When you're investing in beautiful photos, knowing what to wear can feel a little daunting. The good news? It's simpler than you think, and this guide will help you feel confident in your outfits for your session.
1. Comfort is key
The key to a good photo session is comfort, and clothing is a great place to start. If you're wearing clothes that feel natural for you and your personality, it shows. We don't want you tugging down a skirt, hoisting up tights, or feeling self-conscious in a dress that shows more than you'd like. You won't be able to fully loosen up. I want you to move naturally, belly laugh, and ultimately feel like yourself.
So what do comfortable clothes look like? Comfortable for the environment and comfortable for your body.
Comfortable for the environment: Choose clothes that suit where you'll be. Windy mountain top? Bring layers and a jacket you can slip on and off. Walking through long grass or along a rocky trail? Think about your footwear, your layers, and being able to move freely in the landscape.
Comfortable for your body: Whatever you choose, make sure you can walk, sit, cuddle, and twirl in it without a second thought.
Above: Monique and Nathaniel on their engagement session. Check out Nathaniel's sneakers and Monique's boots, both practical and comfortable for the location. Monique's long skirt has flow to move freely, and Nathaniel's linen shirt is relaxed enough that he can easily lift his arms to wrap around Monique.
2. Neutral colours
This one might be a little controversial. I never want to tell you to wear something that doesn't represent your personality, so if you're a bold colour person, take this with a grain of salt. But if you're feeling really lost, neutral, earthy tones are a safe place to start. They're timeless and sit beautifully in natural landscapes. Think cream, beige, soft browns, olive, dusty rose, and muted blues. They keep the focus on you, and your photos will still look classic years from now.
If you're coordinating with a partner or family, choose colours that complement each other rather than matching exactly.
Above: Becky and her family at home for their family session. Their palette of black, white, brown, beige, and deep orange is all earthy and cohesive, without matching.
3. Textures and patterns
Texture is your friend. Different textures and layers add depth and interest to your photos without competing for attention. Think knits, linen, denim, lace, or flowy chiffon. Layering a chunky cardigan over a soft dress or a jacket over a linen shirt gives you dimension without any extra effort.
When it comes to patterns, keep them small and keep them minimal. A subtle floral or a soft stripe looks lovely, but try not to layer too many patterns together. Large graphics, bold prints, and brand logos tend to pull the eye away from you and your people, so it's best to leave those at home for your session.
Above: Carla and her beautiful family at Lake Hāwea. Carla nailed the outfit brief with a mix of knits, subtle stripes, and a check, all in earthy tones with a touch of denim. Not matching, but complementing each other perfectly.
I've given you a few tips, but ultimately there are no rules. What matters most is that I'm photographing you as your true self. Photography isn't just about creating beautiful images, it's about documenting your life for years to come, so don't be afraid to lean into that. And if you're ever unsure about an outfit, send me a message and we'll figure it out together.