Colors, patterns, fit, and layering — everything you need to know before your shoot so the focus stays on you, not your outfit.

Start With a Palette, Not an Outfit

The easiest way to look pulled-together as a couple, family, or team is to pick two or three complementary colors and build everyone’s outfits around them — without everyone wearing the exact same thing. Soft, earthy tones like cream, sage, denim, rust, and navy photograph beautifully and won’t fight with the background. Save the matching white-shirt-and-jeans look for the beach; in most settings it reads dated.

What to Avoid

A few things consistently cause problems on camera. Tight stripes and small, busy patterns can create a distracting shimmer. Bright neons reflect color onto skin and turn faces green or pink. Large, trendy logos date a photo instantly. And brand-new shoes or stiff clothing you’ve never worn tend to look uncomfortable — because you are. When in doubt, choose texture over pattern: a chunky knit, a linen shirt, or a flowing dress adds interest without the noise.

Fit, Layers, and Comfort

Clothes that fit well always photograph better than expensive clothes that don’t, so steam or iron everything the night before and make sure hems and sleeves sit right. Layers like a jacket, a cardigan, or a scarf give us easy ways to vary the look during a single session. And whatever you choose, you have to be able to move, sit, and chase a toddler in it — comfortable people look relaxed, and relaxed people photograph best.

If you’re ever unsure, send us a quick photo of your options before the shoot. We help clients plan wardrobe all the time, and ten minutes of planning is the difference between photos you like and photos you frame.