Style Guide for Your Portrait Session
- Shannon Edney
- May 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 15
Deciding what to wear for your portrait session can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and some expert tips, you can create a polished, cohesive look that enhances your portraits and makes you feel confident in front of the camera. This guide will help you select the perfect wardrobe for your session, ensuring that your photos are as timeless and beautiful as your memories.
Comfort is key
The most important rule is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re not at ease in your outfit, it will show in your photos. Choose pieces that fit well and allow you to move freely—after all, portraits are about capturing genuine moments, not stiff poses!
Coordinate, don't match
Gone are the days of everyone in matching white shirts and jeans. Instead, aim for coordinating colors and tones that complement each other without being too “matchy-matchy.” Think about sticking to a color palette of 2-3 complementary shades to create a unified look.
Go for timeless over trendy
While it’s tempting to wear the latest fashion trends, choosing timeless pieces ensures your portraits will look classic and elegant for years to come. Avoid bold patterns, logos, or anything that might distract from the people in the photo. Solid colors, soft textures, and simple prints often photograph beautifully.
Layer up
Layers add depth and dimension to your photos. For example, a cardigan, jacket, or scarf can be a great way to add variety without changing outfits. Layers also work well for outdoor sessions, allowing you to adjust to changing temperatures.
Consider your location
The setting of your session can play a big role in determining what to wear. For outdoor sessions in nature, neutral tones and earthy colors work beautifully. For an urban setting, consider bolder colors or sleeker outfits. Think about how your wardrobe will complement the environment without blending in too much.
Add personal touches
Accessories like jewelry, hats, or even a special family heirloom can add a meaningful, personal touch to your portraits. Just be sure to keep accessories minimal so they don’t overpower the image.
Plan for everyone
If your session includes multiple people, think of the group as a whole. Start with one outfit you love and build everyone else’s looks around it, making sure the colors and styles work together.
Mind the footwear
Shoes matter! Be sure your footwear matches the formality and style of your outfit. And if your session involves walking or being outdoors, bring comfortable shoes to wear between shots.
Prepare ahead of time
Lay out your outfits a few days before the session to make sure everything fits and is clean and wrinkle-free. This will save you last-minute stress and give you time to make adjustments if needed.
Still unsure? I've got you covered!
As part of your session experience, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive Style Guide filled with tips, inspiration, and color palette ideas to make wardrobe planning easy and fun. During our pre-session consultation, we can also discuss your outfit choices to ensure they align with your vision for the session.
Let's create timeless portraits together
Your wardrobe plays an important role in creating portraits you’ll love forever, but remember—what matters most is capturing the authentic connections and emotions that make your story unique. I’m here to guide you every step of the way to ensure your session is relaxed, enjoyable, and perfectly you.
Ready to book your session? Let’s chat!
#PortraitStyleGuide #WhatToWear #ShannonEdneyPortraits #TreasureValleyPhotography #IdahoPortraitPhotographer
Hi, I’m Shannon—a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience behind the lens.
Known for my warm approach and eye for detail, I believe every session is an opportunity to create not just beautiful portraits, but meaningful experiences.
Whether we’re crafting your new favorite family portrait, capturing the love and connection between two people, or celebrating the milestone of senior year, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
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