What do I wear?!
The question I get asked most often is, “What should I wear to my photo session?”
Honestly, it’s one of the hardest decisions for many clients—often more stressful than picking a location, date, or even what to do with the final images. My answer is always the same: be yourself.
The best photos happen when you feel comfortable and confident. You want to look like you—not a version of yourself styled to please Pinterest. Overthinking or dressing in something that doesn’t fit your personality (or the environment) can make the photos feel stiff. So, start there: wear something that feels true to you.
Here are some tips to help make wardrobe choices easy and stress-free:
Family Photo Sessions
For family portraits, the goal is to coordinate, not match.
Think of your family’s wardrobe as a color story. Choose colors that complement one another, rather than everyone wearing the same exact shade. For example, soft pastels or earth tones can flow beautifully together, while one bright, bold color can easily steal the spotlight (and not in a good way).
If your shoot includes young kids or a baby, keep the adults in neutral tones and let the child wear a color that pops—this naturally draws attention to them as the heart of the image.
For larger families, pick a color palette (like autumn shades or navy and mustard) and use neutrals—jeans, khakis, white, gray—to balance it out.
A few more quick tips:
Subtle patterns (like plaids, stripes, or lace) add texture and depth.
Avoid large logos or loud prints—they pull focus from your faces.
Choose outfits that blend with your background (for example, soft neutrals for outdoor settings).
The goal is always to highlight your family’s connection—not your clothing.
This family chose shades of blue with tight pattern.
Engagement Sessions
Engagement sessions are full of love, excitement, and personality—your wardrobe should reflect that!
Choose outfits that complement each other in both color and style. If one partner is in a romantic, flowy dress, the other might choose something classic but relaxed to match the mood. Keep your colors in the same family—warm tones or cool tones—with one or two accents to make it interesting (like a scarf, tie, or jewelry).
Keep your location in mind, too.
Soft, airy tones look beautiful in nature; bolder colors stand out in city settings.
Limit yourself to two outfits at most—enough for variety, but not so much that it distracts from your story. The goal is to have your photos flow together naturally, capturing who you are as a couple.
Headshots & Business Portraits
When it comes to professional photos, simplicity is key.
Stick to clean, classic looks—think neutral blazers with a pop of color in your blouse or tie. Solid colors always photograph best and help draw attention to your face.
Jewelry should be minimal (small earrings or a simple necklace), and makeup should enhance your natural features without overpowering them. Keep the focus on your eyes—connection is what makes a headshot stand out.
Your business portrait is often your first impression—let it reflect your confidence, professionalism, and approachability.
With more than 18 years of experience behind the camera, I’ve learned that the best photos aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. When you feel comfortable, confident, and connected, your images will naturally reflect that.
Capture moments while you make memories.
— Jacqui DePas, By Jacqui Photography
