HELP! What Should We Wear to Our Photo Shoot!?!?

This question, I get this question multiple times a week. From more than just my clients. I have friends from out of state message me and ask what to wear for photos & girlfriends texting me photos of their outfits asking if things match!

I’m going to break it down for you. Every photographer is different & what someone else tells you might be different than what I say here – but over the past 7 years, I have found some tricks that make everyone look good in front of the camera.

There are going to be lots of words here – but I will post some photos at the end so that you can get inspiration! I’m going to give you ALL of my tips & tricks on what to wear. This should relieve stress, not add to it! 

1.) You Do Not All Have to Wear the Same Outfit

For family shoots – years ago, it was common for everyone to show up in the same outfit. Don’t feel like you have to do that anymore! Feel free to mix colors, textures, patterns! I wouldn’t put more than one or two people in a pattern, as it can be busy – but if Dad wants to wear a plaid flannel shirt, that’s totally okay! My best suggestion is to choose complimentary colors or 2-3 colors to have in your whole outfit scheme. That way there isn’t TOO much going on, but still gives some variety.

2.) Dress Up rather than Dress Down

I know that people want to feel like themselves in photos. But, I would venture to say that everyone wants to feel like the BEST version of themselves. Choosing something that is a little more formal than casual can elevate the quality of your photos. Don’t believe me? Search Pinterest. In a ballgown in the mountains? Awesome.

2b.) LAYER & ACCESORIZE

I feel like this is one of the best ways to elevate your outfit from casual to a little more dressy. For men, adding a jacket, a watch, a tie, a sweater. For women, jewelry, a sweater or jacket, a scarf, a hat. These are all things that you can add to a simple outfit to add layers and make your outfit look amazing! Plus – layers can be taken on and off during different parts of your session to add variety without changing an entire outfit. During colder months, adding hats and scarves that are bright colors can take contrast the simple colors of winter for some vibrant images!

3.) Avoid Text & Graphics on Clothing

This is one thing that I think can make or break a photo shoot. Depending on how you are moving and posing, it is possible that only some of the text or graphic will be visible in the shot. Especially with words, it can be very distracting to the photo. Patterns & prints (plaid, floral print, stripes, etc.) are all good! I am talking about a Seahawks logo, or a child’s shirt with a graphic of an animal or something on them.

4.) Wear Things You Feel Comfortable In

If you are pulling and tugging on your outfit in front of the mirror. TAKE IT OFF. The last thing you want to be doing during your photoshoot is constantly adjusting. You want to feel like yourself in your photos, but the BEST version of yourself. Don’t feel like you have to go out and buy a brand new wardrobe for your photo shoot. If you want to, GO AHEAD!

5.) Take Photos on your Cell Phone of the Outfit Before Your Shoot

Have someone take a picture of the front, back, and side of your outfit if you are worried about how it looks. FIRST – be kind to yourself. Cell phone photos are hardly ever flattering – but it can help you see things that you might normally miss. It can help you to see if you need to add an undershirt, or choose a different bra, or if you like it better with a sweater than a jacket.

6.) You do NOT have to wear heavy makeup.

I hear this all the time. “Oh! I need my makeup to be more dramatic, since we are being photographed.” Ummmmm. That might be true if we were in a studio with giant flood lights shining at your face, or if you were performing on stage. But with me – we are shooting outside with natural light. Don’t feel as though you need to have an extra smoky eye. In fact, sometimes too dark of makeup can make your eyes appear smaller than they are, and can have the opposite effect you are going for.

7.) Too Loose AND/OR Too Tight

I would recommend wearing things that fit, but there are two extremes that you will want to avoid. Wearing things that are extremely loose and flowing while flattering in person, in photos it can make you appear larger than you really are. On the flipside, things that are too tight and have pulling & tugging can also make you appear larger.

8.) Darker Colors Hide & Slim

We’ve all heard that darker colors are slimming, and it is true on camera as well. However, I would not come with everyone in all dark colors. If you are self conscious about an area on your body, choosing a darker solid color can help with slimming and hiding things you are worried about.

9.) Be KIND to yourself.

Getting photographed can bring up insecurities in even the most beautiful people. Don’t believe me? I will tell you that you are not the only one who feels nervous about looking good in front of the camera. So, here’s the deal. It is my job to make you look good. The pressure is on ME, not you! Be kind to yourself. Trust me to make you look good & you will LOVE your images!

Hope this post is helpful & you can walk into your closet without stress when choosing your outfits!