What do I wear to my photo session?
So you’ve booked a photo session with your favorite photographer. Maybe you’ve had a consultation, you are prepared in terms of when to show up, when payment is due, where your shoot will take place, and what style your photographer typically presents. But have you considered what to wear to your session? Is your problem that you’re stressing out about all of your options, completely lost in the possibilities? Clothing might be a top concern for some, but many still neglect to consider what they will wear during the moments they plan to capture, display for a lifetime, or pass on to loved ones long after. Determining what to wear to a photoshoot doesn’t need to cause you stress, but you should include it as part of your preparation for the session.
What NOT to wear to a photoshoot
These images will absolutely outgrow your current love of “pink” sweaters. They will even outgrow your favorite myrtle beach sweater. I highly recommend, you leave the baseball caps and hoodies with logo, brands, cartoons, or public figures. This goes for everyone in the pictures so, if its a family session this goes for the children as well. This is not a free advertisement for Disney so leave the Moana shirts at home.
Other than obvious brands and designs another big no no, crazy patterns. I can promise you that your favorite going out shirt will not look as good in pictures as it does in the mirror at home. Certain photographers might recommend plaid, stripes, or bright colors for the occasional shoot. Even still, your photographer will take into consideration how all of the pieces of clothing will compliment each other. Photographers plan the theme and style of the shoot to ultimately reflect their brand (yes, photographers have a brand). Leave behind your small stripes, high contrast patterns, and safety orange hoodie. These types of patterns can create a dizzying and unflattering pattern in photos.
All that being said, don’t keep it too casual either. You don’t have to show up in your best tuxedo or Sunday best. Although if your going to pay for professional photos its best to try and look presentable. Stay away from tank tops, white tees with subtle pit stains, strapless tops, sweatpants, hats, and jerseys. There will always be exceptions to the rule but unless you have discussed or planned with your photographer rule out all of these types of clothing.
What TO wear to a photoshoot
So, you cant wear your favorite sports shirts or most comfortable hoodie and sweat pants. So now what is left to wear? Good news, you’ve got a ton of options left.
What you wear will depend on the time of year, the setting, the occasion, and ultimately your unique personality. It’s always a safe bet to be in touch with your photographer about your photo shoot outfits, but if no direction is specifically given, here are some general ideas about what to wear to a photoshoot:
Wear sleeves or quarter-sleeves if weather permits. In my experience, the women I photograph are most insecure about the way their arms appear. Covering your arms may take the focus away from them and flatter their shape at the same time.
Dress in long skirts, pants, or dresses. There is just something about a long flowy dress that photographs so beautifully, and you will have so much fun wearing one!
Wear your hair how you like it, but typically stay away from ponytails. Typically, the looser and more flexible the style, the better!
Keep accessories and jewelry simple, or skip it altogether.
Stick to solid, muted colors–earthy tones, muted gem tones, monochrome, beige, and taupe are great examples.
Low contrast outfits (if your shirt is pure white, go for lighter color bottom pieces.)
Flatter your figure–don’t wear clothes that are entirely too tight or loose, or clothes that accentuate your insecurities. Wear something you feel beautiful in.
Coordinate your clothing–in group photos, try to keep everyone on the same page and color palette of 2-4 colors. The best tip I recommend for a place to start your family outfit planning is to pick one item of clothing with a few colors (like mom or daughter’s dress) and pull colors from that for everyone else to wear. Dress like you go together.