What to Wear for Your Photo Session: Look Great, Feel Even Better

One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is: "What should we wear?" The right outfit can make a big difference in how you look and feel during your photo session — whether it's maternity, newborn, or a relaxed family shoot on the Gold Coast.

Here’s your go-to guide for choosing what to wear (and what to skip!) so your photos are timeless, flattering, and full of personality.

What TO Wear

1. Neutrals and Soft Tones

Creams, taupes, dusty pinks, olive greens, soft blues, and earth tones always photograph beautifully. They keep the focus on you and create a cohesive look, especially in natural light.

2. Coordinating, Not Matching

Think of your outfits as a "color palette" rather than matching uniforms. Choose a few complementary colors across the family or couple that blend well together.

Example: Mum in a flowy sage dress, dad in a light beige shirt and khaki pants, kids in dusty pink and white.

3. Textures and Layers

Textures like knits, linen, lace, and cotton add beautiful dimension to your images. Light jackets, cardigans, or flowy dresses add movement and interest — especially outdoors.

4. Comfort = Confidence

Choose clothes that make you feel like your best self. If you're uncomfortable, it will show in the photos. Stick to styles that fit well and make you feel confident.

5. Consider the Location

Beach sessions look amazing with barefoot vibes and soft fabrics. Garden or forest settings suit earthy tones and romantic silhouettes. Let nature help guide your outfit choices.

What NOT to Wear

1. Loud Logos or Graphics

Brand names, characters, or bold text distract from the emotion and connection in your photos. Stick to simple, clean pieces.

2. Neon or Super Bright Colors

Fluorescents or ultra-saturated colors can create unnatural skin tones and harsh contrasts in photos. Soft, muted colors are your best friend.

3. Busy Patterns

A little pattern is fine (like subtle floral or stripes), but avoid clashing prints or anything too bold. They tend to dominate the image and draw attention away from faces.

4. Short Shorts or Super Tight Clothing

Not only can these be uncomfortable, but they also limit movement and may not be flattering in all poses. Opt for relaxed fits that let you move freely.

5. Black from Head to Toe

While black can be slimming, wearing all black can lose detail in photos — especially in outdoor settings. Mix it with lighter pieces for balance.

Bonus Tips for Families & Newborn Sessions

• Bring a backup outfit for the kids (because... spills!).

• Mums: Consider a dress — flowy dresses are both flattering and add movement.

  

  
  

• Newborns: Newborns: Wraps, simple onesies, or even just their natural skin photograph most beautifully. The good news? You don’t need to bring a thing — I have a full collection of high-quality wraps, outfits, and props in the studio. Everything is carefully chosen to create timeless, organic-style images that keep the focus on your baby.

• Avoid watches, hairbands on wrists, or phones in pockets — tiny things that can be distracting in the final shots.

  
  

Let’s Style It Together

When you book a session with me, I’m happy to help you choose outfits and even provide inspiration boards. Styling doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s part of creating the magic.

Got questions? Send me a message or browse through past galleries for ideas. I’m here to help you feel confident and shine in front of the camera!