One of our most frequently asked questions is, “What should we wear for our photo session?” While there are no hard and fast rules on colors or styles, there are some tips and tricks that will make you look your best in your photos. Here are a few that you might keep in mind as you prepare for your session.

How many outfits should we bring?

It depends on the session. For a mini session, one is enough and any additional would drastically reduce your shooting time. For a full session, 2-3 outfits is a good rule of thumb. Often couples do 2 outfits with one being dressy and one casual. Keep in mind that changing outfits usually takes a little longer than you would think. The more you change, the less time for shooting which may lessen the number of final images you receive. If you want to change up the look of your outfits, we suggest adding accessories or pieces of clothing. For example, a guy can bring a sports jacket or a girl can bring a hat or scarf.

Dress on the same scale

When choosing outfits, try to make sure everyone dresses on the same level. If one person is casual, everyone should be casual. If you want a dressy style, everyone should be dressy. Start with one amazing piece and build from there.

Choose outfits you feel amazing in!

Sometimes people get hung up on a certain color, especially when doing family photos, and just choose an outfit based on the color combo they have in mind. While this is understandable, if you don’t feel great in a style of clothing that flatters your body, you will not like your photos! So, start with a piece you know you love and THEN focus on the color. Almost any color can work for any season, so just make sure you feel your most beautiful in whatever style you go with!

Speaking of colors…

This is the question we get asked the most. There aren’t any colors that we absolutely advise not to wear. But, certain colors can lend a certain “feel” to your photos. Light colors like neutrals and pastels look romantic and dreamy in photos. Bold colors like red and black look very classic. Bright colors give the photos a cheery and happy feeling. Consider your relationship and personalities when deciding on colors.

Patterns

Patterns can be fun! Not every photo has to be done in solid colors. However, do avoid very small patterns (such as tiny checks/plaids) that might look distorted in images. Also, extremely bold patterns could potentially distract from YOU in the photos so avoid those.

Consider doing a hair and makeup trial

If you are a bride-to-be, consider scheduling your hair and makeup trial on the day of your engagement session. Even if you’re not doing an engagement session, it’s a great opportunity to pamper yourself and feel amazing for your photos. We have a list of fabulous hair and makeup artists so just ask if you would like a suggestion!

Wearing heels will elongate your legs!

Pretty much everyone likes to look tall and slender and heels do a great job of helping with that! Feel free to bring flats along too for walking from one location to the next.

Guys look most masculine…

In well fitted pants and close-toed shoes. If shorts and flip flops are his thing, that’s fine! You might consider doing an outfit change, starting with his most comfortable outfit and then changing to a dressier outfit later in the session.

Here’s a big one…

If you have a phone or keys in your pocket, it WILL show up in the photos. Nobody needs lumpy pockets! We have empty pockets on our camera bag and are happy to carry your items along.

Flaunt it, girl!

Your feminine side, that is! Long, flowy dresses look very airy and romantic in photos. Fit and flare style dresses are very flattering on almost any body type. We are lifestyle photographers that shoot what we see. We don’t do heavy editing on body parts so if you have an area that you don’t love, wear something that accentuates areas that you DO love. Also, let us know what you may be self conscious about so we can put you in the most flattering poses possible!

We hope this tips are helpful as you prepare for your session! Feel free to share this with your friends or family members that are having photos done! And if you’re ready to book your session with us, click the button below to get in touch! We look forward to working with you!