Preparing for a session and you have no idea what to wear?
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, figuring out what to wear for photoshoots can be such a headache. If you're anything like me, you'll spend WAY too much time stressing over it and end up with half your closet on the floor. If you're preparing for a family session, it's even worse - you have to find a coordinating outfit that compliments each person (and they're willing to wear). Here are some helpful tips to point you in the right direction.
Before we continue, I need to say
Wear exactly what you want to wear, love.
There are no rules, and certainly no rights or wrongs. I want you to wear whatever makes you most happy and comfortable. You can read this entire article and decide to do the exact opposite, and your photos will still turn out amazing. I'm just giving you some helpful hints in case you're completely lost.
Colors
This may depend a little on the location of your session, the season, your personal preferences, etc., but a good rule of thumb is neutral, natural, and earthy tones. Soft blues, greens, and browns blend really well and suit nearly every background. This allows your smile to be the star of the show instead of your outfit. Of course, you can wear any color that makes you happy. If you love bright, bold, and beautiful colors, that is perfectly okay. There are millions of examples where loud colors like bold reds have had their moment.
Here are some color palettes you can follow
You're not limited to just these colors, feel free to go rogue. The examples are simply for those that would like a little help.
Patterns
You'll want to stick to patterns that are pretty simple. Plaids are usually adorable - especially in the fall and winter. We also love a good soft flower print in the spring and summer. Remember, you don't want to wear anything that is going to distract from your beautiful smile. Avoid thick-striped clothing or other patterns that are high in contrast (like black on white).
Couples + Families
You don't need to match
Yep, you heard me. You don't need to match, just "go together". Everyone has different colors, patterns, styles, shapes, etc., that flatter them. It's better to pick out a color palette to aim for. You definitely don't need to order a shirt online in everyone's size, though I've seen some really cute matching-outfit sessions (I have an example).
Individuals + Couples
wear something with movement
This is by no means a requirement, but there is a lot more you can do artistically during your session with clothes that "have movement." For instance, wearing your hair down or a dress that flows with the wind or when you spin - probably do this when it's warm outside, of course. Again, if you feel more comfortable wearing jeans and your hair up, that's exactly what I want you to wear.
Okay, I lied. There Are 3 rules.
Be Comfortable
This one is pretty easy to guess. If it's winter, you probably want to wear winter clothes. If we're running around the mountains in the pouring down rain, you probably don't want to wear sandals. If you're cold, wet, and miserable, you're going to look cold, wet, and miserable in your photos. There's a little flexibility when it comes to weather - like strong winds - obviously, you can't predict it, and beauty is pain, right? But as much as you can control it, be comfortable!
Be Happy
Your smile is your best accessory. Wear it! And wear whatever makes you smile!
Be Yourself
The most important!!! At the end of the day, I'm photographing you. I want to capture the most authentic version of you. I want you to feel confident, comfortable, and free. Years from now, when you look back on these photos, you're not going to care that you picked a blue shirt instead of a green shirt or wish you had curled your hair instead of straightening it. You're going to look back at that season of your life, frozen in time, and miss it since we know time moves way too fast.