Dressing for an Outdoor Photo Session: The Ultimate Guide
What to wear for your photo session can greatly depend on the location. While an in-studio or at-home session offers the freedom of multiple wardrobe changes, an outdoor session requires a different game plan. When you're dealing with nature's elements, coordinating with the scenery and ensuring comfort are key to a successful, stress-free experience—especially for large families or those with young children.
Embrace the Outdoors: Vibe, Colors, and Elements
When choosing your outfits for an outdoor shoot, think about more than just the clothes. Consider the vibe and colors of your chosen location. Are you shooting in a lush, green park, on a sandy beach, or in an urban setting with brick walls? Your wardrobe should complement the environment, not clash with it.
Instead of matching perfectly, aim for a harmonious color palette. Earth tones, soft pastels, or even a pop of a single, vibrant color can look incredible against a natural backdrop. The goal is a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing look that feels organic and part of the story we're telling. This is particularly crucial for large groups, as it creates a sense of unity without everyone wearing the exact same outfit.
For families with young children, focus on easy and comfortable clothing. Overly restrictive or fussy outfits can lead to meltdowns and frustration. Let the kids wear what they feel good in, and choose colors that fit the overall palette. This simple choice makes a huge difference in the experience, allowing everyone to relax and be themselves.
Layering and Accessories for Easy Variety
Since changing outfits behind a bush isn't always a great option, layering and accessorizing are your best friends. These simple additions can dramatically change a look without requiring a full wardrobe swap.
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Layers: Think denim jackets, cardigans, vests, or scarves. A light jacket can be worn for some shots and then taken off for others, giving you two distinct looks.
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Accessories: Hats, statement jewelry, and belts can add a personal touch and visual interest. For children, a simple bow or a fun hat can make all the difference.
This strategy ensures a variety of looks while keeping the process smooth and easy, which is a big win for everyone, especially for larger groups or families with young kids who have a short attention span.
Happy Feet: The Footwear Game Plan
Footwear is often an afterthought, but it's essential for an outdoor session.
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Comfort is King: If you're walking to a scenic spot, bring a pair of comfortable shoes to get there. You can always change into your dressier shoes for the actual photos.
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Suit the Attire: Your shoes should match the style of your clothing. If you're wearing a flowy dress, a nice sandal or wedge might be a better choice than a clunky sneaker.
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Embrace Barefoot: For beach sessions or a laid-back, natural vibe, going barefoot can be a beautiful and easy option.
Be Prepared for the Elements
Especially when visiting nature spots like a beach or a dirt trail, it's wise to have a "just in case" kit ready in your car. This simple step can prevent a small mess from turning into a big headache.
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Extra Clothes and Supplies: Bring an extra change of clothes for everyone, especially children.
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Cleanup Tools: Pack towels, baby wipes, and a bottle of baby powder. Baby powder is a lifesaver for quickly removing sand from feet and clothes!
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Snacks and Water: Keep some easy-to-eat snacks and water bottles in the car. A quick refuel can work wonders for boosting a child's mood and energy.
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Minimal Personal Items: To keep your session focused on the family and not on your belongings, we recommend keeping personal items to a minimum. Avoid bringing large purses, backpacks, or anything you don't want to be seen in the photos.
By preparing for the unexpected, you ensure that nothing will distract you from the fun and beauty of your session. Because there is so much information about what to wear for a photoshoot, we've made a quick guide for you to reference with Wardrobe Dos and Don'ts, along with other helpful tips to make sure you look your best for your upcoming portrait session!