What should I wear?

Your outfit plays a big role in setting the tone and feel of your photos. It’s more than just what you wear—it helps tell your story and enhances the overall aesthetic of the shoot. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of outfit selection, share tips for choosing colors and styles that complement your features, and help you feel confident and camera-ready. Remember, the goal is to feel comfortable and like yourself while creating photos that you’ll treasure forever. Let’s start planning your look!

Color Inspiration

10 General StylingRules!

One

Super pale or darker complexions should steer clear of pure white, as it can wash out and overexpose. Opt for off-white, cream, or subtle pastels.
Bright neon shades can create unnatural reflections and pull focus away from you. Stick with natural tones, soft hues, or earthy colors.
- Click "Color Inspiration" above to get some color palette ideas flowing!

Two

Women and children should avoid super short or tight dresses, as they limit posing options and can cause awkward wardrobe malfunctions, especially in active or outdoor settings. Keep skirts and dresses fingertip length or lower.
Heels that sink into grass or sandals that slip can cause distractions. Wear shoes that are functional and suit the location.

Three

Aim for a natural makeup look that enhances your features without being too bold or heavy. Avoid glitter or overly dramatic styles unless it’s a themed shoot.
Use natural colored makeup with earthy tones!

Four

Avoid experimenting with new hair dyes, treatments, or skincare products within 7 days of your session to prevent adverse reactions or unexpected results.
Self-tanner can create uneven or unnatural tones that are difficult to correct in photos.

Five

Choose styles that genuinely reflect who you are. Avoid trends or outfits that feel unnatural or unlike your usual self. Authenticity shines through in photos.

Six

Choose simple accessories that complement your outfit without overpowering it. Statement pieces are great but should not compete with your face.
If wearing hats, headbands, or clips, ensure they’re secure and suit the vibe of the shoot.

Seven

Bring layers for outdoor shoots to stay comfortable with changing weather.
Your outfit should fit the environment—flowy dresses for nature, structured styles for urban backdrops.

Eight

Ensure you can comfortably sit, stand, or move naturally in your outfit. This prevents stiffness during poses and allows for a greater range of shots.
Wrinkles can be distracting in photos, so make sure everything is neatly pressed, ironed, and steamed.

Nine

Avoid scratchy fabrics or anything that restricts movement or may make you uncomfortable.
Having an extra outfit or two can save the day especially for kids on family shoots.

Ten

Ensure nails, hair, and shoes are clean and well-groomed. Details matter in close-up shots.
Make sure bras, undershirts, underwear, or slips don’t show through clothing, especially in lighter fabrics. Ensure that pants zip and stay zipped (guys & girls)!

Photo Session Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to capturing stunning, well-lit photos. The most flattering natural light—often called the "golden hour"—occurs 1-2 hours after sunrise and 1-2 hours before sunset. These times provide soft, even lighting that enhances your features and creates a beautiful, glowing backdrop.

Here’s a general guide to when photoshoots typically start, depending on the season:

Fall/Winter

Morning Sessions: Start around 7:30 to 8:30 AM

Evening Sessions: Start around 3:00 to 3:30 PM

Spring/Summer

Morning Sessions: Start around 6:45 to 7:00 AM

Evening Sessions: Start around 4:30 to 5:30 PM

For most sessions, I recommend booking within these time frames to ensure optimal lighting. While I’ll do my best to work with your schedule, sessions booked outside these ideal windows—especially in midday—may result in harsh, washed-out images due to intense light and shadows.

Please keep daylight times in mind when planning your shoot, as they vary by season and cannot be adjusted. Together, we’ll find the perfect time to capture your memories in the best light!

Families

Do

Choose a color palette for the whole family to ensure a cohesive look without matching exactly. Incorporate small patterns sparingly to avoid overwhelming the group photo.

Don't

Don’t forget to test sitting comfort—photos often include seated poses.

Do

Dress for the season—sweaters and boots for fall, light dresses, blouses and linen shirts for summer.

Don't

Avoid large, clunky accessories that could distract or get in the way of kids.

Do

Pick clothes that are practical for children—no itchy fabrics or complicated layers.

Don't

Say no to flashy or shiny materials that could reflect light awkwardly.

Do

Make sure dresses and children's clothes are not too small, short, or tight! Extra fabric cannot be realistically edited in.

Don't

Don’t let one person wear an outfit that stands out too much—aim for balance in tones and styles.

Seniors

Do

Highlight your personality—choose an outfit that reflects your hobbies, interests, or style.

Don't

Avoid trendy styles that may feel outdated in a few years. Timeless is best! If you do want to wear a trendy style, bring at least one more outfit that is more timeless.

Do

Bring a mix of casual and semi-formal options to add variety.

Don't

Skip clothing that doesn’t fit well—it’s important to feel confident in your look.

Do

Stick to solid or subtle patterns that won’t compete with your smile.

Don't

Don’t forget about shoes—they can make or break the outfit’s cohesion.

Do

Incorporate layers like a jacket or vest for added dimension and warmth.

Don't

Avoid neon colors, which can overpower the shot and cast unflattering reflections.

Couples

Do

Coordinate outfits with complementary colors that reflect your relationship's vibe.

Don't

Avoid perfectly matching outfits (e.g., identical plaid shirts). Coordination is better than twinning.

Do

Mix textures like knit sweaters and denim to add visual interest.

Don't

Steer clear of clothes with large logos or text, which can date your photos.

Do

Dress for the location—flowing for nature, formal for a city backdrop. Nature locations may be muddy, so wear weather-appropriate attire!

Don't

Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes if the session involves walking or exploring.

Do

Keep accessories minimal but meaningful, like bracelets or matching watches.

Don't

Skip overly busy patterns that may clash with your partner’s outfit or the background.

Ready to shine?

Choosing the right outfit is just the beginning of creating stunning, timeless photos. With these tips, you’re set to look and feel your best in front of the camera. Remember, your confidence and natural personality will always be the highlight of every shot!

If you’re still unsure or need a second opinion, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll make sure your session is picture-perfect.

What should I wear?

10 General StylingRules!

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Photo Session Timing

Fall/Winter

Spring/Summer

Families

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Seniors

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Couples

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Do

Don't

Ready to shine?

Contact