What to wear to your session

Four people walking on a beach with arms around each other, dressed in casual, neutral-colored clothing. 
A style guide

For couples, maternity or family sessions

When you present yourself in the best possible way, it not only boosts your confidence, but it also translates to the camera.

That's why I've created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the DO’s and DON’Ts of selecting the perfect outfit for your upcoming session. If you need any assistance with choosing your clothing options, please don't hesitate to email me, and together we can select the most suitable for the shoot.

Quick tips:

  1. Weather

If the forecast is cold and windy, please wear something warmer so you are comfortable. Your comfort is my priority! Consider bringing a blanket that can be easily taken off, and then you can wrap yourself back into it. For beach sessions, I recommend taking a towel to dry your feet as those usually get wet. I will be checking weather day before and the same day; I will get in touch with you if I feel like it would be safer (due to heavy rain and wind) to change the date. If it is just a cloudy day, the session is good to go.

Generally, I would recommend staying away from super bright colours and sticking with neutrals but that is all up to your individual preference and personality. You can never go wrong with beige, browns, white and black.

My editing style converts to more muted, earthy tones so vivid colours wouldn't be as bright in my pictures as they are in real life. That is just my editing style, but you are still welcome to implement colours! Usually, monochromatic and complementary colours work the best.

Please remember to keep your outfit between 2 - 4 colours. See my colour sample at the bottom of the page.

2. Coordinate colours

Four overlapping circles in brown, beige, and taupe on a white background.
A child wearing a hooded sweater holds hands with two adults walking on a sandy beach, with one adult carrying a yellow bucket.

Accessories are another great way to add some texture to your outfit. Just be sure not to overdo it. For the ladies, a nice pair of earrings and a necklace often do just the trick. For the gentleman, a ring and a nice watch are excellent additions. I would go against smart watches (apple watch), as in 5-year time they will feel dated. Stick with classic watches. You can take clothing options with you and I can help you decide which would work best in the overall look. Bringing in a prop that is personal to you not only elevates the photographs but also makes the shoot unique to you. Flowers, blanket, or even your dog! And don’t forget about shoes! You don’t want to show up to your photoshoot looking gorgeous in your clothes and make-up but ruin your look with your 10-year-old sandals that show their age. But you also don’t need to buy new ones just for this occasion. Borrow from friends! Barefoot is a great option for beach sessions (most of my clients choose to leave their shoes in their car :) Please leave your wallet and phone out of your pockets as that ruins the overall aesthetic of your look (my professional advice).

3. Accessories (including shoes)

For sessions where additional time is booked, my clients can have the option to have another outfit to change, but that should be something relatively simple to put on and you should be okay with being accidentally seen by somebody while changing. However, changing up an outfit can be easier than you think! One word: layers! By simply adding another layer, you instantly have a “new” style. Think: jacket, blazer, hat.

4. Outfit changes

DO’s

  • Have either a fresh coat of nail polish on your nails that coordinates with your outfit or don’t have any nail polish at all. You don’t want chipped nails. Bring hand cream, as moisturised hands look nicer in close-up shots.

  • Wear makeup even if you don’t normally. If you don’t usually wear it, use a tinted moisturiser and mascara. This will help even your skin tone and make your eyes pop a little bit. For children and partners, they get off easy! Bring along makeup for touch-ups.

  • Make sure everyone's hair is done. If one of you needs a haircut, do it a week before the session. That way you have time to get used to it and how to style it. Bring your brush and hairspray just in case!

  • Wear clothing that is flattering to your body type.

DON'Ts

Throughout your photoshoot, I aim to capture genuine and candid moments. While you don't need to dress up like you would go to a wedding, overly casual attire may not be optimal for achieving the best results on camera.

I recommend a smart-casual dress code. I suggest getting a full-length, flowy dress for maternity shoots as they tend to be the most flattering. A bodycon dress is also an amazing option if you feel comfortable wearing it.

Avoid formal clothing that feels unnatural or uncomfortable. Keep in mind that your outfit will impact the overall result of your photoshoot.

Go for classic cuts, such as cotton pants, dresses, plain shirts (must be without logos!), or solid-coloured cardigans. Simplicity is vital here; avoid bold, busy or overly detailed clothing that may detract from your natural beauty as that will be the main focus.

  • DON’T drink alcohol or eat salty, spicy foods few days before the session. Those can make your face and body puffy and for some people even create breakouts.

  • DON’T wear a bright-coloured bra. Wear a nude one and if you will be wearing spaghetti straps or any clothing where your bra straps can be seen make sure the bra is strapless but not slipping away.

  • DON’T show up with chipped nail polish. I know that was mentioned in the DO’s, it’s just that important!

  • DON’T go crazy with patterns, or geometric patterns, those do not photograph well and are very distracting.

  • DON’T wear clothing that is misfitting or needs constant adjustment (e.g. too short dress, excess cleavage. As the wind is almost present during all outdoor sessions, the dress might be lifting a lot and you run the risk of getting continuously distracted).

  • DON’T wear branded clothing with large logos. They often look tacky.

Color palette chart with three sections: Base colors are white, beige, and black; Complementary colors are green, taupe, and light pink; Accent colors are dark blue, terracotta, and brown. 
Colour and style samples:
Clothing ideas for couples, families, and maternity, showcasing various outfits with matching color palettes. Couple outfits include dresses, jeans, shirts, and shoes. Family ideas feature coordinated dresses, shirts, pants, and kids' clothing. Maternity options include dresses and shirts with matching color schemes. Each set has a complementary color palette at the bottom.