You’ve booked your photo session—now comes one of the biggest questions: What should we wear for photos?
Whether you’re planning family photos, a couples session, maternity photos, or a branding session, choosing the right outfits can make a huge difference in how your final gallery comes together. But that doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe.
As a photographer, I want preparing for your session to feel easy. Here are some of my favourite tips for choosing photo session outfits that photograph beautifully while still feeling like you.
Coordinate Your Outfits Instead of Matching
When planning outfits for family photos, you don't need everyone wearing the exact same colour.
Instead, choose a colour palette with a few complementary shades and build everyone's outfits around it. This creates a cohesive look while still allowing everyone's individual style to come through.
For example, if one person is wearing a soft floral dress, you could pull cream, beige, blue or green from the pattern and incorporate those colours into everyone else's outfits.
Think coordinated—not matching.
Choose Soft, Neutral and Earthy Colours
Neutral and muted colours tend to photograph beautifully, especially for outdoor photo sessions around Alliston and Simcoe County.
Some of my favourite colours for photos include:
- Cream and warm white
- Beige and tan
- Soft brown
- Sage and muted greens
- Dusty or soft blues
- Muted pinks
- Denim
- Black as an accent
You definitely don't have to avoid colour! The goal is simply to choose colours that complement each other instead of having several bright shades competing for attention. These softer colour palettes also help create photographs that feel timeless rather than overly trendy.
Add Texture and Layers
If your outfits are feeling a little too simple, texture can make a huge difference. Think linen, denim, chunky knits, flowy dresses, cardigans and other natural fabrics. Layers are especially beautiful for fall family photos in Ontario. A cardigan, jacket or sweater can add dimension to your photos while also giving you the option of creating a slightly different look partway through your session.
Be Careful With Busy Patterns and Logos
Patterns can absolutely work for photos, but I usually recommend choosing one main pattern and keeping everyone else's outfits relatively simple.
Small florals, subtle plaids and simple patterns can photograph beautifully.
Try to avoid large logos, graphics, neon colours and extremely busy patterns. These can pull attention away from you and may make your photos feel dated more quickly.
When you're looking back at these photographs years from now, I want your attention to go to the people in them—not the logo on someone's shirt.
Consider Your Photo Session Location
Your location should play a part in deciding what to wear for your photo session.
If we're heading to an open field or another outdoor location around Alliston, earthy tones, denim, boots, flowy dresses and natural textures can complement the scenery beautifully.
For a downtown or more urban session, you may want to choose something slightly more structured or elevated.
If your location has a lot of greenery, creams, browns, blues and other complementary colours can help you stand out from your surroundings rather than blending into the background.
Not sure where to have your photos taken? I'm always happy to help my clients choose a location that fits the look and feeling they want for their session.
Wear Something You Can Actually Move In
Comfort is one of the most important things to consider when choosing what to wear for family photos or a couples session. My sessions aren't about standing perfectly still and smiling at the camera the entire time. We'll move. We'll walk. You might cuddle, play with your kids, sit down, pick up your little one or interact with your partner.
Choosing clothes that allow you to comfortably move helps create more natural photographs. This is especially important for kids. An outfit might look adorable, but if they're uncomfortable wearing it, chances are we'll see that in the photos!
Don't Forget the Little Details
Before leaving for your session, do one last outfit check.
Look for things that are easy to forget, like hair ties around wrists, distracting watches, mismatched socks or shoes that don't quite work with the rest of the outfit. These little details aren't something to stress about, but taking a quick look before your session can save you from noticing them later in your gallery.
Most Importantly—Make It Feel Like You
All of these are suggestions, not rules. If you never wear dresses, you don't need to suddenly wear one because you're having professional photos taken. If your family practically lives in denim and boots, embrace it. Your photos should still feel like you. The goal isn't to create a perfectly styled version of your family, relationship or life. It's to document this season in a way that feels genuine to you while creating photographs you'll want hanging on your walls for years to come.
Planning a Photo Session in Alliston, Ontario?
When you book a session with Steiner & Co. Photography, you're never on your own when it comes to planning.
If you're struggling to decide what to wear, you're welcome to send me photos of the outfits you're considering. I can help you choose pieces that work together and complement the location and overall vision for your session.
Steiner & Co. Photography offers family, couples, maternity, lifestyle and branding photography in Alliston, Ontario, Simcoe County and surrounding areas. If you're ready to document your current season, I'd love to start planning your session with you. Inquire with Steiner & Co. Photography to book your Alliston photography session.
