A clothing guide for photography sessions

Choosing an outfit might be the hardest thing that you'll have to do for your photo session, and clothing choice can make a huge difference in your final gallery. Done well, clothing can enhance the location, add depth, and create mood.  Poor outfit choices can make you look uncomfortable, clash with your surroundings, and confuse the story.

Before your session, I’ll give you a complete clothing and style guide to help you pick the perfect outfits to make you feel beautiful and photograph well. Here are just a few tips:

When considering options, your outfit choices should first and foremost be comfortable. Remember that you will be walking, sitting, lying down, even dancing. You don't want to be pulling on clothing, fixing straps, or wincing in discomfort from that poor shoe decision. New Mexico can have dramatic swings in weather and temperature, so bring layers that work with your outfits.


Choose something classic that will stand the test of time, so when you look back in 10 or 20 years, you won't have a case of neon, striped regret.


That's not to say that you can't be you. Stay true to yourself and let your clothing reflect your personality. Are you a modern bohemian? A bit rugged? Classic and preppy? A bit whimsical?There are great clothing options for every style.

Comfy, Timeless, and Honest

Textures, Patterns, + Details

While neutrals and earth tones work so beautifully in New Mexico's desert scapes, I love color. If you examine the color wheel, you may notice that I often implement complementary or triadic colors. This adds dimension to photos and helps my subject (you) pop!


When selecting colors, think about the season and the location. Will there be green grass, golden leaves, a blanket of snow? Select outfits that flow with the season, color, and vibe of the session.


And no matchy-matchy! This trend has come and gone, thank goodness. Instead, pick a color scheme and work with it using different patterns, textures, and accessories.

Colorful + Coherent

To add dimension and character to your photographs, think about how different fabrics and props can help tell the story. A wool sweater communicates coziness. A flowing dress conveys freedom and movement. Hats, appropriate props, and unique textures can help tell the story.

As a rule of thumb, big distracting patterns, logos, and writing can detract from a photo. I would even go so far to say that it can ruin an image. Instead, think small patterns, plaid, and solid colors.

When in doubt, I am here to help you every step of the way. I even have a few long dresses for loan in my client closet.

See below for some examples that really work:

Example 1

This is a great example of beautiful neutral colors with pops of color that are appropriate for the season and location. The orange and blue help baby stand out, and the warmth of their color choices juxtapose the snowy backdrop.

Example 2

For a totally different vibe, this mama wanted a more casual look. Her torn jeans and military jacket worked so beautifully for an analogous color scheme in this little field of ground cover.

Example 3

For this home family session, the mother chose a patterned pink dress. It works because of the blue blanket and the small details of the floral design. If this had been a big Hawaiian print, it would have been distracting.

Example 4

This family had a really cool prairie-cowboy vibe. I love how the pops of color on mom's belt and baby's pants. Dad's bandana and hat, as well as the baby bonnet add that something extra.

Example 5

For Jordyn's moody branding session, we selected bold colors like this red bowl to pop with muted green tones. The textures in the kale work with this dramatic vine wall.

Example 6

The color palette in Manon's workspace was very intentional. To bring out the blues in the painting, we selected this soft sweater. The tulip stems bring out the green, and the orange smoothie pops.