Booked a photo shoot and wondering what to wear? We’ve put together some pro tips to help you choose outfits that will have you looking your best and feeling even better. Let’s create some *stylish* memories together! (Want a quick hit? See our reel!)
Before the Shoot
Before we dive in, the absolute most important (and only) rule is that you wear something that feels like you. Choose what you FEEL REALLY GOOD IN! If you’re not loving what you’re wearing, it will show in the photos. On the flip side, if you love and feel super confident in what you’re wearing – it will show too! You know yourself best, so whether you want to wear your most loved pair of jeans and rock a natural look, go all out with a glamorous black tie wardrobe, or dress somewhere in between, it’s up to you. Whatever you choose, the photos will still be amazing. Don’t feel pressured to wear something you’re not comfortable with because in 20 years, it’s you who will be looking back on the memories!
Tip #1: Options, options, options
If you have room in your suitcase, bring a couple of outfit possibilities on your trip! The outfit you thought was perfection a week ago may not be your number one choice on the day of the shoot. Maybe something spills in your bag, or a random change in weather has you wishing for a sweater rather than a tank top. Something unexpected always arises on a trip, but stressing about your clothing shouldn’t be one of them!
This couple chose two different outfits for their shoot that both complement each other’s style and the surroundings.
Tip #2: We love movement
A Flytographer shoot is all about exploring your travel destination, so choose outfits that you’re able to move around in comfortably. Try to avoid restrictive clothes that take the focus off having fun on the shoot. High heels may not be the best choice for cobblestoned streets and tight jeans on a sandy beach could have you wishing for a breezier alternative.
Trendy white and grey sneakers work well with their outfits and are practical on the cobbled streets.
His shirt and tan shorts complement the pop of red of her dress without competing for attention.
This gorgeous pleated dress is full of movement while the vibrant green contrasts beautifully with the rich yellow sand.
With flowy dresses and shorts, this family is ready for a playful shoot on the beach. They coordinated their colour palette with reds and blues without getting overly matchy.
Tip #3: Little details, huge difference
Try to avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily or show sweat stains, as it’s not always possible to hide them. Especially for shoots in hot, tropical locations, choose flowy dresses, fabrics that breathe like linen & cotton, and lighter colours that will hide sweat. For cooler climates, choose outfits that are both cute and functional (i.e. warm!). It’s harder for everyone, especially the little ones, to focus on enjoying the shoot and looking their best when teeth are chattering.
This couple chose light and airy, soft white fabrics to coordinate with the hillside architecture of Santorini and keep the heat at bay.
The wee ones are bundled up while the parents stay warm in coordinating winter outerwear.
One person in patterns and the other in solids in similar shades is a great way to balance each other without pulling focus.
Show off your personal style with your favourite jackets layered over clothing that feels like you.
Her white linen dress and his outfit work well together and are appropriate for the hot weather.
Especially when you’re pregnant, it’s important to stay comfortable. This couple chose light cotton and linens for their outfits and kept cool in the shade during their shoot in the California desert.
Tip #4: Layers, layers, layers!
If the weather allows for it, layering items such as scarves, sweaters, jackets, necklaces, watches, and hats are great ways to add texture and visual interest to your photos. Just be careful not to overdo it! YOU are the focus of your shoot, not your outfit.
A trench and denim jacket combo over a white top and jeans is cool and sophisticated while also staying in line with the milder season.
This family kept warm in the snow with appropriate outerwear in a matching neutral colour palette.
Classic trench and camel coats over neutral pants and layered with scarves and an umbrella is a timeless look for a rainy fall shoot.
This couple wore trendy toques to keep cozy on their winter shoot in Canada.
Tip #5: Shoes are important
A thoughtful choice here can really make your outfit, so shine up your best pair for the shoot. Be sure to think of the terrain at your location: high heels do not play well with cobblestones, grass, chip trails or sand.
European cobblestones can be hard to navigate in high shoes, so a stylish lower heel is always a safe bet.
Beach shoot? Forget the shoes and go barefoot!
Don’t forget to get a pedicure if strappy sandals are part of your outfit!
Tip #6: Things to avoid
* Large logos or t-shirts with images and/or text – it is distracting and pulls focus away from you.
* All white or all black outfits can be difficult to photograph without losing detail in shadows or highlights.
* Overly matched – complementing your partner’s outfit is great, but being too “matchy” can look dated (eg. everyone in the same patterned shirt or matching jackets).
This couple followed the rules of comfort, fit, movement, and wearing good shoes so they could forget about their clothing and just focus on having fun with each other during their shoot.
Tip #7: Think about hair & makeup
* Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done before your shoot! Being confident in your appearance will help make you more relaxed during your shoot, which in turn leads to more sincere and authentic photos.
* Unless you’re going for a stylized look, avoid any major hair or makeup changes. You want to look great, but you also want to look yourself.
* If you’re celebrating a recent engagement or are on honeymoon and might want a close-up shot of your rings, don’t forget to have your nails done as well.
Tip #8: Timeless vs trendy
We’ve all made a few fashion choices in the past that we wish we could take back. What seemed hip 10 years ago might now have you shaking your head wondering what you were thinking! Aim for a timeless look that will continue to resonate in later years.
You can never go wrong with a classic blue suit!
This family dressed their adorable daughters in black tutus with white jackets and chose timeless complementary looks for themselves.
This couple wears hats, mitts, and jackets in shades of cream, black and tan for a winter look that will stay stylish for years to come.
Tip #9: Fit is Key
Nothing is more flattering to your figure than an outfit that truly fits well. Try to avoid baggy clothing which will leave you looking boxy or anything overly tight that might restrict your movement. Our two best tips to make sure you’ve got it right?
1. Put on your chosen outfit and have someone take a quick pic of you on your phone. Do you like how it looks on you? If not, what can you do to change it, if anything? (If it’s a lighter colour or material, don’t forget to go outside with the sun to your side/back to make sure your outfit doesn’t become see-through in the daylight!)
2. Tailor your clothing for the perfect fit — the expense pays itself off because you will wear what you feel and look good in more often.
This chic outfit is all about layered tone-on-tone, giving the wearer an elongated shape.
This fully-accessorized suit and tie play perfectly with pattern and colour for a hip retro feel that turns heads.
Experiment with shapes, textures, colours, and patterns to find what makes your outfit YOU.
These friends wear tailored matching ball gowns to lend elegance to their shoot in Portugal.
During the Shoot
Tip #1: Travel light
* Try not to carry anything with you that you wouldn’t want in the photos. Your photographer will do their best to help with small items (like your phone/keys which they can tuck into their camera bag), but they do have plenty of equipment to carry as well, so it’s best to leave whatever you don’t absolutely need back at the hotel, like bulky jackets and bags.
*Tip: If it is too cold to go without a jacket to stay warm between shots, bring a tote or similar that you can put your jacket into and then set it down just outside the frame of the camera — just make sure it’s a bag that you are fine to put on the ground!
* Keep items in your pockets to a minimum, as anything too bulky will show through your clothing and be a bit distracting. (Unless you’ve got a ring box in your pocket and are about to propose!)
Group photos can be tricky to coordinate outfits, but suggesting a soft colour palette and minimal patterns keeps one person from becoming the unintended focus.
So much style to learn from here: a crisp blue suit paired with trendy white sneakers, a flowy black and pink dress with modern low heels, topped off with a vignette in front of the Eiffel Tower … can it get any chicer than this?
Tip #2: Props are fun
* If you’re nervous in front of the camera, having a prop to interact with can be the perfect distraction.
* Get creative and bring a little chalkboard sign and some chalk! If you’re shooting in a green space, bring a blanket and some books to read or make a little picnic. If you’re in the city, find the nearest street vendor and share a pretzel or an ice cream cone. If you have a prop that also has some significance to your relationship, even better!
*Props can be especially helpful for younger children that have difficulty keeping still.
(Blog post here)
Using this red car was a fun way to add some colour and interest to this shot.
Don’t let a little rain stop your shoot — style it up with a colourful umbrella as a fun prop!
Do you have hobbies or passions that you’d like to incorporate?
The stuffed lion kept the son entertained during the shoot, especially when it was the parents’ turn for couple shots!
Tip #3: Break the rules that don’t make sense to you
Remember, these are just suggestions — there’s no “one size fits all” for style. Feel free to get creative and, most importantly, have fun on your shoot!
If you have any questions, reach out to the Flytographer shoot concierge team and they’ll be happy to help.
