What to wear for a photo session — it is one of the first questions I hear when we book a date. It applies to maternity, newborn and family sessions alike. Good styling really makes a difference in the photos. That is why I have gathered specific tips below: which colours and fabrics work best, what to avoid and how to dress the whole family in a coordinated way without looking like you are in costume.
Colours
Go for an earthy palette: beige, ecru, sand, sage green, muted blue, warm grey. These shades go well with the bright studio interior and do not date in photos.
Avoid bright colours and large logos — they cast colour onto the skin and draw the eye away from faces. Subtle patterns, such as a small check or a muted print, work much better than intense colours.
Fabrics and cuts
Linen, cotton, knitwear, silk and chiffon drape softly and respond beautifully to light. Stiff, shiny fabrics come out worse, because they create hard, unnatural folds in photos.
What to wear for a maternity session
For a maternity session, long, flowing dresses that show off the bump work well. Fitted short-sleeved tops are also great, especially paired with simple trousers or a maxi skirt. If you are looking for inspiration, take a look at the full maternity session offer — you will find more example outfits there.
What to wear for a newborn session
A newborn is most often photographed in a wrap or a delicate bodysuit. Everything is already waiting in the studio, so you do not need to buy anything. Parents and siblings can dress in the same muted colour palette as the rest of the family, so that the photos form a coherent whole.
What to wear for a family session
Do not dress identically. Choose two or three base colours and spread them across everyone, mixing shades and textures. This way the styling looks natural rather than like a uniform. Also bring a spare outfit for your child, just in case. You will find more about preparing children for photos in the family session guide.
Summary
The answer to the question of what to wear for a photo session always comes down to the same thing. Muted colours, natural fabrics and a little coordination instead of identical clothes. If you still have doubts, write to me before the session. I will be happy to help you choose your outfits, using Pinterest, for example, as a starting point for our conversation.
