Natural Portrait Photography Wardrobe Tips

There are basic wardrobe/clothing guidelines for natural, outdoor portrait photography,  but also keep in mind what style or theme your session might be photographed in. For instance, if you are wanting a GOT themed photo shoot, then obviously shorts and a t shirt will not be in keeping with that theme and if it is a high school senior sports session you don’t want to show up in a party dress or suit.

So, let’s start with some basic portrait photography wardrobe tips and please do remember there are always exception to the rules, so perhaps look at the below tips as wardrobe guidelines and not set in stone.

• Avoid very pale, white and light clothing unless worn under a jacket or sweater as light colors can make you looked a bit washed out. However if you really want a light outfit, ivory is much more flattering than white and can be quite beautiful in a garden or studio portrait setting.

• If this is a couple or family session please do not all match by wearing the same color. It is sometimes fun when everyone wears something the same color, like perhaps a blue scarf on one person and blue trousers on another but to be matched perfectly looks too dated and unnatural.

• Please keep away from bold patterns and logos or writing; natural colors, tweeds and floral prints for the girls are the best choice.

• Please be sure your undergarment straps are not visible as they do have a habit of sneaking out during photo sessions and a very expensive retouching edit to fix in photo shop.

• Unless you are very thin, bare arms are not the best idea as they can compete for attention in your photos and actually appear larger than they really are. 

• It is also a good idea to have several outfits, one dressy, one slightly casual and one casual.

• Sweats and jogging suits should aways be avoided.

• If your photo session is out of doors and will include streams, rivers or waterfalls, be sure and bring an extra set of clothes you won’t mind getting wet. 

• If your dress or shirt is likely to wrinkle, hang it in your car and change when you get to the photo location if possible.

• For outdoor portrait sessions shoes are also very important. We sometimes end up in the high brush or tall grass, sometimes it can be a tad muddy, so be sure your shoes will suit your location. A normal two hour portrait session involves a lot of walking, so be sure your shoes are also comfortable and easy to walk in.

• Make sure you remove items from your pockets. Keys, cell phones, etc all can be visible in photos so try and leave them behind if possible or bring along a carryall to keep them in.

• Please feel free to email me photos of the clothes you have in mind and we can talk about what will work great and what might not be the best selection. I am also happy to send along my preferred color palette for the tine of year your session will be as the landscape changes so dramatically here in Vermont from the vibrant greens of summer to the bright foliage in the fall to the muted greens, browns and whites of winter.