Style Guide : What to Wear to Your Photoshoot

So you’ve booked a photo session with me — yay! Before you stress out what to wear — I’m here to help. Sharing a high level style guide on what to wear to your shoot.

Things to Consider

LOCATION

When it comes to styling for a photo session, you want to keep in mind the location of your shoot and the vibe you want to portray via the clothes you wear. Golden grass can offer a warm, relaxed vibe. A sandy waterfront can offer a cool, breezy vibe. An urban neighborhood can offer a structured, edgy vibe. Having a studio sesh? Well then anything goes!

WEATHER

If it’s warmer weather, then tanks/short sleeves and open toed shoes are fair game. If it’s cooler weather, you’ll obviously want to lean towards longer sleeves and covered toes.

SEASON

If you’re shooting photos in the summer to use during the fall, pulse in fall wear. If you’re shooting photos in the fall to use during the winter, pulse in winter wear.

If you're wanting these photos to last through every season, I'd suggest avoiding tanks and covering arms. Skin can offer a distraction so longer sleeves are most appropriate for portraits, specifically headshots.

Tips on What to Wear

CHOOSE A NEUTRAL COLOR PALETTE

I’m a lover of wearing neutrals because they are classic and timeless, which is what you want out of your photos. Longevity to live on your website and online profiles. So keep it simple and effortless.

Dark clothing can be slimming. It helps blend the body with the background so the face pops.

Light clothing can be airy and fresh. It can bring a beautifully simple touch but it can also wash out so be mindful of skintones.

Bright colored clothing distracts from the face, emotions and interactions within the photo. If you must wear color, try to keep it muted -- light pastels or subdued jewel tones.

GO LIGHT ON TRENDY PIECES

I’m all about incorporating pieces that speak to you and your style. But if you’re booking a shoot for longevity — where these photos will represent your profession, try to go light on any trend items. Just so we guarantee you’ll love what you’re wearing for a long period of time.

AVOID PRINTS & PATTERNS

I can’t stress this enough. Print can distract and distort in digital portraits, so please, please try to avoid. This includes plaid, polka dot, paisley, herringbone, animal, etc. You can sometimes get away with a small, floral print if it’s on a dress, but I would love for you to check with me first when it comes to any print.

GO FOR COMFORT

You want to be as comfortable as you can in the clothing you wear. If your dress is too tight and you don’t feel you best, it will show in your expression. If your shoes are painful, same thing. On the flip side, be sure your clothes aren’t too baggy or loose. You want to look polished.

COVER YOUR LIMBS

As mentioned before, the more skin that shows in the photo, the more distraction there is away from the face, so covering limbs is suggested.

ACCESSORIZE MINIMALLY

Minimal, ladies. Your favorite necklace (1-2) and bracelet above your watch. Simple stud or small hoop earrings. Remove glasses if you can.

SHOES YOU CAN WALK IN

If you want to rock the sky high heels, just make sure you can walk in them. Remember, timeless photos.

Photoshoot Specific Tips

BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

These photos are going to tell the world about who you are and what you have to offer. The face of your brand and business. Ensure what you’re wearing helps to tell that story. Real estate gals, I know you’ll be rocking some damn good elevated workwear. Fitness friends, I know you’ll have the cutest activewear sets.

HEADSHOTS PHOTOSHOOT

Number one thing to keep in mind — confidence. Wear something that makes you feel like a boss. I’m all about neutrals, black and white combos. If you’re wanting to incorporate color, keep the bright to the lip, ladies. Stay with muted tones only for clothing. Guys, a suit is always a great idea — you don’t have to do a tie, a collared shirt or even a tee underneath a jacket works well. The main shots will be waist up, but I’ll likely throw in some full body as well for variety, so keep that in mind.

COUPLES PHOTOSHOOT

Okay lovebirds, instead of matchy, matchy, think complementary. Salt to Pepper, Sand to Ocean. Decide on whether you’d like to have cool tones across blues, greys, black or warm tones like tans, beiges and browns. I love suggesting black and white for my couples shoots, or have the guy in blue with the gal in something light.

FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

Again, it’s all about complementing. You don’t have to match entirely. In fact, please don’t. Rather, play with cool tones across blues, greys, black. Or warm tones like tans, beiges and browns. Since we’re talking Fall, I’d choose darks over lights. I like to suggest children wear similar tops vs exactly matching. Same with parents.

MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT

The shoots are all about the mamas — so you’ve got to be sure your outfit helps with that focus. I love suggesting dresses for maternity shoots — solid colors, maxi or fitted. Overall, whatever is most comfortable. And please ladies, keep the heels at home.

NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

Oh your sweet baby getting all ready for his/her photoshoot… it’s actually easier than you think. Why? Swaddles can act as an outfit change! I like to suggest one onesie for the babe and then 2-3 extra swaddles — a mix across solids and patterned in calming colors.