"hey ally, any ideas on what we wear?"

This is a question I commonly get asked after clients book a session with me! Here are some of the tips I normally send their way!

A photoshoot can be a fantastic way to capture your personal style, showcase a brand, or create lasting memories. However, choosing the right outfit can make a significant difference in how your photos turn out. In this blog, we'll walk you through the essential steps to prepare an outfit that will shine on camera and help you feel confident during your shoot.

1. Understand the Photoshoot’s Purpose and Theme:

Before you start picking out clothes, it's crucial to understand the purpose and theme of the photoshoot. Is it for a professional portfolio, a casual lifestyle shoot, or a themed event? Knowing this will guide your outfit choices and ensure they align with the shoot's goals.

2. Choose Outfits that Complement the Setting:

The location and background of the photoshoot can greatly influence your outfit choice. For outdoor shoots, consider the weather and environment—earthy tones work well for nature settings, while bright colors can stand out against urban backdrops. For studio shoots, coordinate with the backdrop color to avoid clashing.

3. Prioritize Fit and Comfort:

Your outfit should not only look great but also fit well and be comfortable. Clothes that are too tight or loose can create unflattering lines or make you feel uneasy. Try on your outfit ahead of time to ensure it fits properly and allows you to move naturally. Avoid itchy or tight clothing for toddlers as it might make them cranky. If you feel uncomfortable in your clothes. you are going to look uncomfortable in your portraits.

4. Opt for Flattering Colors and Patterns:

Certain colors and patterns can enhance your appearance on camera. Solid colors often work best as they keep the focus on you rather than your clothing. If you choose patterns, ensure they are subtle and not overly busy to avoid distracting from your overall look. I typically suggest that only one person wears a print/pattern as an accent if you go that route. For example in the portraits above most everyone opted for solid colors, however the mom wore a subtle patterned dress to add a pop to their portraits!

5. Consider the Layering and Accessories:

Layers can add depth to your outfit and allow for easy adjustments during the shoot. Accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry can enhance your look, but be careful not to overdo it. Choose accessories that complement your outfit without overwhelming it. Remember, you are the star of the session, your outfit merely sets you up for success!

6. Prepare Multiple Outfit Options:

Bringing a few outfit choices to the photoshoot can provide variety and give you flexibility. This is especially useful if you’re unsure which look will work best or if you want to experiment with different styles during the shoot. I'm never one to say no to a quick outfit change mid session if it means you are happy at the end of your session!

7. Pay Attention to Grooming and Details:

Ensure that your clothes are clean, pressed, and free of lint or wrinkles. Pay attention to grooming details such as hair, nails, and makeup, as these will also contribute to the overall appearance in your photos. Hang your clothes up the night before and neatly lay them out to ensure that they will stay in good condition, bonus is there will be less of a scramble to locate all the pieces of clothing because they are already neatly laid out!

8. Coordination over Matching:

While having matchy matchy outfits can be adorable, it leaves little room for uniqueness in your portraits. That's why I always push for coordination rather than matching! Having two main colors and an accent color can really make the worlds difference in your portraits. If you use the portraits above for reference, you'll notice that this family had 2 main colors, 1 pattern and 1 accent color! However all of their outfits had different flows, lengths, styles, and fits! The main colors were Blue and White, the accent was a pop of green!

9. Remember, im here for you!:

If you’re unsure about your outfit choices, don’t hesitate to ask me for advice. I can provide valuable input based on previous sessions and my experiences and help ensure that your outfit works well with your vision for your session. You hired me as your photographer, so along with taking your portraits comes my professional help and guidance! I'm here for you, don't hesitate to reach out!

CONCLUSION

Preparing an outfit for a photoshoot involves more than just picking something stylish—it requires careful consideration of the setting, fit, and overall look. By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to look and feel your best in front of the camera. So, put in the effort to plan your outfit, and you're sure to achieve stunning results in your photoshoot! And don't forget, this is supposed to be stress free! So send me a text if you find yourself overwhelmed and we can go through it together!

With love and blessings,

Aleniah!