Photoshoot outfit ideas

Have you booked a photoshoot and now you’re wondering what to wear? We don’t blame you—we’ve all been there! (And we’re all here now! Perfect!) Clothes can really make or break your photo shoot experience and how you feel about your final photos, both for reasons you’d expect and some you may not realize! We have put together a collection of our best pro tips to help you choose outfits that will have you looking your best—and feeling even better—so let’s create some stylish memories together.

Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers to let us know their very best outfit ideas and style tips to ensure that you are looking and feeling your absolute best when you’re in front of the lens. 

Pause! Before we really jump in, we must share the absolute most important rule: wear something you feel good in! If you’re not loving what you’re wearing, your lack of comfort will show in the photos; on the flip side, if you feel confident in what you’re wearing, that will show, too! Of course, there are more tips (hence why we’re all here reading together), but we wanted to make sure this first tip is at the top of the pile: Feel. Good. First! Now, let’s get into it! 

Photo: Cho in Tokyo for Flytographer. Stephanie wears a beautiful pleated skirt and a coordinated top from the same colour family while on a couples photoshoot in Tokyo.

Table of contents

1. Clothing material FAQs – the weight, drape and breathability of fabrics vary, and knowing a little more about materials can make you and your crew look and feel like a million bucks!
2. Personal style vs comfort – we all want to look cool and elevated in photos, so how do we look extra-amazing but also stay true to who we are and feel comfortable?
3. Dressed up vs a more casual look – think about your destination, your route and the vibe you want to achieve in your final gallery. Don’t be afraid to go all out, but if that feels overwhelming, never fear leaning into a more casual look.
4. Coordinating vs matching outfits – we recommend coordinating outfits rather than perfectly matching them. It’s classy and relatively easy!
5. Colour palette ideas – consider your location and your Flytographer route and let local colour tones inspire your ideas for your colour palette.
6. Packing tips for outfit choices – If you have room in your suitcase, bring a couple of outfit possibilities on your trip! Something unexpected always arises on a trip, but stressing about your clothing shouldn’t be one of them.
7. Finding shoes for your perfect outfit – shoes are a critical part of your photo shoot outfit because they can have you feeling amazing or regretting the whole thing altogether. Repeat with us: “Breaking in new shoes is not a good idea on vacation!”
8. Hair & makeup tips – consider hair and makeup that makes you feel great, looks good and is flattering in still images. And don’t forget your nails!
9. What NOT to wear or bring for photos – from text to colours to extra stuff… this is what we recommend you not wear or bring to your shoot!
10. Family photo tips – family pictures should feel fun, so remember to let go of the things that aren’t as critical and try to let everyone be themselves—we all feel uncomfortable with criticism, so enjoy the process of capturing your people just as they are now.

Photo: Katie in Denver for Flytographer. Lauren and family wear casual outfits that are coordinated with denim and neutral tones while on a family photoshoot in Denver.

Outfit ideas by occasion

Family Trip | Engagement | Surprise Proposal | Modern Headshot

Photo: Emily in Portland for Flytographer. Julia and partner wear a more casual but timeless beach look in matching black and denim while on an anniversary photoshoot in Portland.  

1. Clothing material FAQs

Typically, clothing material isn’t something at the forefront of your mind when it comes to outfit choices, but it can make a big impact on how your clothes make you feel. The weight, drape and breathability of fabrics vary, and depending on the season and members of your party, knowing a little more about materials can make you (and your crew) look and feel like a million bucks! 

Photo: Flytographer in Provence. Pasha and family wear breathable light cotton dresses perfect for spring while on a graduation photoshoot in Provence.

What is the best fabric for hot weather? ☀️

Not only is less more in hot climates but avoiding fabrics that wrinkle easily and/or show sweat stains is critical. If your photo shoot is taking place in a hot, sunny or tropical location, choose flowy dresses and other attire/fabrics that breathe (natural fabrics like linen and cotton are great). Often, lighter colours and patterns hide sweat; this is really important. Avoid grey and heathered solids. We highly recommend giving your clothes a dry run (pun intended!) before your shoot. Splash drops of water on your items to see how they’ll look should some glossy beads of sweat adorn you (or your partner); remember you’ll likely be touching, playing and interacting, so even if you’re not one to sweat easily, transfer could very easily happen. It’s worth the prep work, trust us. 

Photo: Aimee in Palma de Mallorca for Flytographer. Dana and friends wear different shades of orange flowy dresses in breathable fabrics, perfect for a summer event while on a birthday photoshoot in Palma de Mallorca.

What is the best fabric for cold weather? ❄️

Bring on the knits! Ooooh, how we love chunky knit sweaters, turtlenecks, scarves, cardigans… you name it! Long sleeves are great and a perfect combo for layering (watch necklines for undershirts). Speaking of layering, winter can be so much fun, and it photographs so beautifully! Cold weather is the time to enjoy sweaters, scarves, hats and more. 

Pro tip: hide some instant hand warmers and tissues in your pocket—little things like this will help keep extremities warm and snot-free!

Photo: Madison in Jackson Hole for Flytographer. Haley and family wear lots of layers in coordinated earth tones to compliment the snow while on a family photoshoot in Jackson Hole. 

What about kids? 

“I’m not wearing that.” Famous last words. If you have kids, you know the battle. The jury is still out on whether having small kids or older ones is more exhausting when it comes to dressing them for photos (#sendhelp), but don’t worry, we’ve got you! No matter the age of your kids, work with them in choosing clothes. Let them know this is a special occasion, and on this occasion, it’s important that you work together. After your shoot, maybe they can pick out pyjamas or comfy clothes for you when you’re all finished? Kids are frequently particular with fabrics, fit, tags, etc., so letting kids try things on in advance will save a headache on the day of (not to mention a lot of fights at the last minute). Stay calm, work together and remember, a lot of kids just want autonomy and comfort—they want their voices heard—so hear them! Joint efforts and teamwork can make this whole experience way easier.

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Hayley and family wear light, comfortable fabrics that stand out against the background and coordinate well with the little ones. 

2. Personal style vs comfort

We all want to look cool and elevated in photos, so how do we look extra-amazing but also stay true to who we are and feel comfortable? 

Flytographer shoots are all about exploring your travel destination, so make sure to choose outfits that you can move around in comfortably. Try to avoid restrictive clothes that take the focus off having fun on your shoot. High heels may not be the best choice for cobblestoned streets, and tight jeans on a sandy beach could have you wishing for a breezier alternative. 

Nothing is more flattering to your figure than an outfit that truly fits well.  Try to avoid baggy clothing, which will leave you looking boxy or anything overly tight that might restrict your movement. 

Photo: Christina in Austin for Flytographer. Jordyn and partner look comfortable and confident in their individual styles while on a couples photoshoot in Austin. 

Photo: Gihad in Cairo for Flytographer. Saira wears a flowy pleated dress that is moveable, comfortable and light while on a solo adventure photoshoot in Cairo. 

Our two best tips to make sure you’ve got it right 

1. Put on your chosen outfit and have someone take a quick pic of you on your phone.  Do you like how it looks on you? If not, what can you do to change it, if anything? (If it’s a lighter colour or material, don’t forget to go outside with the sun to your side/back to make sure your outfit doesn’t become see-through in the daylight!)
2. Tailor your clothing for the perfect fit. The expense pays itself off because you will wear what you feel and look good in more often.

Photo: Gan in Singapore for Flytographer. Jennifer and family wear beautifully tailored clothing in the same colour schemes that stand out from the background while on a family photoshoot in Singapore. 

When it comes to looking good for your photo shoot, new clothes aren’t required! Packing completely unique outfits for everyone may be hard if you’re travelling with a carry-on, so utilize clothes that are versatile and go with other vacation looks—mix and match, or plan to re-use layers. Adding jewellery and accessories can pack a punch while taking up very little real estate in your luggage, so consider utilizing these, leaving you looking like a jazzed-up version of yourself! 

Photo: Vanessa in Dublin for Flytographer. Bianca wears a long coat draped on her shoulders and holds a small purse, adding two accessories to her outfit.

Photo: Francesca in Rome for Flytographer. Tous carries a jacket over his shoulder as a subtle accessory to add to the movement in the image. 

3. Dressed up vs a more casual look

Think about your destination, your route and the vibe you want to achieve in your final gallery. Whether you want to wear your most loved pair of jeans and rock a natural look, go all out with a glamorous black-tie wardrobe or dress somewhere in between, it’s up to you! Flowy dresses and button-down shirts almost always get a “Yes!” from us in terms of managing to straddle the line between fancy and casual. Don’t be afraid to go all out, but if that feels overwhelming, never fear leaning into a more casual look. 

Photo: Kimon and Alexandra in Santorini for Flytographer. Courtney and partner wear simple yet elegant outfits and fabrics while on a honeymoon photoshoot in Santorini.

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Jami and family wear casual, coordinated, and breathable outfits perfect for splashing in the water while on a family photoshoot in Maui.

Photo: Mattia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Manjot and partner wear elegant, formal outfits that stand out from their surroundings while on a proposal photoshoot in Lake Como.

4. Coordinating vs matching outfits

We get a lot of questions about coordinating with your group vs donning matching outfits, so let’s chat! We recommend coordinating outfits rather than perfectly matching them. We think coordinating is classy and relatively easy. Think of it this way: chances are you wouldn’t choose the same pattern for the curtains for your living room as you would for the upholstery on your couch, but isolating solid colours in the pattern is a winning way to make everything feel cohesive. This same thing goes for attire, too! Start with one person, namely someone in a pattern (like Mom in that great maxi dress!), then have another person wear a solid colour  that appears in that nearby pattern. When it comes to complementary colours, that could mean one of two things: 1) colours that are flattering together or 2) pairs of colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, which make ideal pairings. 

Photo: Kari in New York City for Flytographer. Kaley and family coordinate in black and beige tones that look cohesive while on a family photoshoot in New York City.

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer. Henna and partner chose to coordinate with Green in a subtle but effective way while on a couples photoshoot in Madrid.

5. Colour palette ideas

Speaking of colour wheels, let’s talk about colour palettes! Colour schemes can be fun to play with. Before you jump into colours, we highly recommend considering your location and your Flytographer route for sample galleries. Colours in the summer are wildly different from colours in the winter, fall and spring for a lot of destinations. The colour tone in urban New York City  is wildly different from the bright colour tones of Miami.  Let your destination guide your colours! Some colour palettes we love: neutral colours, pops of colour, pastels and earth tones!

Photo: Ellie in Florence for Flytographer. Melissa and family wear soft shades of earth tones that go well with their surroundings while on a family photoshoot in Florence. 

Photo: Darian in San Diego for Flytographer. Jeuelle and family wear a coordinating colour palate similar to the background but use white in each of their outfits to stand out beautifully while on a family photoshoot in San Diego.

Photo: Rachael in Paris for Flytographer. Benedict and partner wear a darker colour palette that compliments the blues and greys of the sky and their surroundings while on a proposal photoshoot in Paris.

6. Packing tips for outfit choices

If you have room in your suitcase, bring a couple of outfit possibilities on your trip! The outfit you thought was perfection a week ago may not be your number-one choice on the day of the shoot. Maybe something spills in your bag, or a random change in weather has you wishing for a knit sweater rather than a tank top. Something unexpected always arises on a trip, but stressing about your clothing shouldn’t be one of them!

Since Flytographer specializes in outdoor photos, we are at the mercy of the weather, for better or for worse. If the weather allows for it, layering items such as scarves, sweaters, jackets, necklaces, watches and hats are great ways to add texture and visual interest to your photos. Just be careful not to overdo it! You are the focus of your shoot, not your outfit. 

Shoot note: While we encourage packing extra options for your vacation, we cannot accommodate extra bags during the actual photo shoot. Only bring your chosen outfit with you to your Flytographer shoot, as your photographer will not be able to carry extra bags and your shoot timeline might not allow for an outfit change during the shoot unless this is previously agreed upon.

Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Kejal and family wear light fabrics that look cohesive while on a family photoshoot in San Juan. 

7. Finding shoes for your perfect outfit

Shoes! Shoes are a critical part of your photo shoot outfit because they can have you feeling amazing or regretting the whole thing all together. Repeat with us: “Breaking in new shoes is not a good idea on vacation!” Don’t plan on bringing your “cute shoes” for your photo shoot. Save them for another time. Often, Flytographer shoots have you wandering and exploring with your photographer (which is so much fun!), and no matter how cute shoes are in a store mirror or standing in your bedroom, they’re typically not so hot after walking to your meeting location and chasing after little ones! Reminder: being comfortable will feel so much better and leave you looking so much happier than a couple of shots with awesome heels!

A thoughtful shoe choice can really make your outfit, so shine up your best pair of trusty shoes for your shoot. Consider your terrain (cobblestones, grass, chip trails or sand), and put your best foot forward! 

Photo: Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. Bharat and partner wear shoes that coordinate with the other’s outfit while on a proposal photoshoot in Kyoto. 

Photo: Guido in Rome for Flytographer. Gina and partner wear shoes that work with the cut of their jacket and pants and highlight the look well while dancing on a photoshoot in Rome. 

8. Think about hair & makeup

Consider hair and makeup that makes you feel great, looks good and is flattering in still images. Unless you’re going for a stylized look, avoid any major hair or makeup changes leading up to your shoot. You want to look great, but you also want to look and feel like yourself!

Have you thought about having your hair and makeup professionally done before your shoot? Hiring a pro doesn’t have to mean going full-throttle glamour. Hiring a professional can really be a fun way to pamper yourself (and even others!) prior to your shoot and can add to the fun of shoot day. 

If you’re celebrating a recent engagement or are on your honeymoon and might want a close-up shot of your rings, don’t forget to have your nails done as well! 

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. LeAura poses beautifully with subtle makeup and curly hair while on a photoshoot in Vienna. 

Photo: Fernanda in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer. Kritika smiles beautifully with her hair curled while on a friends photoshoot in Cabo San Lucas. 

Photo: Flytographer in Salt Lake City. Gabby and partner wear casual outfits for winter and simple hairstyles that work well with their overall look while on a photoshoot in Salt Lake City.

9. What NOT to wear or bring for photos

Here are a few things we recommend not wearing/bringing to your photo shoot:

• Logos/text – avoid large logos or t-shirts with images and/or text on them. Graphics like these are distracting and pull focus away from you and your surroundings.
• White/black – all-white and/or all-black outfits can be difficult to photograph without losing detail in shadows or highlights. Stark colouring can feel heavy and not as gentle on the eye (unless you want a super graphic or editorial feel).
• Bags – try not to carry anything with you that you wouldn’t want in the photos. Your photographer will do their best to help with small items (like your phone or keys, which they can tuck into their camera bag), but they do have plenty of equipment to carry as well, so it’s best to leave whatever you don’t absolutely need back at the hotel (this includes backpacks and luggage).
• Jackets/coats – if it is too cold to go without a coat to stay warm between shots and you don’t want to wear your jacket in the photos, bring a tote or similar bag that you can put your jacket into and then set it down just outside the frame of the camera—just make sure it’s a bag that you are fine to put on the ground! We discourage bringing bags, but we also know it can be tricky in cold weather, so if bringing one is necessary, make sure you’re ok setting it aside for a bit.
• Full pockets – keep items in your pockets to a minimum, as anything too bulky will show through your clothing and be a bit distracting. (Unless you’ve got a ring box in your pocket and are about to propose!) This is a big one for guys, as most of the time, they are most comfortable having their wallets and phones on their person but know that those bulky rectangles will show in photos! Maybe give them a heads-up that it’ll be best to let your photographer hang on to those pocket items.

Photo: Kari in New York City for Flytographer. Aileen and partner look stylish in sunglasses and coordinated black and white that stand out from the background while on a couples photoshoot in New York City. 

Photo: Flytographer in Asheville. Keisha stands confidently with a statement coat draped over her shoulders as a perfect complement to the neutral background. 

10. Family photo tips

For family photo sessions, we hope we’ve given you lots of ideas on what to do and not to do. For those planning a family photo shoot, we understand the prep for more than one or two can seem extra tedious! We want every one of your family members to feel as good as possible going into your shoot. To re-emphasize a few points: make kids aware of the plan, confirm their clothes fit and are comfortable and weather-appropriate (pro reminder: kids aren’t spectacular at grinning through cold and pushing through heat like most adults are!), and have backup clothes packed. Family photo outfit ideas are similar to what we’ve discussed already—comfort, coordination and enhancing what you each already love.

Family pictures should feel fun, so at some point, remember to let go of the things that aren’t as critical and try to let everyone be themselves! Family portraits tend to elicit stressful feelings and a weeee bit of pressure at times, so focus on what you can, trust in the process and try to let go! Our professional photographers do this for a living, so once you arrive for your shoot, trust them!

A final tip for the person planning your photos (know that we’re looking in a mirror as we share this!): try to avoid being critical before, during and after your shoot. We know it’s so much easier said than done, but the less pressure and critique family members receive, the better they’ll feel about themselves; that goes for you, too! We all have things we’re self-conscious about, but these photos are to remember your people in this season of life—no matter what “flaws” you might see, others see the you that they love. 

Photo: Emily in London for Flytographer. Arvind and family wear a pastel colour scheme and complimenting patterns mixed with solid colours while on a family photoshoot in London.

Photo: Sarah in Mesa for Flytographer. Coley and family wear similar light colours and patterns that blend beautifully with each other in the desert background while on a family photoshoot in Mesa. 

How to look good in photos

How are you feeling? It can be a lot, but we hope you’re feeling enlightened and excited! We share all of this to help you level-set and recognize what can make your photo shoot a total success, so get excited! We want you to feel and look your very best; this is our jam, and we love capturing you and the ones you love being YOU! Let your clothes enhance your photos and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

For more resources on how to look good in photos, head to our Posing Guide for everything you’ll need to pose for pictures!

Photo: Flytographer in Singapore. Ajok wears a white dress in front of colourful walls standing out as the focal point while on a photoshoot in Singapore. 

We can’t wait to capture you and your style on your next Flytographer shoot. See you soon!