So you've booked the date for a professional photoshoot. Now the $64 000 question.... what to wear? Not to be dramatic, but your wardrobe choices can drastically influence the final outcome of the photos and help create the vibe you’re going for. Here’s your guide to looking your best in front of the camera.
1. What type of session are we having?
Before you start planning your outfit, it’s important to understand the purpose and mood of the photoshoot. Different shoots call for different attire:
- Portraits: Keep it simple. Neutral tones or solid colours work well, as they let your personality and facial expressions shine through. Avoid loud patterns or flashy jewellery that may distract from your face.
- Family or Group Photos: Coordinate, but don’t match exactly. Think of complementary colours or a similar colour palette. Avoid clashing colours if you can.
- Newborn or baby: I find softer, neutral colours are the winner here for bub and family, especially if we are indoors.
2. Solid colours are your friend
Solid colours tend to photograph best. They bring attention to your face rather than your clothing, helping you stand out in the image. Neutral colours like white, beige, denim, and black are safe bets. Rich colours like emerald green, burgundy, or navy blue are flattering on most skin tones and always shine in my opinion.
If you’re more into a pop of bold colour, go for it! Bright hues, like royal blue or mustard, can create striking contrast in photos, and I'm always surprised at how good they turn out once edited.
3. Be purposeful with patterns
Some soft patterns and lines are OK, and houndstooth can also look good, but keep it as simple as you can. Similarly, visible logos or text can take the focus off you, so it’s best to avoid them.
4. Layer up
Layering can add dimension to your outfit and can be removed or added during the shoot for variety. Just make sure to avoid layers that create too much bulk or that you won’t feel comfortable in. I also find this works well with babies and children, if you have a cute cardigan on them, we can do some photos with it on, then off, to mix it up a bit.
5. Consider the setting and season
Think about the location of your photoshoot and the season when choosing your outfit. If we are shooting outdoors on a Canberra winter arvo, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather. Also, consider the environment — if you’re in a natural setting, earthy tones like olive, brown, or deep green will blend well, but if we are at Lake Ginninderra that is usually quite green and buzzing with life, I find solid neutrals with some pops of colour look soooooo good.
6. Hair and makeup
While this isn't directly related to your clothing, your hair and makeup play an important role in how your outfit looks in photos. Keep makeup natural and polished, the goal is to highlight your features, not overwhelm them with bold colours. For hair, consider how it will look in the photos. I don't like going ahead with sessions when there's a gale force wind about, but aside from that, there could be a breeze and some wind. Bring a brush if you'd like! I can show you a preview of the photos on the back of my camera so you can check your hair if you'd like.
7. Bring multiple outfits
If you're unsure about what will look best, or if your photoshoot will span different locations or styles, bring a couple of outfit changes. Having a few different looks to choose from gives you more flexibility, and you’ll have options to select from if something doesn’t photograph as well as you thought. For little ones, feel free to change them on site, if you're worried about them staying clean and orderly. Keep in mind I can usually edit out any last-minute marks or smudges, depending on the pattern on the fabric.
8. Comfort is key
Above all, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit or feeling self-conscious, it will show in the photos. If we've already started and you feel like you need to readjust something - don't stress, we have time to pause and regroup, even if you wanted to pop back to your car for a bit of privacy. Confidence translates beautifully on camera, so choose pieces that allow you to move freely and feel at ease.
9. What about the children?
Keep it simple and comfy. Neutrals are timeless and I love a "sad-beige-baby" outfit more than most people, BUT I've had sparkly dresses and gumboots turn out amazing too! Kids are unpredictable, which is kind of why we love them, but can also stress us out when trying to do something 'nice' like get family photos.
Having a very strong-willed 4-year-old of my own, I know it can be hard to get them to wear what you want them to wear. I once had a family bring their child in a spiderman outfit, because he refused to change. I got some cute photos of him doing some spiderman poses, then he was OK with changing into the outfit his mum had planned. You can also bring something for them to change into if you'd like, I'm pretty dedicated to helping your little ones are comfortable and relaxed.
I'm always more than happy to share my advice on specific outfits, you can text me a photo for example and I can let you know if I think it'll work with our location.
Interested in y our own photo session? I'd love to hear from you!
hello@ellenjunephotography.com.au
