👗 Wardrobe
Let’s be real picking what to wear can feel like the hardest part of getting ready for a photo session.
But it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple guidelines (and a little inspiration), we can create a look that feels like you and photographs beautifully. From color palettes to textures to those little details that tie everything together, I’ve got you covered.
Think of this as your cheat sheet for looking and feeling your best—effortless, confident, and completely true to you.
👗 What to Wear (and Why It Matters)
Your outfit plays a big role in the overall look and feel of your session so here are a few style tips to help you feel confident and camera-ready:
✅ Color Palette
Stick to neutrals and earth tones they photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you.
Think: white, cream, taupe, tan, dusty blue, grey, caramel.
Want to wear red? Go for it just opt for a deeper, muted shade to avoid overpowering the frame.
✅ Coordinate, Don’t Match
Choose outfits that complement each other and the location, rather than wearing identical colors. Mix tones and textures for a more elevated, effortless look.
✅ Add Texture & Layers
Layering creates dimension and movement.
- Add a belt to a loose fit dress
- Bring a light jacket or cardigan
- Embrace texture: linen, denim, knits, gauze, lace
Flowy dresses are beautiful, but let’s shape them with structure so we don’t lose your silhouette in the wind.
✅ Visuals Help
I’m a huge fan of Pinterest mood boards send me what you’re thinking, or I’ll send inspo your way. Visuals make everything easier.
✅ For the Guys
Men photograph best in collared shirts (button-ups or polos) with pants or clean shorts.
Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns, and avoid shirts with logos, text, or graphics.
Beach Family Shoot Ideas!
At first glance, the boys are matching but take a closer look and you’ll see how thoughtfully this family coordinated their outfits!
✨ The shades in the boys’ shirts complement their sister’s dress, which also flows beautifully with mom’s.
✨ The soft tones in the pattern tie in perfectly with dad’s shirt, creating a cohesive, polished look without feeling overly matchy.
These are great examples of how to use muted blues, soft greens, and warm oranges in a way that feels effortless, natural, and beach-ready.
Pro tip: When planning outfits, think about blending tones across the whole group coordination over duplication always wins.
Maternity Family Session
This family nailed effortless coordination with texture, tone, and flow:
- Mom wore a dreamy flowy white dress with lace detailing, adding softness and movement that photographed beautifully in golden light.
- Dad kept it rich and grounded with a burgundy button-up, offering a bold contrast that still felt elegant and warm.
- Their daughter matched dad’s burgundy hue, but with a twist her dress also featured lace texture, tying her look back to moms in a subtle, intentional way.
- This is the perfect example of how to use color and texture to create visual harmony without going overly matchy-matchy. It’s all in the details.
Wooded Family Shoot Ideas
This color scheme and texture pairing is fall perfection.
The rich tones of gray, charcoal, tan, cream, and burnt orange set the mood with warmth and depth perfect for autumn light.
What really brings this look to life is the play on texture:
- Their son’s overalls add a rugged, earthy feel
- Mom’s dress brings softness and flow, creating visual balance
- This is how you mix cozy and elevated using color, texture, and seasonal tones that feel natural but styled.
Senior Photo Ideas!
For seniors, I still recommend sticking with the original outfit suggestions neutrals, layers, and texture always photograph best. But when it comes to showcasing personality? The bolder, the better.
This is their time to shine, so bring the things that make them them.
🔥 Ideas to Make It Personal:
- A soccer ball, basketball, or varsity jacket
- Their car, truck, or even a skateboard
- Books or props from a favorite fandom (hello, Harry Potter!)
- Musical instruments like a guitar or violin
- Art supplies, paintbrushes, sketchbooks, camera
- Gear or clothing repping their future college or dream school
- These little details tell their story and turn a photo shoot into a time capsule of who they are right now.
🎨 A Few Things to Avoid (Trust Me)
These little choices can make a big difference in how your final photos turn out:
🚫 Skip the Neons
Avoid fluorescent or neon colors—they reflect onto your skin and can tint your face in photos.
Also, if you naturally have red undertones, stay away from bright red or hot pink—it can amplify the redness.
Pro tip: Green is across from red on the color wheel—it’s a flattering, balancing choice if you’re unsure!
🚫 Skip Loud Patterns (Most of the Time)
Unless we’re doing a branding session, try to avoid super bold or busy patterns.
They can pull focus away from what really matters—you.
🚫 Skip Distracting Accessories
Avoid large watches, rubber bracelets, or anything with words or logos—they tend to date your photos and can be distracting.
🚫 Go Easy on the Glam
Keep makeup soft and natural—think bridal soft glam or fresh glow, not full beat. Too much contour or heavy lashes can photograph harshly in natural light. And if you’re getting a spray tan, opt for an olive undertone and try to book it about a week in advance. Fresh spray tans will photograph more orange and trust me—I’ll know. They also edit differently from natural skin, and it can stand out in group photos.