Warning: This will be a little more word heavy than image heavy which is not my norm. My visual learning self isn’t too happy right now.

When booking a session your wardrobe probably isn’t the first thing that crosses your mind. You may know exactly what to wear, or you could be like me, and have no idea. Until I started researching photography, I would have thought a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt would have done the trick. It’s not (usually) the case.

Photos aren’t just made by good settings, edits, or the beautiful person modeling. It has a lot to do with the outfit.

When piecing together an outfit for a shoot you will want texture, color, patterns, & anything that will draw the viewers eye to the subject (you!).  This will include scarves, dramatic accessories, or anything that will give your outfit life. You also have to be careful not to overdue it. This is where your photographer (me!) comes in handy. Bring a handful of accessories, wear layers. I will help you when I arrive on location. We can work together and piece something that would work.

Pinterest is by far the greatest tool you could use for outfit inspiration. I believe I have even created a “session” board for this specifically. Now, what you find on Pinterest doesn’t need to be copied shirt for shirt, or accessory for accessory. Take what you like, leave what you don’t. It can be a great way to visualize how outfits photograph by seeing what works and what doesn’t.

Something as simple as a scarf, and a jean roll can spruce up an outfit. It doesn’t have to be over the top, or something out of your comfort zone. Just a little color can go a long way.

Now planning an outfit for your solo portrait session can be fairly simple. & I will revert and state that for a portrait session you can totally rock just a white tee, a pair of denim, and bare feet. But when you throw in a second person it is a whole different ball game.

You’re a party of 2+ now, your go to outfit is probably matching Hawaiian shirts and a pair of khakis.. Oh it’s not? Okay good 🙂 Not dissing Hawaiian shirts but as long is only one person is wearing it it’s good.

The goal is to match but not be to matchy matchy.. If that makes sense. Nicholas is wearing a blue, red, and white plaid shirt. Tori pulled the white tee complementing the plaid beautifully. They match, but not over the top. In a group of 2+, I suggest putting one person in a bold pattern and then building everyones outfits from there. Build outfits up with scarves, accessories, belts, or whatever you like.

Another great example of matching but not to matchy matchy! Dustin’s pattern in his shirt ties in with their denim jeans. Emilee’s shirt offers enough pop to give enough contrast to their outfits. All the while her scarf ties in perfectly with Dustin’s shirt.

Like stated before, if you’re stuck, head over to Pinterest. I sound like a broken record, I know. But it is definitely my best friend when it comes to session ideas.

Will all this being said, you should be comfortable. It should be an outfit you like and an outfit that is you. Don’t pick something that is outside your personality or something you’re uncomfortable in. It will show in your images. & down the line you will look back at them and think “why in the world did I wear that?”. Also, if you want to wear all white and a pair of jeans, we can make it work. This article is merely suggestions and tips. If you just had a session done in all white, please don’t think I’m looking down on it, because I’m not.