What to Wear for Your Photography Session
Worried about what to wear for a photography session?
WHAT SHALL WE WEAR TO OUR SESSION?
One of the most common questions I get asked is “what should we wear?” — and it’s a great question because the right outfits can make a huge difference to how your finished images look and feel.
Many clients worry about this. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to go out and buy anything new. Here are my top tips to help you feel confident, comfortable and look amazing in your portraits.
I have also created a blog post with some more information if you need it!
SECTION 1 — COLOURS
Keep it simple and coordinated
The most timeless portraits use a simple, coordinated colour palette. Choose two or three colours that complement each other rather than everyone wearing exactly the same outfit — this looks natural and stylish without being too “matchy matchy.”
Soft, neutral tones work beautifully — creams, whites, greys, dusty pinks, sage greens, navy and tan are all gorgeous on camera and will never date. These colours also work wonderfully with my studio backdrops and props.
Colours to avoid:
Bright neons — these can reflect colour onto skin tones
Heavily clashing colours — these draw the eye away from faces
Very dark colours paired with very light colours in the same image — the contrast can be tricky to balance
SECTION 2 — PATTERNS AND LOGOS
Keep patterns subtle
Bold stripes, large checks and busy patterns can be distracting in portraits and date very quickly. Small, subtle patterns are fine — but if in doubt, go plain.
Avoid clothing with large logos, slogans or brand names. These draw the eye and can make images feel less timeless.
SECTION 3 — WHAT MUMS SHOULD WEAR
For maternity sessions: Flowing maxi dresses, wrap dresses and form-fitting gowns work beautifully for bump portraits. I have a range of maternity gowns available in the studio in a variety of colours and styles — so don’t worry if you haven’t got anything specific, I’ve got you covered.
For newborn and baby sessions: Comfort is key — you’ll be sitting, cuddling and possibly feeding during the session. Soft, simple tops in neutral tones work perfectly. Avoid high necklines if you’re breastfeeding. I’d recommend something you feel confident and comfortable in rather than anything too formal.
For family sessions: Choose something you love and feel great in — your confidence will shine through in the images. Coordinate with the rest of the family rather than matching exactly.
SECTION 4 — WHAT DADS SHOULD WEAR
A simple, well-fitted shirt or plain t-shirt in a neutral colour works perfectly. Avoid overly casual clothing like football shirts or heavily branded sportswear. Smart casual is the perfect balance — think clean jeans or chinos with a plain or subtly patterned shirt.
SECTION 5 — CHILDREN AND BABIES
For little ones, soft, simple outfits in coordinating colours with the rest of the family work best. Avoid fussy collars, scratchy fabrics or anything too stiff — comfort is everything, especially for babies. I have a wonderful selection of outfits, wraps, headbands and props available in the studio for babies and newborns, so there’s no need to worry about having the perfect outfit for your little one.
SECTION 6 — PRACTICAL TIPS
Bring a spare outfit — especially for little ones! Babies and toddlers can be unpredictable, and having a backup means we’re never stuck
Iron or steam your clothes the night before — creases are much more noticeable in photos than in real life
Avoid new shoes for children — they can be uncomfortable and cause tears before we’ve even started!
Keep jewellery simple — delicate, understated jewellery photographs beautifully. Large, statement pieces can distract from faces
Hair and makeup — keep it natural and true to how you normally look. Heavy makeup can look very different on camera
Get dressed at the studio — if you’re travelling with young children, it’s often easier to bring their outfits and get them changed when you arrive so they stay clean and crease-free!
SECTION 7 — STILL NOT SURE?
Don’t worry — I’m always happy to help! If you’re unsure about your outfits before your session, just send me a message with a photo and I’ll give you my honest advice. I want you to feel amazing in your portraits, and choosing the right outfits is a big part of that.
I also have a selection of maternity gowns, newborn wraps, outfits and props available in the studio, so even if you arrive and change your mind, we have plenty of options.
Ready to book your session?
Here are some tips that may assist you when choosing your outfits.
Alternatively I have also created a pinterest board some examples
COLOURS
Whether you prefer pastels, monochrome, bolds or neutrals – sticking to a small selection of colour will mean that you will all look co-ordinated without looking the same. Everyone will work together without colours fighting against each other.
Too many busy colours will draw the eye away from the main focus of the image, you or your family.
There is a colour wheel at the end of this page to help you choose complimentary colours.
THINK ABOUT YOUR HOME DECORATING
Where will these images hang?
What colour theme do you have at home?
What will look good on those walls?
Think about your curtains and carpets too!
Since you will be framing these photographs in your home, you’ll want them to blend in and match your décor.
If you are planning to put your images up in a certain room ensuring similar tones are within your image will help them blend in perfectly.
SMART, BUT NOT TOO SMART – KEEP IT COMFORTABLE
You will want your photographs to represent you and your family.
Make sure you’re comfortable and feel like yourself in these clothes.
If you want to go more glam/dressed up, then go for it! These are your images after all.
If you wish to borrow something of mine, please let me know before arrival too so I can make sure that it is ready for you.
TYPE OF CLOTHING
We all have our body hang ups, some more than others, but I find that covering the tops of your arms always a good idea, keep trousers darker than tops.
Don’t pick very loose fitting clothes, as these will hide any curves you have.
Also avoid anything that will show multiple straps as this can look untidy.
If you have having an indoor session whether studio or lifestyle, I personally love bare feet, but if you must wear socks plain and dark/black socks are better.
LOGOS AND USE PATTERNS SPARINGLY
Patterns look great every day out and about, but can add a lot of distraction to a still photograph. If you wish to use patterns, keep it minimal and perhaps only one person should wear a pattern with the rest in co-ordinating block colours to compliment.
A chequered shirt or a pattern dress can look lovely… but not if you are all wearing either the same pattern or fighting patterns.
The same goes for logos or character clothing, both really stand out in a photograph.
THE SEASONS
The time of the year will have a bearing on what you wear, Autumn and Winter you want to use layers, especially if we are outdoors, you want to be able to add or remove layers easily, also this will give you options of more than one look. Also the colours for Autumn and Winter are typically darker than those in Spring or Summer.
COLOUR WHEEL
