What should I wear for my photoshoot?
Choosing outfits for your photo session doesn't have to be overwhelming. The right clothing helps your photos feel timeless, cohesive, and true to you. Most of the reasons why you're drawn to photos on Pinterest isn't the location or camera. It's the styling. Here is everything I recommend before your session!
Start with one outfit you love.
Yep, we’re starting as simple as possible.
Before you buy anything new or start scrolling Pinterest for hours, open your closet and find the outfit that already makes you feel like you.
The one you automatically reach for when you want to feel confident.
Then ask yourself why you love it.
Is it the fit? The colors? The fabric? The way it flatters your body?
Those answers become the foundation for planning the rest of your outfits.
If you don’t feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, it’ll show, not because the camera is unforgiving, but because confidence is something you can’t fake.
Your session isn’t about becoming someone else.
It’s about capturing the best version of who you already are.
Coordinate. don't match.
One of the biggest misconceptions about family photos is that everyone has to wear the exact same thing.Thankfully, those days are behind us.
Instead of matching, aim to coordinate. Think of your family’s outfits as a color palette rather than a uniform. Different shades, textures, and layers create depth while still feeling cohesive.
For example, instead of everyone wearing a white shirt and blue jeans, try building around a palette like:
- Cream
- Olive or Forest Green
- Burgundy
- Black
- Denim
- Warm Earth Tones
Not everyone needs to wear every color. One person might wear a cream sweater, another olive, another denim, while someone else adds a burgundy accessory. Together, it feels balanced without looking overly planned.
I also recommend avoiding:
- Neon colors
- Large logos
- Busy graphics
- Tiny stripes or small repetitive patterns (they can photograph strangely)
- Character clothing
These things naturally draw the eye away from the people in the photograph, which means they become the first thing you notice instead of the connection between your family.
At the end of the day, I want people looking at your faces—not your T-shirt.
A little Tatam Tip 🖤
If you’re struggling to coordinate everyone’s outfits, start with one person’s outfit first (usually Mom’s) and build everyone else’s around it. It’s much easier than trying to dress everyone at the same time.
The more you feel like you, the more of your story shows.
Dress for the location.
This is HUGE. One of the easiest ways to make your photos feel elevated is dressing with your location in mind.
Your outfit should complement the setting, not compete with it. Think about the overall feeling you want your gallery to have. Is it modern and editorial? Soft and romantic? Cozy and nostalgic? Your location and wardrobe should tell the same story.
A downtown session may feel more…
- Modern
- Editorial
- Sleek
- Bold
Think black, white, tailored pieces, leather jackets, boots, or structured silhouettes.
An open field or nature session may feel more…
- Soft
- Romantic
- Organic
- Relaxed
Think linen, flowing dresses, knit sweaters, denim, earth tones, and natural textures that move with the wind.
A coffee shop, bookstore, or record store session might lean…
- Vintage
- Cozy
- Creative
- Full of personality
This is where you can have a little more fun. Layer your favorite jacket, wear those unique boots you’ve been waiting for, bring your favorite records, or lean into pieces that feel authentically you.
Those locations are meant to feel lived in and personal, so your outfits can reflect that too.
Layers + Texture Photograph beautifully.
This is really the key. If there’s one thing that instantly elevates a photo, it’s texture.
You don’t have to match outfits or wear the exact same colors. In fact, I actually recommend against it. The goal is for everyone to coordinate, not look like they’re wearing a uniform.
Think of your outfits like ingredients in a recipe. Different textures and layers create depth, movement, and visual interest that make your images feel effortless.
Consider mixing pieces like:
- Knit sweaters
- Linen shirts
- Denim jackets
- Leather jackets
- Flowy dresses
- Cardigans
- Flannels
- Hats
- Scarves
- Layered jewelry
When everyone wears the exact same fabric like plain cotton T-shirts, the photos can feel a little flat. But when you combine different materials and textures, each person stands out while the entire group still feels cohesive.
The best part? It doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of my favorite sessions have included outfits from Target, Old Navy, Amazon, and local boutiques. It’s less about where you shop and more about how the outfits work together.
A little texture goes a long way, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make your photos look polished without trying too hard.
Don’t Forget the Small Details
The little things matter more than you think.
When you look back at your photos years from now, it won’t just be the smiles you’ll remember. It’ll be the tiny details that made that season of life yours.
Consider bringing along meaningful items like:
- Ultrasound photos for maternity sessions
- Baby shoes or a favorite stuffed animal
- Fresh flowers or a bouquet
- A cozy blanket for sitting poses
- Books, records, or hobbies you love
- Your dog’s favorite bandana or leash
- Champagne or coffee for a fun date-night vibe
- Vintage cameras, heirlooms, or family keepsakes
These aren’t “props” to me, they’re pieces of your story.
The best photographs feel personal because they include things that actually mean something to you. Even something as simple as the blanket your newborn came home in or the record you danced to in your kitchen can instantly make your gallery feel more authentic.
If you’re unsure what to bring, don’t worry. Not every session needs extra items! If you choose to bring something, I want it to feel like something that helps tell your story. I’m always happy to help brainstorm ideas that fit your session and your personality.
The little details you almost leave behind are often the ones you’ll treasure the most years from now.
Let’s Talk About Insecurities
I know it can feel vulnerable stepping in front of a camera.
Maybe it’s your arms.
Maybe it’s your smile.
Maybe you always notice your double chin, your stomach, or the way you stand.
You’re not alone. I PROMISE.
One of the reasons I spend so much time learning posing, lighting, and angles is because I know how much those little details can affect how you feel about your photos. My goal isn’t to change who you are, it’s to photograph you in a way that feels confident, natural, and true to you.
If there’s something you’re especially self-conscious about, please tell me before your session.
There is absolutely no judgment here.
Knowing those things ahead of time allows me to be intentional with posing, camera angles, wardrobe suggestions, and even my editing choices. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing where I stand, turning your body a few degrees, or having someone hold your hand a different way.
You deserve to spend your session enjoying the moment, not worrying about whether the camera is catching your “bad side.”
The more I know, the better I can help you feel like the best version of yourself.
My Biggest Piece of Advice
Don’t spend your session trying to create the “perfect” photo.
Instead, focus on creating a memory.
Laugh a little louder.
Pull your kids in a little closer.
Dance in the middle of the field.
Whisper something that makes your partner smile.
Play.
Be goofy.
Slow down.
The most meaningful photographs aren’t usually the ones where everyone is standing perfectly still looking at the camera.
They’re the ones that remind you how life felt.
Twenty years from now, I don’t want you to remember what shoes you wore or whether your shirt had a wrinkle. I want you to remember how tightly your little one wrapped their arms around your neck.
The way your partner looked at you when you weren’t paying attention.
The sound of everyone laughing over absolutely nothing.
Those are the moments that become your favorites.
My job is to help create a space where those moments can happen naturally.
Everything else is just the icing on the cake.
