Style is important!


What you wear to your session can make or break it. I’m not even trying to be dramatic, but have you ever seen the photos where everyone is wearing the exact same thing and just cringe? Yeah, that’s what were trying to avoid here. But no need to stress, this simple guide will help you pick out a perfect outfit that not only reflects who you are but also compliments the scenery of where you’ll be shooting!

Candid outdoor couples portrait in casual attire sitting back-to-back in wooded setting.
Playful family portrait in woodland setting showing three generations having fun together.

Stick with what you know!


When planning your outfits for your portrait session, make sure you choose something that reflects who you are along with your true style! Don’t feel pressured to dress a certain way just because you feel like you have to! You’ll feel more confident in something that you know you love— which then reflects in your vibe throughout your shoot! I will typically have my clients bring at least two outfits, one more formal and one more casual— but you can switch it up to your own liking and how you see fits you and yours the best!

Two figures stand together in a tall grass meadow on an autumn day.
Elegant couple poses between white columns with fall foliage in background.
Person in white lace dress holding blue and white balloons outdoors.
Close up of romantic couple sharing tender moment against blurred green background.
Adult and child playing together in fallen autumn leaves.
Family of four poses together among desert cacti and stone landscaping.
Couple shares intimate moment outdoors, wearing red dress and white shirt.
Professional headshot against teal wall with gold accents.
Family of four sitting together on rustic wooden bench outdoors.
Couple walking along waterfront with urban skyline in background.
A family walks together on a paved path through a garden landscape on an autumn day.
A couple strolls along a rustic path surrounded by tall dried grass and autumn foliage.

Dress for the location & weather


This one is a no brainer. Make sure you’re dressing appropriately for the weather and location! That means if it’s going to be hot, don’t wear a sweater and jeans, and if it’s cold, don’t go out in a mini dress! You also need to be aware of the type of shoes you’ll be wearing for certain locations and terrain. I always suggest to bring an extra pair of walking shoes so if you do plan on wearing heels or uncomfortable shoes, you’ll have something to switch into for the walking portion!

Person wearing a plaid shirt and brown hat relaxes in a field of tall grass on a sunny day.
A cozy winter scene with someone sitting on a wooden bench wearing warm boots and a white sweater.
Child in green dress holds ghost umbrella on wooden walkway covered in fall leaves.
Two small children sit on a blanket surrounded by fall leaves with holiday decorations.
A group in red sweaters jumps simultaneously on a paved walkway during a fun outdoor photoshoot.
A joyful moment captured on a porch with sunlight streaming through trees in the background.
A stylish woman in a red coat and black hat poses on a city walkway on a foggy day.
A romantic couple walks under a stone archway on a path during golden hour.
A family poses together in front of a blue arched door set in an old stone wall.
Child holding black umbrella on wooden boardwalk covered in autumn leaves on cloudy day.

Complimentary colors!


The best rule of thumb is to stick to neutrals. That means wearing solid colors (not neons) and sticking with clothing that doesn’t have any crazy patterns or logos. You’ll also want to take into consideration the location that you’ll be shooting in— if you’re shooting in a forest, you’ll want to stay away from greens or browns since you’ll blend in to the background, etc. A good go to is lighter colors such as whites, beiges, and pastel colors. All black outfits can work as well, as long as the background isn’t dark!

Intimate outdoor portrait of couple embracing and laughing together on bright sunny day.
Romantic couple sharing tender moment on outdoor bench during golden hour.

Casual outfits examples.


Denim is simple and can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on your preference! You can wear light wash, dark wash or black denim with a simple, solid colored shirt! You can both wear denim for a more relaxed and casual vibe. Throw on a cute hat or beanie and you have a super casual (but cute) outfit for your sesh!

Couple standing in front of rustic blue arched door against stone wall.
Family of four sharing intimate moment among blooming blue wildflowers in wooded setting.

Dressy outfit examples.


If you want to dress it up a bit and make more of a statement, then you can’t go wrong with a flowy dress and some dress pants/shirt. Feel free to go as extra as you want— you can keep the dress super simple and casual or you can get an over the top dress! For the guys, you can opt for dress pants and a button down shirt, or even wear a full tux! Whatever floats your boat!

Flowing red dress catches wind in artistic maternity photo shoot outdoors.
Family dressed in formal red and grey attire poses together in autumn forest setting.
Expectant mother in pastel dress holds flower against snowy winter backdrop.
Winter maternity photo featuring couple in pastel flowing gown against snowy backdrop.
A maternity portrait in a red off-shoulder dress surrounded by autumn foliage and natural sunlight.
A romantic maternity photo of a couple in a red dress among lush greenery.
A romantic couple poses under blooming cherry blossom trees with a pink flowy dress.
A wedding portrait featuring a couple in white lace dress and striped pants outdoors.
A couple in formal attire walking between columns with the Washington Monument in background.
A family walking together under blooming cherry blossom trees on a spring day.