what to wear for a photo session?
The number one thing people ask me when they book a session with me is “What do we wear?”
I used to brush off the question with
“Wear whatever you feel comfortable in!” or “It doesn’t matter!”
However, in my 20 years of making photos I’ve realized that talking about what to wear before a session can majorly reduce stress for my clients and just a little bit of input can help make my photos interesting, layered, and authentic.
Here are my top suggestions for feeling comfortable, confident, and yourself for a photoshoot.
* Don’t be afraid of texture, prints, and layers.
Linen and cotton are my favorite to photograph in the warmer months and in the cooler months I am drawn to knits and flannel. Don’t be afraid to wear prints that make you happy or to mix prints. I love a small floral print with a plaid flannel. Layering can add some dimension and interest to your photos. Think a cozy sweater over a dress to make it feel less formal. If possible it’s not to have someone wearing something that doesn’t visually cut the body in half (ie don’t have everyone in jeans and a t shirt).
*Shop your closet first.
There’s nothing wrong with buying some new things for your session but start in your closet first. Find the pieces you gravitate to and have history with. Wear your grandmother’s earrings, or that dress your husband lights up when you wear it.
I love sessions where kids wear their favorite t-shirt, or a tattered tutu. I can always tell in photos when someone just went to tj max and got everyone something brand new. Shopping your closet first gives you a jump start on capturing authentic images in your session.
*Don’t try to be something you’re not.
I personally love dresses, and I love photographing dresses because of the movement. But if wearing a dress makes you feel awkward and fake because you’re a jeans and tshirt girl, don’t do it. If your dad is going to complain the whole time because he’s wearing an itchy sweater, don’t make him. Who cares how so and so’s photos look, these are your photos, with you in them. So embrace who you are.
*Wear something that you feel good in at all angles.
This is not the time to try to squeeze into something that doesn’t fit. Being photographed in a photo documentary style or with small children means you aren’t going to be posing and giving just the right angles. So if you only look good sucking in and giving just the right 45 degree angle to the camera, choose something else. If you don’t love your arms, don’t wear something sleeveless, if you’re sensitive about your belly, don’t wear something you have to suck in to feel confident in.
*Colors don't matter as much as you think they do.
I always choose texture above color and so a session of mostly neutrals can still feel interesting to me. Take note of what your background is going to be. Wearing bright green in the summer isn’t going to pop the same way as wearing white in the snow or orange or red in the fall kind of blends in. Choosing a few colors that blend well together is great instead of feeling tied to one or two colors. Don’t overthink it.
Lastly, if these suggestions make you feel confident and relaxed…that is awesome! But if following rules stresses you wear whatever you feel like!
Want to make some authentic, priceless photos with me? Send me a message HERE