the beach, maybe plan to pass on shoes and stick to light neutral colors to go along with the tones of the beach and make sure you’re not wearing anything that can be seen through if you get a little wet (unless that’s what you’re wanting).

If it’s hot and really windy, go for a maxi dress over a mini dress so your booty isn’t in half the shots. If you’re sessions setting is up in the mountains, skip the stiletto’s. If it’s snowing out, please wear something warm so your lips don’t turn blue. 

Bonus tip: ALWAYS bring a backup outfit. Weather can change, clothes can get dirty, you might just not feel good in the outfit you originally chose, etc.

So overall; always choose something comfortable (and preferably something with movement), make sure it makes sense with your surroundings and weather, avoid loud graphics, patterns and logos and whatever you wear make sure you feel like YOU. 

And if you’re my client, please know I am one email away from answering any questions you may have, even if they seem silly.