What to Wear for Your Photo Session (and Where to Shop!
“What should we wear?” is one of the questions I hear most before a photo session. Before I suggest a dress or a color palette, I usually ask a few questions to get the ball rolling! Where are we taking the photos? The lake, downtown Branson, a local park, your houseboat, etc... What season is it? And how do you want these photos to feel?
Those answers make choosing outfits so much easier.
Start with the location!
Think about where your session will take place. An outfit that feels wonderful in a garden might not be what you’d choose for downtown streets or a cozy session at home. You don’t need to dress like the location, but your clothes should feel at home there.
Think about where your session will take place. An outfit that feels wonderful in a garden might not be what you’d choose for downtown streets or a cozy session at home. You don’t need to dress like the location, but your clothes should feel at home there.
If we’re walking through grass, think about your shoes, too. You can bring comfortable shoes for getting around and change into heels for photos. Heel protectors are handy if you’ll be wearing heels outdoors.
Dress for the season we’re actually in!
Here in Missouri, we get four distinct seasons, and I love that each one brings something different to a photo session. Your clothes can be part of that feeling.
A sweater might be beautiful for fall portraits, but it can feel out of place in the middle of a Missouri summer—even if you’re willing to brave the heat for the photo! For a summer senior session, I’d reach for something that feels light and easy. In fall or winter, we can have fun with layers and richer textures.
Check the weather as your session gets closer, too. I want you to look good and feel comfortable enough to relax.
Think about what the photos are for
Do you picture your family photos feeling playful and full of personality? Or are you hoping for something a little more polished? Maybe you want a bit of both—we can do that.
It also helps to think about where the photos will end up. If one will hang in your living room, take a look at the colors in that space. If you’re planning to use a photo for your Christmas card, you might have a particular look in mind for that, too. None of this means your outfits have to match your sofa! It just gives us another clue about what you’ll love seeing in the finished photos.
Then choose a color palette! The soft blues, brows, creams, and even a little soft lavender work so well! As you can see the grandmother in the photo below has a soft patterned dress on which pairs well with the solid colors around her!
Once we know the location, season and feeling you’re going for, we can talk colors. Choose a few that work well together and let each person wear them in their own way. Coordinate; don’t make everyone match.
Patterns are welcome. If one person wears a floral dress or patterned shirt, dress someone else in a solid color pulled from it. That gives us variety without making the whole group look too busy.
Stuck? Send me a photo of the outfit you want to wear, and we can build from there.
Where to shop:
You may already have the perfect outfit in your closet. If you’re looking for something new, these are a few places to browse:
JessaKae for romantic, whimsical dresses in a wide range of sizes
Baltic Born for flowing dresses that work beautifully for family, couples and maternity photos
Morning Lavender for soft florals and feminine pieces
Anthropologie for interesting details and texture
ModCloth for vintage-inspired styles
PinkBlush for maternity dresses and gowns
ASOS, Old Navy, H&M and Amazon for plenty of choices at different price points
Rent the Runway if you’d rather rent a special dress
Whatever you choose, try it on before session day. Sit down, walk around and make sure you can move comfortably. Check that undergarments and straps aren’t showing in a way you didn’t intend, and give everything a good steam or iron. Wrinkles are much easier to take care of before the photos!
Bring the little things
A backup outfit in the car never hurts, especially with kids. I’d also pack water, tissues, wet wipes, a lint roller, snacks and bug spray for an outdoor session. We’ve had plenty of ticks around here, so please come prepared. And have everyone use the restroom before we start—some locations don’t have one nearby.
For young kids, a favorite song on your phone can work wonders. Snacks can help, too, although I’d save the M&M’s until after the photos. Colorful candy on little faces is a look we probably don’t need!
If you want to add a hat, sunglasses, earrings or a bracelet, bring them along. Clean rings and fresh nails are lovely little details if your hands will be in the photos. Professional makeup can be a fun treat, but it’s entirely up to you. And if you’re wearing false lashes, toss the glue in your bag—Missouri humidity likes to keep us on our toes.
Finally, leave a little room for fun!
That’s when the photos start to feel like you. And that’s always what I’m hoping for. See you at your next Photo Session with me!
Much Love,
Sheri Holloway Photography
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