When it comes to planning a photoshoot, choosing the right outfit is just as important as picking the right location. Your clothing sets the tone for your images and can completely change the final look and feel. Whether you’re planning a family session, couple’s shoot, or solo portraits, this guide will walk you through how to choose clothing that’s comfortable, flattering, and—most importantly—true to your personal style.
As your photographer, my goal is to capture you—not just what’s trendy or expected. Your photos should reflect who you are while creating a cohesive, timeless aesthetic that makes your images shine for years to come.
✨ Color Matters—Let’s Talk About It
The Power of Neutrals
Neutral tones are a classic choice for a reason. Soft whites, creams, taupes, browns, grays, muted greens, and beiges photograph beautifully in nearly any setting and lighting. These colors help skin tones glow and avoid drawing attention away from your face or the connection between people in your photos.
Neutrals also blend effortlessly with natural backdrops—whether you’re in the desert, on the beach, or in the mountains—and allow your surroundings to complement the moment, not compete with it.
What About Black?
Black is absolutely okay—and for some people, it’s a core part of their personal style. It’s clean, classic, and flattering. In the right lighting, black adds drama and contrast that can look incredibly elevated and elegant.
The key is balance. If one person in a group is wearing white and another is in all black, the extreme differences in brightness can cause uneven light reflections and distract from the overall harmony of your photo. Try to stay within a similar brightness range across outfits to ensure visual cohesion. For example, if one person is in black, another could wear charcoal, forest green, or rust to keep the tones rich and balanced without clashing.
Why Bright, Vibrant Colors Are Tricky
Neon or highly saturated hues like hot pink, bright red, cobalt blue, or lime green can reflect unnatural tones onto skin—especially in natural light. This often results in color casts that are difficult to remove in post-processing and can make skin tones appear off.
If you love color, stick to muted versions of your favorite tones: think dusty rose instead of hot pink, sage green instead of lime, or navy instead of bright blue. Muted and earthy tones not only photograph better—they also help your images feel timeless rather than trendy.
🎨 Color Harmony for Groups & Couples
When planning outfits for multiple people, coordination is more important than matching. You don’t want everyone in the exact same outfit—but you do want everyone to feel like they belong in the same photo.
Here’s how to make that happen:
Choose a Shared Color Palette
Start with a base of neutrals (ivory, tan, soft gray, muted green) and build around it with one or two accent colors. Think:
- Earthy tones: olive, rust, camel, cream
- Cool tones: navy, dusty blue, charcoal, stone
- Soft tones: blush, lavender-gray, warm taupe
Stick to no more than 3–4 colors total to maintain harmony.
Match Color Brightness, Not Color Itself
What often throws group photos off isn’t the color—it’s the brightness of the color. If one person wears bright white and another wears dark forest green, your eyes will be pulled unevenly across the photo.
Aim to have everyone wear colors of a similar tone or depth. For example, pair deep jewel tones with other mid-to-dark colors, or light neutrals with similarly soft tones. This creates visual balance and prevents distracting contrasts.
🧥 Texture, Layers, and Styling Tips
Mix Textures, Not Loud Patterns
Avoid bold stripes, polka dots, logos, or text. These tend to distract and don’t photograph well. Instead, add visual interest through texture—think lace, linen, waffle knits, soft denim, or cozy sweaters. These elements layer beautifully in photos and give your outfit movement and dimension without overwhelming the image.
Layers Add Comfort and Style
Layers aren’t just functional—they’re flattering. They allow for small changes in your look and keep things feeling effortless. A jacket, shawl, or scarf can add shape, movement, and variety without needing a full outfit change.
👣 Footwear and Practical Considerations
Choose shoes that match your outfit and the setting. If we’ll be shooting outdoors, heels may not be the best fit—opt for neutral-toned boots, sandals, flats, or even barefoot on soft sand. Avoid overly trendy or logo-heavy shoes. Let your clothing and natural expressions take center stage.
💡 Final Thoughts
- Be yourself. The best photos happen when you feel confident and comfortable.
- Dress for movement. Flowing skirts, relaxed fits, and breathable fabrics look beautiful and allow for natural posing.
- Avoid last-minute outfits. Try your look on ahead of time so you’re not stressed the day of your session.
- Ask me for help! I'm more than happy to review outfit ideas before your shoot.
📍PS – Based in Lake Havasu City?
I offer professional photoshoots in Lake Havasu and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re drawn to golden desert light, lake views, or adventurous mountain backdrops, I’m here to help you plan a session that feels effortless and looks stunning.
Ready to create something beautiful together? Reach out and let’s talk!
xoxo,
Airy