The biggest question of them all. "What do we wear for our shoot?" I hear this from every client I have. Even the most coordinated people can use a few tips in this area.

If you are the only person in your photos, this may come a little easier than managing the wardrobe of a whole group. Here are a few tips to follow...

1.) First, keep your photo location in mind, appropriate footwear for the city may not be appropriate for the beach or even grassy fields. The shoes may be super cute with the outfit while at home but make sure its practical on scene.

2.) Second, pick solid colors. This will most definitely keep the focus on you, not your outfit. Busy patterns can sometimes clash too if you already have a busy background. Sometimes the background is part of what your trying to capture in your portrait.

3.) Try and match the season you are in. Most likely you will be surrounded by some sort of a theme. coordinating and looking a part of your surroundings are important. (notice I did not say blend in with your surroundings, see #5)

4.) Time of day. If you are shooting in the middle of a bright day avoid whites. These have a bad effect on the outcome of the picture as a whole. It will consume the photo and wash out the important features. Some adjusting can be done with editing but avoiding this color at this time of day is best.


5.) Contrast is good. Make sure you set yourself apart from your background.

6.)Most important, be comfortable. If you are not comfortable in what you are wearing this will definitely show in your photos. Wear clothes that are flattering to your body shape as well. Poorly fitting clothes, whether too tight or too loose can make or break the look you want to achieve. Let your clothes compliment you.

If your photography session involves two or more people. Please use these next few tips as a guideline for colors and outfits...

1.) Wear outfits that don’t match each other, but go together. Like those that have a similar color palette. For example: dark green, navy, and burgundy – all dark jewel tones.  Tan, a lighter olive green, and denims – all lighter, softer tones.

2.) see images below for a visual effect of how your family may "dress for portrait success"!

Click here for more ideas of what to wear, I have collected a series of colors outfitted for family photo sessions on my Pinterest Board.