But WHAT would I WEAR?!
You booked the session.
The date is on the calendar.
And then comes the question almost everyone asks:
“What are we supposed to wear?”
Choosing outfits for professional photos doesn't need to be stressful. In fact, some of the best outfits are usually the simplest.
The goal isn't to completely change your style for the camera. It's to choose clothing that photographs beautifully, complements the location, and—most importantly—still feels like you.
Whether you're preparing for an engagement session, couples session, family portraits, maternity photos, or another special occasion, here are our favorite tips for deciding what to wear.
Coordinate—Don't Match
There was a time when family pictures meant everyone showed up wearing the exact same white shirt and blue jeans.
We've moved on.
Instead of matching everyone's outfit exactly, choose colors and textures that coordinate with each other.
Start with two or three main colors and build everyone's outfits around them.
For example, a fall palette might include:
Cream + olive + camel + denim
A softer spring palette could be:
Sage + ivory + dusty mauve + tan
For a more timeless look:
Cream + beige + charcoal + black
Everyone looks connected without looking like they're wearing a uniform.
Start With One Outfit
If you're coordinating outfits for two people—or an entire family—don't try to choose everything at once.
Start with the outfit you're most excited about.
Maybe it's a dress you've been waiting for an excuse to wear.
Maybe it's your partner's favorite jacket.
Maybe it's your child's outfit.
Once you have one complete look, build everyone else's clothing around its colors and style.
It's much easier than trying to coordinate five separate outfits simultaneously.
Neutral & Earthy Colors Are Your Friend
There's a reason photographers frequently recommend neutrals.
They photograph beautifully.
Colors like cream, beige, camel, brown, sage, olive, charcoal, muted mauve, rust, dusty blue, and other earth tones complement natural scenery without competing for attention.
They also tend to age well.
When you're looking at these photographs hanging in your home years from now, neutral and muted colors are less likely to immediately identify exactly which fashion trend was popular when the photograph was taken.
That doesn't mean you're forbidden from wearing color.
We love color.
Just consider choosing richer or more muted shades instead of extremely bright or fluorescent colors.
Think About Where Your Session Is Happening
Your location should influence your outfit.
If we're heading into a golden field at sunset, warm neutrals, earthy colors, denim, boots, and textured fabrics can look incredible.
If we're walking around downtown, you might choose something more polished—darker colors, a jacket, dress shoes, or a more structured outfit.
For a garden or spring session, lighter colors and softer fabrics can complement the scenery.
The goal isn't to camouflage yourself into the background.
It's to make sure your clothing and location feel like they belong in the same photograph.
Avoid Tiny, Busy Patterns
Patterns aren't automatically bad.
But some patterns photograph much better than others.
Large, subtle patterns can add personality and visual interest.
Tiny stripes, extremely small checks, and very busy repeating patterns can sometimes create distracting visual effects on camera.
If one person is wearing a pattern, consider keeping everyone else's clothing a little simpler.
That allows the patterned piece to add interest without making the photograph feel visually crowded.
Be Careful With Large Logos & Graphics
Unless a graphic tee is intentionally part of the story we're telling, we generally recommend avoiding large logos, words, and graphics.
Your eye naturally goes toward text in a photograph.
If someone is wearing a shirt with a giant logo across the front, that logo can quickly become one of the most noticeable things in the image.
We'd rather the first thing you notice be you.
Add Texture Instead of More Patterns
Want to make a simple outfit more interesting?
Add texture.
Knit sweaters.
Denim jackets.
Linen.
Corduroy.
Flowing dresses.
Layered fabrics.
Scarves.
Textured cardigans.
Different materials create visual depth without making an outfit feel busy.
This works particularly well for fall and winter sessions when layering feels natural.
Layers Photograph Beautifully
Layers aren't just practical for Pennsylvania weather.
They also give us options.
A jacket, cardigan, overshirt, blazer, or scarf can completely change the look of an outfit without requiring a full wardrobe change.
We can take some photographs with the layer on and others with it removed.
Suddenly one outfit gives us two slightly different looks.
Just make sure your layers fit comfortably and don't add unnecessary bulk.
Choose Clothes You Can Actually Move In
This one is important.
During your session, we probably aren't going to have you stand perfectly still for every photograph.
You may walk.
Sit.
Turn.
Hug.
Dance.
Run around with your kids.
Or occasionally do something that feels a little ridiculous but somehow produces a great photograph.
Your clothing needs to let you move comfortably.
If you're constantly adjusting a dress, worried about splitting your pants, or unable to sit comfortably, you're going to think about your clothes instead of enjoying the session.
Comfort shows in photographs.
Dress for the Weather
Southwestern Pennsylvania weather can have a personality of its own.
A beautiful October afternoon can become a chilly evening surprisingly quickly.
Spring can be warm one day and cold the next.
Summer sessions can still be hot and humid close to sunset.
Check the weather before your session and plan accordingly.
Layers can help during cooler months, while breathable fabrics are a lifesaver during summer.
We want you to look good.
We also don't want you freezing for an hour while pretending everything is fine.
Don't Forget About Your Shoes
Shoes might seem like a small detail until we're taking full-body photographs.
Make sure they work with your outfit.
For outdoor sessions, also think practically about the location.
If we're walking through a field, navigating a trail, or heading somewhere with uneven terrain, six-inch heels might make the experience more adventurous than intended.
You can always bring comfortable shoes for walking and change into your preferred pair once we reach the location.
And before your session, give your shoes a quick cleaning.
It's one of those tiny details that's easy to forget.
Accessories: Keep Them Intentional
Accessories can complete an outfit.
Jewelry, watches, hats, scarves, belts, and other details can add personality without overwhelming the photograph.
But you don't need to wear every accessory you own.
Choose a few pieces intentionally.
And remember to check your wrists before the session.
Hair ties and fitness bands have a mysterious ability to survive the entire photoshoot before anyone notices them.
Empty Your Pockets
This might be the easiest way to immediately improve how an outfit photographs.
Phones.
Keys.
Wallets.
Anything bulky.
Take them out of your pockets before we begin.
A phone-shaped rectangle showing through your pants isn't usually the keepsake we're trying to create.
We'll find somewhere safe for everything while we're shooting.
What Should Couples Wear?
For couples and engagement sessions, aim for the same level of formality.
If one person arrives in a formal dress and the other is wearing gym shorts, it's going to feel disconnected.
You don't need identical styles, but the outfits should look like you're both heading to the same place.
One easy combination is:
One person: A flowing dress or skirt in a neutral or muted color.
The other: Chinos or dark jeans with a neutral button-down, sweater, polo, or layered jacket.
Or keep things completely casual with nice jeans, boots, sweaters, and relaxed layers.
Your engagement session doesn't have to look formal just because you're engaged.
Wear something that represents your relationship.
What Should Families Wear?
For families, coordination becomes even more important.
Pick a palette of approximately three or four complementary colors and distribute them throughout everyone's outfits.
Avoid putting everyone in the exact same color.
For example, instead of five people wearing sage shirts, try:
One person in a cream dress.
One in an olive shirt with khaki pants.
One child in a muted floral pattern.
Another in a camel sweater.
Another in denim with a cream top.
Together, everything feels intentional without being identical.
Also consider who will be standing beside each other. If two people are both wearing the exact same shade from head to toe, they can visually blend together.
What Should Kids Wear?
First rule:
They need to be comfortable.
An uncomfortable toddler does not care how beautifully their outfit coordinates with everyone else's.
Avoid clothing that's extremely itchy, restrictive, or complicated.
Bring backup clothing for young children when possible, especially if we're photographing outdoors.
And if your child has a favorite pair of bright character shoes that you absolutely do not want in the photographs, you may want to hide them before leaving the house.
We won't tell them.
Should You Bring a Second Outfit?
For full-length sessions, absolutely—if you'd like more variety.
One option is to bring:
One dressier outfit + one casual outfit.
This gives your final gallery two distinct looks.
For engagement sessions, this can work especially well. We might begin with a more polished outfit and then switch into something relaxed as the session becomes more casual.
For shorter mini sessions, however, we usually recommend sticking with one outfit so we can spend your limited session time taking photographs instead of changing clothes.
What Should You Avoid?
There aren't many absolute rules, but a few things are worth reconsidering:
Very bright neon colors.
Extremely busy patterns.
Tiny repeating stripes.
Large distracting logos.
Clothes that don't fit comfortably.
Wrinkled clothing.
Bulky objects in pockets.
Too many people wearing identical colors.
Shoes that don't work with the location.
And anything you're only wearing because you think you're supposed to wear it for professional photographs.
Prepare Everything the Night Before
Do yourself a favor.
Don't wait until 20 minutes before you're supposed to leave.
Lay everyone's outfits out the night before.
Check for wrinkles.
Clean the shoes.
Make sure everything fits.
Gather accessories.
Remove tags.
Pack your second outfit if you're bringing one.
If children are involved, pack any emergency snacks, wipes, and backup clothing you might need.
The calmer you feel arriving at your session, the easier it is to settle in and enjoy it.
The Most Important Rule: Look Like Yourself
After all of these recommendations, this is the one we care about most.
Don't dress like someone else just because you're having professional photographs taken.
If you never wear dresses, you don't suddenly need one.
If you're a jeans-and-boots couple, wear the jeans and boots.
If you love dressing up, this is a fantastic excuse to go all out.
If your family is colorful and a little chaotic, your photographs don't need to look like a beige clothing catalog.
Our job isn't to turn you into someone different.
It's to create the best photographs of who you already are.
Still Not Sure What to Wear?
Ask us.
Seriously.
If you're stuck between two outfits, send them over.
If you're trying to coordinate your entire family and everything is starting to look the same, we can help.
If you're deciding whether an outfit works with your session location, we'd much rather help beforehand than have you spend the entire drive to your session second-guessing yourself.
Your portrait session should be fun.
Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident, show up ready to enjoy yourself, and we'll handle the photography.
A-Z Photography & Videography
Your story, captured from A to Z.