What to wear on a photo shoot

Styling a session

Plan for 2-3 outfit changes with accessories. Accessories can be a scarf, a jacket, different shoes, jewelry, a hat (although I love hat’s, they can be tricky depending on your hair style).

Your first outfit should be something you are comfortable in, feels good and fits properly. This is your warm-up outfit. While you are finding your comfort zone in front of the camera and with your photographer, you don’t also want to be worried about how your dress is flowing or if your front buttons are going to pop open for a wardrobe malfunction.

If your first outfit is going to be pants, then I recommend a cute top with some details. Maybe a string around the neckline, or lace, or have it be a bit flowy to add movement. Jeans are great, dressed up a little. You might be disappointed that your favourite t-shirt doesn’t flatter you as much as you wish it did. You can also dress up jeans with heels, sandals, cowboy boots and barefoot! I love barefoot!

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For your second outfit, once you are a little more comfortable in front of the camera, it can be something with a bit of movement like a cute dress or skirt/top combo. Something that you can swing around in and hold in your hands. I don’t typically love to stick to static no-movement photos. They almost always create images that lack expression and feeling. The genuine smiles and emotion come with some natural movement and your fabric should move with you. Skirts with a t-shirt look amazing with a casual jacket layered over top, or held over one shoulder. Necklaces, earrings and scarves also add some personality to a more casual outfit.

Your last outfit can be something a little over the top. Maybe something you have in your closet that you never wear because you simply don’t have an event to wear it to. Maybe it’s a little too risqué for everyday. This is where you have the creative permission to bring the outfit. Maybe it’s leather pants with a gorgeous bustier that you couldn’t live without but never sees the light of day. This outfit can be anything you want. Maybe it’s another pretty sundress, or a more formal outfit for a few traditional “headshots” so you can update your LinkedIn profile. (That doesn’t sound super sexy does it). I love the third outfit to be a little over the top. You are comfortable in front of the camera at this point, so anything goes. If it’s a sunset session, what about a lace cover-up that can create a silhouette of your body with the sun wrapping around you? Maybe it’s a backless dress. Maybe it’s a sultry sweater that glides off your shoulders…

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The biggest part about planning your clothing changes, is to bring clothes that fit and flatter. If you wear your clothes super loose because you are uncomfortable with your sexy curves, this isn’t the time to be self conscious and dressed in clothes that aren’t flattering. It’s best to wear form fitting tops with a loose flowy skirt or a flowy top with form fitting bottoms. A loose top and bottom isn’t going to do anything to flatter you…it will do the exact opposite.

There is no shame in picking up some amazing shape-wear that holds all your goodness nice and snug. We ALL do it! My favourite dress requires shape-wear that starts just under my bra and goes to my knees! Trust me…we all wear it and it feels so amazing. Takes a little more time to go to the Ladies Room, but it’s worth it for the confidence factor.

Your photographer should be prepared with a trained eye to know what angles, camera lenses and poses will best flatter you. It’s the photographers job to create images you will cry over, when you see yourself through their lens!

Great images start with a solid conversation between you and your photographer regarding your plans for “costume changes”. The best thing you can do is send your photographer a photo of yourself (if you don’t already know each other), and a few items you are hoping to wear. They can help you style the session so you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world….which you already are!

Any to learn more about prepping for your own Self Portrait Session, click HERE and grab my Scroll Stopping Self Portrait Guide