What to Wear to Your Photo Session (And What to Leave in the Closet)

I have been asked this question more times than I can count and I will never get tired of it because honestly it's a great question and the answer matters more than people think.

What you wear to your session affects how you feel in your session. And how you feel in your session affects every single photo. So let's talk about it properly.

The only rule that actually matters.

Wear something you would actually put on on a normal Saturday. That's it. That's the foundation everything else is built on.

If you're constantly tugging at a hemline or holding your breath to keep something done up, it's going to show on your face. Every single time. Comfort isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a non-negotiable.

What photographs beautifully.

Textures are your best friend. Knits, linens, denim, these all add depth and dimension to a photo without being distracting. They give the eye something to land on without pulling focus away from you.

Patterns can work but keep them simple. Bold, busy prints can compete with the natural light and pull attention in directions you don't want it going. A subtle stripe or a small floral is usually fine.

Layers are also great to work with! A jacket you can take on and off, a scarf, an open button-down over a simple tee. They give us options throughout the session and keep things feeling natural and relaxed.

What to leave at home.

Anything that makes you feel like a version of yourself you don't actually recognize. The dress that's been sitting in your closet waiting for a special occasion that makes you feel slightly unlike yourself. The shoes that look amazing but make you walk weird. The outfit you picked because you thought it was what you were supposed to wear to a photo session.

And please, for the love of everything, no matching white t-shirts unless your family genuinely wears matching white t-shirts on weekends. You know who you are.

The "you" check.

Before you commit to an outfit, ask yourself one question: would I actually wear this? Not for a special occasion, not because it looks good in photos, not because someone told you it was flattering. Would you actually wear it on a regular day?

If the answer is yes, you're on the right track. If you had to think about it too long, go back to the closet.

Hair and makeup.

Go with your everyday version. If you usually wear makeup, wear it. If you don't, please don't start today. Your gallery should look like the person your friends and family know and love — not a glammed up stranger.

Same goes for hair. Don't get a brand new haircut the morning of your session. Wear it how you usually wear it. If one curl isn't cooperating, let it go. I promise nobody is going to notice except you.

One last thing.

If you genuinely have no idea what to wear and you're spiralling a little, DM me before your session. I'm happy to look at a few options with you and give you an honest opinion. That's what I'm here for.

Until next time :)

Michaela