Imagine that we are painting a picture....
The scene has been painted.
And we are about to paint you and your loved ones in it.
The colors and styles of the outfits you wear for your photoshoot will greatly influence the overall appearance of the finished photographs.
I created this guide with you in mind, to bring you digestible information that walks you through the process of choosing what to wear for your upcoming photoshoot.
At the end of the day, I want you to feel love and joy when you look back at these photos, and part of that is wearng what feels most like you.
In this guide, you will learn...
(click to jump to relevant sections)
What Not to Wear to a Photoshoot
Here are a few things you want to avoid wearing for your photoshoot
bright neon colors
These colors seem out of place in a natural setting, as they draw undue attention and can appear jarring in the final photo.
bold patterns
Large, vibrant patterns like plaids, stripes, and large florals create a cluttered look and draw the attention away from you and your loved ones.
Instead, choose subtle patterns like dainty florals or small polka dots. I suggest limiting patterns to just one piece of your outfit, or to one or two people out of the whole group.
texts and logos
Let the focus of the photos be on you, not a corporate logo or words that will simply draw attention away from your face.
non-breathable fabrics / very short bottoms
My sessions involve moving, playing, and sitting down occasionally, so I recommend avoiding very short dress/skirt. And for people that tend to sweat a lot, remember to wear breathable fabrics in darker colors to hide sweat stains.
outfits that blend in with the background
Pay attention to the location of your photoshoot to ensure your outfit doesn't blend into the background. For example, if we are shooting in an area with a lot of greenery, I would stay away from the color green unless it's a very different shade of green.
pure bright white
In harsh lighting, pure white often appears bluish in photos instead of retaining its true white hue, and its brightness can cast harsh highlights on the face. However, if your session takes place during golden hours, this would not be an issue!
Instead, consider off-white, ivory, cream, or textured white garments such as lace.
Create Your Look—Step One
Say good-bye to matching outfits! Instead, coordinate your outfits by choosing one of the color schemes shown here.
Remember to consider the prominent color of the photoshoot location first.
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For example, if we are shooting at a green location, you might want to consider wearing a color that’s close to the pink-purple color range if you want complementary colors.
Create Your Look—Step Two
The color scheme is a good starting point when coordinating your outfits. At the same time, you want to make sure to pick colors that go well with everyone’s skin tones. In other words, pick colors that you feel you look best in!
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If you need suggestions, I always recommend neutrals and earthy-toned colors because they visually blend into natural/earthy surroundings. These colors also convey a classic, calm, and timeless look in photographs.
Create Your Look—Step Three
Once you have your color palette ready, go ahead and “distribute” these colors across everyone's outfits!
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Here are a few ways to add visual interests to the whole look:
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â–ª incorporate slightly darker or lighter shades of the same color.
â–ª mix different textures, such as denim, lace, chiffon, tulle, or linen.
â–ª incorporate subtle and small patterns.
â–ª add accessories such as hair bow, bow tie, hat, or earrings.
a secret tip
If you aren’t sure what to wear, any combination of cream, gray, and tan will work just fine in almost every setting. It’s a timeless and effortless look.
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Long, flowy dresses and skirts are perfect because they add movement and elegance. Not a fan of dresses or skirts? Jumpsuits are great as well!
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Heels, especially closed-toe heels, can make your legs look more elongated. However, keep your session location in mind when picking your outfit and shoes. In natural settings, flat sandals or boots might be a better choice.​
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Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, flower crowns, hats, or belts can add visual interest or a pop of color to your overall look. Choose one accessory that complement your outfit without competing too much for attention.
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Don't forget to wear your ring and consider pampering yourself by getting your nails done!
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No matter how you choose to wear your hair, take some time to secure baby hair and flyaways with bobby pins, or use spray a hairbrush with hairspray and lightly push them in. Be sparing as you don’t want your hair to look greasy.
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Well-fitted shirts and pants create a classic and masculine look. Avoid anything too tight or too loose, as it can make you feel uncomfortable or look awkward.
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Good layers flatter men! Men’s clothing can be fairly neutral and always look great.
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Coordinate your shoes with your outfit too. Brown leather dress shoes complement almost any look. Leather or suede boots and solid-colored sneakers (without logos) are also excellent choices.
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If you want to showcase your personality and style, consider adding an accessories such as watch, tie, bow tie, or belt.
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It helps immensely if your kids' bellies are full and they've had some good rest the night before or prior to the session.
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Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like toys or lollipops) that might help grab their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera.
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Many families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat after the session if they're good listeners.
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If they are old enough to understand you, it's a good idea to prepare them for what's to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you and the whole family.
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Remember to bring a leash and collar set (it's a bonus if they are solid neutral colors). You can also bring any bows or bow tie for your dog, if they’re already used to it. I always recommend sticking to what they usually wear, even if it's not as pretty, the main thing is we want to keep your fur baby safe and comfortable.
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Make sure to pack their favorite treats (small treats that won't create a mess around their mouths), their favorite toys (preferably something with a squeak for extra fun) and poop bags. If it's going to be a warm day, don't forget to pack water for you and for them.
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If your fur babies are high-energy, consider taking them on a long walk in the morning before the session or arriving early at the photoshoot location to ensure they expend as much energy as possible. This will help them remain calm during the photoshoot. Remember, you know your fur babies best, so plan accordingly based on their energy level and personality.
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Have your fur babies groomed or give them a bath with conditioner a day or two before your session. It will really make their shine! Immediately before the session, double check and remove any eye booger from their faces.
If possible, having someone you trust hold your dog’s leash during the session can be a great help! Throughout the session, I'll capture photos of everyone and your fur babies together. However, there are moments when we'll want to give them a break. That's when having a friend or family member comes in handy! They can take hold of the leash and let your dog explore, giving me the opportunity to focus solely on you for a while.
I love capturing my clients while they're doing what they love or enjoying their favorite foods! Don't hesitate to include activities that you adore in the session! However, if you plan to bring any props, please make sure to check first if they're allowed at our chosen photoshoot location.
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Grab some ice cream/coffee at your favorite place
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Make breakfast together
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Play your favorite board game together
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Enjoy a picnic with flowers and a charcuterie board
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Play guitar and sing your favorite song together
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Explore a museum or a city
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Plan Ahead
Have your outfits ready at least one week before the photoshoot to avoid any last-minute stress. And make sure everyone take the time to try on their outfits beforehand.
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Small Details
Smooth out any distracting wrinkles by ironing or steaming your clothes. If necessary, use a lint roller to remove any lint, pet hair, dust, and other small debris from your outfits.
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Moisturize
Moisturize everyone’s lips well before the shoot so they don't look chapped in the photos. The best way is to wet the lips then apply a thin layer of Vaseline to seal the moisture.
Need Help?
I am always available for you by email or text if you need help coordinating your outfits, so don't hesitate to reach out!
