What to Wear for your Photo Session – Top 5 Styling Tips

So your photo session is booked, but maybe you’re just a bit stumped as to what to wear? Not to worry. We’ve got you covered! Here’s our Top 5 tried and true tips.

1. Layering – Layering always looks great and gives you the most versatility. Think a jacket, sweater, vest, scarf, hat, even jewelry, but something you can take on/off if you get hot or cold that will add a little variety to your outfits. It’s hard to look great in photos when you’re freezing or sweating and uncomfortable. This goes double for children! If your session is in the last half of October, especially here in Michigan, the weather can be unpredictable and chilly. Please have available coordinated coats, sweaters, and/or knit tights to wear under dresses if need be. Knit hats & mittens can look very cute in photos. Ultimately, layering gives you options, and options are good!

2. Textures – The camera loves texture. Knits photograph great. Think sweaters with a visible weave, or velvet, corduroy, pleats, ruching, shirring, ruffles, or lace. Anything that creates contrast will add visual interest to your photos. Keep in mind that cotton jersey (i.e., t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants) photographs flat and will often look like a blob of color as the fabric lacks dimension. A t-shirt under a sweater or button down is just fine.

3. Prints vs. solids – Try to limit prints to one article of clothing if you’re being photographed individually, or to 1 or 2 people in your group. Tiny checkered patterns (often seen in men’s dress shirts) can create distortion in camera, so opt for a larger plaid or solid. Also, avoid clothing with words or logos as they can be distracting, and we want the focus to be on you.

4. Colors – Steer clear of solid white or solid black, unless the material has a visible texture. Also, neon or bright colors will often create an undesirable color cast on skin. For group sessions, try to choose 3 or 4 colors which you can all wear variations of, and then vary the colors throughout your group’s tops & bottoms. Additionally, you can find some examples on the Family – What to Wear board.

5. Styling – If you’ve booked with us, styling is complimentary and included with your session. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or need some guidance. We can suggest a color scheme and even provide shoppable links. Often, our clients will send us a photo of their wardrobe options, so please feel free to do so. We’re more than happy to help curate your look. Finally, if you’d like to read some additional session prep suggestions, you can find them here and here.