A Photographer’s Guide to Choosing Outfits for Photo Sessions
Can I be honest… putting together outfits for everyone was STRESSFUL.
If you don’t looooove doing it, maybe you feel the same. As a recovering perfectionist, I can confidently say; photo session anxiety is REAL.
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
and then crossing your fingers and hoping it all ties together. After 5+ years as a photographer, a BUNCH of our own personal experiences and seeing A LOT of couples + family outfit examples… I’ve definitely got some opinions to share. Soooooo buckle up, buttercup - here’s our
10 TOP TIPS
to Put Together Timeless Outfits for Any Photo Session
First thing’s first - take a DEEP. BREATH.
Please don’t treat this list as live-or-die commandments. I’ve seen people break every single rule in the book and look absolutely BOMB while doing it. This list is a compilation of things we’ve learned along the way that we’re sharing to help you confidently select items that work together + feel authentic.
01. CONSIDER THE WEATHERRemember what time of year you’ve scheduled your session and think of what a realistic range of temperatures may be. Think pants vs. shorts, tank top vs. long sleeve. More important for young children and toddlers - but I’ve run across a few partners with a less than suck-it-up-buttercup attitude about their body temperature.
02. HARDEST TO DRESS GOES FIRSTThere are two types of people; the kind that can find whatever they need every time they go shopping and the kind that take 25+ items into the change room and still leave empty-handed. Let the latter dress themselves first. Once they’ve selected their outfit, start planning the remaining details around that!
03. BASICS, BASICS, BASICSUsing items you already have in your closet saves tons of time and money when dressing more than one person. Basics are our household best friend. Solid t-shirts, tank tops and long sleeves are staples for us. We often use the same shirt (different colour) over and over again for a different look.
04. LAYERS + COLOURSBase layers first, then consider adding interesting items with texture; like a cozy knit cardigan or a sleek leather jacket. This creates depth and seperation in your ensemble. Jackets/sweaters are great for popping on and off to give your gallery variety as well.
If you’re after timeless images, it’s a good idea to stay away from super trendy patterns, bright colours or most logos/graphics. When incorporating patterns, consider limiting the number of patterned items to keep your group from looking too “busy”. If you’re unsure how to pair bold colours, lean towards textures and solids in muted tones/neutrals instead.
Dresses or long sweaters are great items to colour block with length and build a group of outfits around. Including an option outside of the classic pants-and-shirt combo will give your gallery a polished feel.
We love separate tones on each top and bottom (so subjects don’t blend together); both of these bottoms are jeans, but one being tight-fit black denim and the other a straight cut khaki colour.
A great example of intentional matching! (But SEE, we’re breaking the last “rule”)! With a different cut at the ankle and the sock addition (excellent choice, might I add), the bottoms feel cohesive.
05. TOPS AND BOTTOMSWorry about your base layers first, and then consider adding items with different textures, such as a cozy knit cardigan or a sleek leather jacket. This creates depth and interest in your outfits! Jackets/sweaters are a great item to pop on or off to give your gallery some variety.
06. MAKE IT SPECIALYou DO NOT need to go out and purchase an entire new wardrobe for every single member of your family. *I tell myself as I #addtocart
When I found this striped jumper, I knew it would be the centre of attention for our summer photos. She wore it once. Yup. Literally one time pickin’ daisies in the middle of an 8-hour road trip. Afterwards, I packed it away in her baby box and you better bet I’ll pull it out in a few years - bawling my face off because of how tiny she was in it. 🥹
So, basically, #6 is my formal permission for you to choose something that makes your heart sing (and I promise, it’s okay if it doesn’t land in the everyday-wear section of your closet afterwards).
07. THIS LITTLE PIGGY STAYED HOMEOutdoor sessions, easy peasy - keep it simple simple. Your feet are in a lot of photos, but they’re rarely the focus. For indoor sessions; I’ll usually ask if my clients are comfortable removing their branded socks and being barefoot. Consider grabbing a set of plain neutral socks if you don’t want to be singing Who Let The Dog’s Out. 😜 *Fun fact for context, we photograph the majority of our clients in Canada, and us Canadians are mostly no-shoes-inside-the-house people.
08. DOGS ARE PEOPLE TOOYou’ve put SO much energy and effort into everyone’s outfits, don’t forget about the little fluffy people too! If your pet needs to stay harnessed, removing any distractions from their leash is a good idea.
09. EXTRASYou’ve got everything you need for your session now, but adding a couple of eye-catching accessories is never a bad idea! Wide-brim hats, little bows or bow-ties for little kids, suspenders, jewelry, etc. Try not to go too wild, a couple of thoughtful details go a long way!
10. LAY IT ALL OUTThis is probably the simplest and easiest way to make sure your outfit combos are working. After collecting your basics and a couple of special pieces, lay them all out on your floor/bed (yes, just like the first day of grade 3). Seeing everything together in front of you is SO much easier than trying to do outfit calculus in your head. PRO TIP: Once you’ve got your favourite version laid out, snap a photo on your phone. If you’re in charge of dressing smaller humans, this will serve as a road map for any other helping hands on session day! DOUBLE PRO TIP: Throw a back-up outfit for each child (and maybe accident prone parents) with the group and make sure it won’t be an eye sore if needed!
dress from: Paulette + Co Boutique.
BUT WHEREEEE DO WE FIND EVERYTHING?!Here’s a few easy places to find clothing items for your upcoming photo session…
including one of our fav local businesses, right here in Fort Saskatchewan, AB!
Tons of unique items + basics to be found here 👇🏼
OLD NAVY | ZARA | GAP | H&M
© daria x ben creative co.
DXBCREATIVE.CO
