What to wear to your photoshoot | Cornwall photographer
What to wear for a photo shoot | Cornwall photographer
“Style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak"
If you’ve booked (or are thinking of booking) a photo shoot, I’m sure one of the first things you’ve thought is “what am I going to wear to my session?”
What you decide to wear is one of the most important details of your session. Colour, style and cohesion can bring in another dimension of emotion, which is what we're after, right? Thoughtfully chosen outfits will take your photos from great to AMAZING. So what the heck should you wear to your photo shoot?
So many people struggle with this that I started to invest in a client wardrobe of outfits available that are simple and timeless, that I know will photograph well in line with my style.
Top tip: keep what you wear simple and neutral, and liven it up with textures.
Outfits for photo shoots - client wardrobe
I select garments for my client wardrobe based on what photographs well and works well with my particular style of shooting and editing.
The collection is always growing and I have clothing options for most ages and sizes. I love having some creative input on what you wear to you session and will happily help you plan the wardrobe for the whole family, with honest opinions and suggestions.
If you are interested in using something of mine, visit my catalogue.
If you're on Instagram, search #ccpclientcloset.
If you're wanting to find your own outfits here is some Pinsperation for you!
Tips for selecting outfits to wear for a photo shoot
Colours
Outfit Co-ordinating
When planning outfits for your baby or family photoshoot, it’s important to understand that what works in everyday life may not translate that well for the camera. This is the only occasion where you have to consider what everyone is wearing and how it looks a unit, as opposed to getting everyone looking nice in their own way.
The days have passed of families all wearing white shirts and blue jeans/beige trousers - this is really dated and boring! In contemporary family photography there is more variety, and everyone can wear something unique as long as when all put together the effect is pleasing.
This is a vague place to start, but at the very least I ask my clients coming for a family photoshoot to simply be mindful of how outfits pair as a whole.
If in doubt, go for natural, neutral colours. I love the muted tones of taupe, cream, beige, light brown, off white/ivory, and muted forest green, aubergine, khaki, charcoal. Dusty pink and shades of grey always look great too. This type of palette suits all skin tones and environments, as well as my editing style. The great thing about sticking to a muted or earthy palette is that it’s pretty easy to avoid colour clashes.
Colour used with intention can add to the emotion and mood of a session. If you're going to have any bright or primary colours make sure they are there for a reason. I even advise to avoid black or white if you can.
Patterns
Like colours, choose with care. Subtle prints, patterns and florals can look beautiful when mixed up with more plain garments. Avoid overuse of stripes (one outfit with stripes at the most), and check shirts. These can look smart and cute in everyday use, but are quite busy for photos.
The best advice I can give is to maybe have one element that is patterned (eg, mum’s dress), and then everyone else with plainer blocks of colour. Accessories are brilliant at bringing everything together - like cardigans or textures on a top etc.
Texture
Textures in photos is one of my favourite things. I love ruffles, hand knits, chiffon, tulle, tiers, crepe, linen, cashmere... accessories are a great way to incorporate more texture and add interest to your outfits and images.
Style
Ladies
Simple, cute, elegant, boho… whatever style you feel is most YOU, really go for it. Invest in something nice that fits perfectly and has you feeling amazing. Even if it’s just a new pair of dungarees! Seriously!
I love flowing maxi dresses and skirts in family sessions, and bump photo shoots and even newborn sessions. They add so much movement, can be tossed around and played with, and bring texture and romance to your images. They are flattering, hiding lines and bumps, and awkward leg positions. For maternity sessions they hang beautifully off your bump.
Borrow from my client collection or treat yourself - there are plenty of styles and ideas on my Pinterest board.
You'll be sitting, maybe lying down, bending etc, so bear that in mind with loose top fronts. Don't wear anything that you have to keep adjusting - sleeves that fall down, bra straps that stray etc. Don’t keep hairbands around your wrist. Cut off those silly things they put on the neckline of everything to keep it on the hanger. The last thing you want is a beautiful shot ruined because of a wardrobe malfunction.
If you have to wear jeans, then do, but if you can find something else it’s better (even wide leg trousers).
Little ones
Neutrals, whites, earthy tones and rustic textures are perfect for baby photography sessions. Stretchy one-piece outfits are lovely. I love rompers and dungarees on all ages. Toddlers and babies can even be stripped off to a vest or nappy for some shots. Keep outfits simple, sweet and comfortable looking. My suggested shops below supply gorgeous clothes which you can order online, or you can look for something similar on the high street.
Steer clear of cartoon characters and graphics, clothes that are too big (they should be a snug fit) and anything too fussy or colourful.
Baby girls in dresses usually end up with the dress bunched up and it’s normally better in a shoot for them to have something that fastens like a romper.
Men
Jeans/neutral chinos with a plain long sleeve stretch t-shirt or linen button up shirt is perfect. Rough knits in winter - so comforting and masculine! Something simple with a bit of texture will photograph well.
Try to avoid your work shirts (boring and too formal). Logos, graphics or writing on shirt fronts should be avoided. No hoodies or football shirts! There are plenty of examples on my Pinterest board for men too.
Gorgeous tones and outfit choice at Porthcurnick Beach on the Roseland in this maternity session
Grooming
Don’t overlook this important aspect when preparing for your family session. Hair, nails, moisturising, being well hydrated all helps you look and feel your best. Avoid fake tan and coloured nail polish.
Book haircuts if you need to, about 1-2 weeks before the session so they have time to settle and let those sharp lines soften a bit.
Professional Hair & Make up
This is not something you need, and in my experience wanting to have this done can bring a lot more stress to the day. I am very much about capturing laid back, natural photos of you as you are, and there is absolutely no need for professional hairdos of make up. But do treat yourself to a demo at your local Boots if you like, you can buy a few products and do it yourself on the day.
It’s the balance between no effort and too much effort. Just do what makes you feel good.
Shops I love...
Some of my favourite suppliers are internationally based so make sure you order well in advance of our session to ensure they arrive in time. Shopping under pressure is never fun so don't leave it til later! This should be a really fun part of the process!
Women
Littles
Notice that I do not have stores like Frugi on the list… I really prefer neutrals for photo shoots!
Men
Shop for bargains on Vinted. You could include 'boho/ruffles/tiers/maxi' in your search terms and you'll find more of the type of thing that works. My favourite brands to search for are Free People, Anthropologie, Noa Noa, Spell and the Gypsy, Zara, Boden :)
(These are my suggestions based on my style - you should base choices on what you’ll feel most yourself in)
Find what suits you best, wear something you love, and you'll rock your session!
One more thing…
It’s important to also consider where your photoshoot is happening. The studio vibe is different to a woodland, and what you choose to wear will blend in (or not) in different scenarios. If we’re having a studio session the backdrops & decor is generally neutral - whites, beiges etc.
Beach - think blue sea, brown rocks & sand, green vegetation if there are areas like that. Forest is a lot more busy, dappled, browns and greens.
Examples from three different shoots down with this family in different locations, showing how beautifully they styled to match the environment.
Book a session
I’m Michelle and I am a newborn, baby and family photographer in Cornwall, UK. I have been photographing the beauty and chaos of growing families for 11+ years and each session includes a pre-session consultation in which we discuss things like styling and outfits, and I am always on hand to help my clients with these decisions - sourcing outfits for them to look at online or offering items from my client wardrobe.
Get in touch if you would like to enquire about availability or pricing!