Session Tips

What to Wear to Your Photography Session: A Complete Guide

5 min read · · By Maisy Evans

One of the most common questions I get before a session is: “What should we wear?” It's a great question — your wardrobe choices have a massive impact on how your photos look and feel. Here's everything you need to know.

Stick to a Coordinated Palette

You don't need to match — matching outfits can actually look stiff and dated. Instead, choose a colour palette of 2–4 colours and have each person pull from that palette. Earth tones (beige, cream, sage, terracotta) are timeless and photograph beautifully outdoors. Navy, white, and soft greys work well for a crisp, premium look.

Avoid neon colours or anything that will be distracting in the final image.

Patterns: Use With Care

Subtle patterns — small florals, soft stripes, delicate textures — can add visual interest. Bold patterns, large graphics, and logos tend to draw the eye away from faces, which is where you want the attention to be. If in doubt, solid colours are always safe.

Layers Add Depth

Cardigans, denim jackets, scarves, and blazers add dimension to your outfit and give us more styling options during the session. They also help if the temperature changes — especially important for outdoor sessions in Alberta, where evenings can cool down quickly.

Prioritise Comfort

If you're uncomfortable, it shows in the photos. Wear something you feel confident in. This is especially important for kids — if they're in something they find restrictive or itchy, they'll be fidgety and unhappy. Comfort = better candid moments.

Think About the Ground

For outdoor sessions in parks or fields, consider your footwear. Heels on grass rarely work well. Comfortable shoes you can walk and move in will keep the session flowing naturally.

Accessories: Keep It Simple

A few meaningful accessories — a necklace, a watch, a hat — can elevate your look beautifully. But avoid oversized or clunky jewellery that might detract from your face.

For Group Sessions: Coordinate, Don't Clone

Pick a colour story and let each person express their personality within it. If Mum is in a sage green dress and Dad is in khaki chinos with a white shirt, the kids might wear soft greens, creams, or warm neutrals. The result looks cohesive without looking like you raided the same clothing rack.

When in Doubt, Send Me a Photo

Seriously — I'm always happy to give a thumbs up or suggest adjustments before your session. Just send your outfit choices my way when you book and I'll make sure you look incredible.

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