10 Tips for What to Wear for Your Next Photography Session
When planning your outfits for a couples photography session, the goal is to feel comfortable and confident while allowing your true personalities to shine. Candid, documentary-style photography focuses on capturing authentic moments and natural interactions, so your clothing should reflect your personal style while ensuring you're at ease. The key to a successful photoshoot lies in subtlety, balance, and creating an effortless vibe that complements the atmosphere and setting. Whether you're wandering through a park, exploring a city, or cuddling at home, these ten tips will help you select the perfect outfits that will look beautiful on camera without overpowering the moment.
1. Keep It Simple and Timeless
For a documentary-style session, simplicity is key. Choose outfits that are classic and won’t feel dated in a few years. Neutral tones such as whites, creams, grays, or soft pastels often work best, as they won’t distract from the moment or compete with the environment. Avoid overly trendy items, as they may not age well in your photos.
2. Coordinate, Don't Match
Matching outfits might seem like a good idea, but it can come off as forced. Instead, coordinate your looks by choosing complementary colors or styles that suit both your personalities. One partner might wear a patterned piece while the other wears something solid—this creates visual interest without being overwhelming. Think of it as balancing each other’s outfits, not duplicating them.
3. Embrace Layers and Textures
Incorporating layers and textures adds depth to your outfits, making the photos feel more dynamic. Consider layering a jacket, sweater, or scarf to introduce variety and warmth. Fabrics like denim, knits, and linen can all bring texture to your look, adding dimension without distracting from your connection as a couple.
4. Avoid Bold Patterns and Logos
While it’s tempting to wear that eye-catching, patterned dress or bold graphic tee, such outfits can be distracting in candid photography. Stick to subtle patterns like small florals or stripes if you’d like some variety. Avoid logos and large text that could pull focus away from the moments you're creating with your partner.
5. Prioritize Comfort
Documentary-style photography thrives on capturing raw moments, so you want to feel at ease in your clothes. Opt for outfits that you can move around in comfortably, whether you're walking, hugging, or simply enjoying each other's company. Tight or overly restrictive clothing can hinder natural movement, leading to awkward poses and stiff expressions.
6. Consider the Location
Think about the setting of your photoshoot and dress accordingly. If you're shooting in a nature setting, earthy tones or casual outfits like jeans and boots can feel more appropriate. For an urban session, opt for something a bit more polished or trendy, such as dresses or tailored shirts. Always align your wardrobe choice with the environment to ensure cohesion in the photos.
7. Avoid Overly Bright Colors
While vibrant colors can be fun, they can also draw attention away from your faces and expressions. Bright reds, neon hues, or overly saturated shades might dominate the frame and distract from the candid, intimate moments you're trying to capture. Opt for soft, muted colors that allow you to shine without overwhelming the photo.
8. Be Yourself
Your outfits should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Choose clothing that you would wear on a regular day to ensure your photos feel authentic. Whether you love casual jeans and a T-shirt or prefer a more formal look, the key is to wear what makes you feel most comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
9. Keep Shoes Simple
Shoes are often overlooked, but they can make a huge difference in the overall look of your outfit. Choose shoes that complement your outfits but don’t steal the spotlight. For a laid-back session, comfortable sneakers, sandals, or ankle boots work well, while dress shoes or loafers are great for a more polished look. Avoid overly flashy or chunky footwear that can draw the eye away from the couple.
10. Bring Options for Variety
If you're unsure about one outfit or want some variety in your photos, bring a few options to the session. A change of clothes can offer a different vibe or give you more flexibility depending on how you feel during the shoot. Just make sure the outfits you choose align with your chosen style—keep it simple and comfortable to avoid any wardrobe stress during the session.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your couples photography session is relaxed, comfortable, and beautifully authentic. The outfits you choose should help create an environment where you can focus on each other, capturing the essence of your relationship in every candid moment.
About the Author
Sasha is a wedding photographer based in the Chicagoland area, with a passion for capturing the moments that make each couple's story unique. She loves writing blog articles that cover a wide range of topics, from portrait locations to gift ideas, wedding advice, and more—anything that will help her couples create a meaningful and stress-free journey. When she’s not behind the camera, Sasha enjoys traveling internationally and indulging in her favorite treat, salted peanut butter ice cream from Jeni’s. Sasha also spends her downtime hanging out with her foster cat, Missy, and listening to pop punk bands. Currently, she’s booking weddings for 2025 and 2026, and she’s excited to help even more couples bring their wedding visions to life!
