What the Heck Do I Wear to

My Portrait Session?

A photographer’s friendly guide when your wardrobe is giving you stage fright.

So, you’ve booked your portrait session (high five 🖐️), the date is locked in, and now the panic sets in…
“What the heck do I even wear?”

Don’t stress — as a photographer (and someone who also stares into his wardrobe wondering why everything is either black or mysteriously covered in cat hair), I totally get it. Choosing an outfit for photos can feel weirdly high-stakes. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated, and I’m here to help.

A man and woman embrace against a large boulder in a rugged outdoor landscape with mountains in the background.

Tip One: Be You… But a Slightly Polished Version

If you’re a jeans-and-tee kind of person, great — rock that look! Just make it your “going to a cool brunch” version, not your “Sunday arvo couch potato” version.
Your outfit should feel like you, just with a bit of extra care (and maybe a lint roller involved).

A young woman with dark hair smiling in a white dress and pearl necklace standing in a field of yellow flowers with green trees in the background.

Tip Two: Neutral Tones = Your Best Mate

I know that Hawaiian shirt is your personality in fabric form, but let’s maybe save that for the backyard BBQ.
Neutrals like beige, tan, white, black, olive, rust, navy and soft pastels photograph so well and won’t pull attention away from your face.
The goal is timeless — not “2020s fashion fail in 10 years.”

Two women walking hand in hand along a coastal dirt path during sunset, with cliffs and the ocean in the background.

Tip Three: Complement, Don’t Clone

Doing a shoot with your partner or family? You don’t need to go full matchy-matchy.
(Unless that’s your thing. In which case, power to you — and please bring the matching hats.)

Instead, aim to coordinate rather than duplicate. Think: same colour family, similar vibe, but not identical. It’ll look put-together without looking like a uniform.

A couple holding hands and walking outdoors on a dirt path surrounded by trees with bare branches, wearing white and beige clothing

Tip Four: Avoid Loud Logos & Distracting Prints

Nothing ruins an otherwise epic portrait like a massive “JUST DO IT” across your chest.
Leave the branded gear and wild patterns at home — we want the focus to be on you, not your shirt’s sponsorship deal.

A smiling woman in a long black dress holding hands with a man in a dark sweater and jeans on a wooden pier over water, with other people in the background during cloudy weather.

Tip Five: Comfort > Everything

If you’re tugging at a waistband or praying your shirt doesn’t wrinkle weirdly, it’ll show in the photos.
Confidence looks better than couture — wear something that lets you move, breathe, and laugh without thinking twice.

Notable Mentions

Shoes matter. People always forget this. Your thrashed old runners? Probably not the move.
Iron it. Or at least make sure it doesn’t look like it’s lived in the bottom of your laundry basket.
Bring options. Not sure? Bring a backup or two. I’m happy to help you decide on the spot.
Props? Accessories? Pets? Heck yes. They add personality and fun.