Inquire 

arrow

Destination wedding & photography educator

Struggling with what to wear for your photoshoot? This guide will help you prepare for your session and hopefully give you some inspiration for when you go shopping.

From color coordination to outfit layering, I've gathered my top tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and camera-ready. 

Choosing the right outfit can make all the difference in capturing timeless, authentic images. I’ll help you create a look that feels like you. Whether it’s a brand shoot, headshot session, or family portrait, this guide is packed with expert tips on styling, coordinating with your environment, and avoiding common outfit pitfalls. Your look is an extension of your story—let’s make it one to remember!

I've compiled information just for you from all the common questions I get everytime.
I absolutely love being a photographer and I want to make sure that you get the right types of images and photographs to make you smile. Picking the right wardrobe is more important than you might think. Keep reading for more tips! I am so excited to share this with you.


Welcome!

A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

-Courtney

the best time for photos

Portrait sessions can take place anywhere from early morning to right before sunset. I’ve found locations that are wonderful spots for photos, but some are only good in the morning or in the evening. I normally plan session times based on the location my clients choose to insure that the light is best for that specific location. 

 I schedule sessions during what we believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.

 Sessions typically last about an hour to an hour and a half. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches or early morning right before the sun rises or a little after (if you aren't a morning person and don't want to wake up too early). The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot. 

 

time & light

There is nothing like the magical moments found in good lighting...

hair & makeup/styling: Jen Lagers

Studio sessions offer a controlled environment with consistent lighting, perfect for professional headshots or branding photos that need a clean, polished look. Outdoor locations add natural light, texture, and variety, giving photos a more dynamic, relaxed feel that can reflect personality and mood, especially in scenic or lifestyle shoots.

Locations

on to the next

When choosing colors for a photoshoot, it’s best to avoid these tones to keep the focus on you and avoid unflattering effects:

Neon Colors: Bright neon shades like hot pink, electric green, and neon yellow can cast unnatural hues onto the skin, creating an odd glow and distracting from facial expressions and other details.

Very Bright Reds and Oranges: These colors are highly saturated and can "bleed" into surrounding areas in the photo, overpowering other elements and potentially clashing with the background.

All Black or All White: While black and white can be stunning, wearing only black can cause a loss of detail in low lighting, while all white can wash out skin tones or blend into lighter backgrounds. It's best to mix these with other colors for a more balanced look.

Tiny, Busy Patterns: Small, intricate patterns can create a "moiré effect" on camera, which looks like a distracting, wavy distortion. Solid colors or simple patterns are a safer choice for a cleaner, timeless look.

Choosing the right colors can make a big difference in how flattering, vibrant, and visually impactful your photos turn out!

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

avoid

colors to

find it fast:

Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.

And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress. 

Flowy dresses are my favorite because they photograph so well. They look great when walking and in photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!

Be mindful of scarves because they can shorten your neck or make you look like you don't have a neck at all. We definitely don't want that!

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

accessories

for the ladies

find it fast:

Getting your photos professionally taken is a great opportunity to get a little extra dolled up, right? I find that women who get their hair and makeup professionally done before their sessions not only feel better, but the photos turn out much better as well. The reason being that professional hair and makeup artists work with photographers a lot and know what looks best for photos. Too little makeup (like the day to day look) doesn't always photograph well or translate well in the photos. Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup as well. Plus, you get to relax for a bit and let someone else pamper you! 

It’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photo session - and if you’re needing some recommendations, I would be more than happy to share them with you.

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

hair & makeup

for the ladies

find it fast:

Onorina Beauty

There will probably be times during your session when I'll be photographing your hands - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

manicure

for the ladies

find it fast:

You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen or a guest at a wedding! Layer a white t-shirt with a blazer - you can even wear jeans with this look. Ties and bowties are always a bonus accessory as well.

Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button-up tops are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months. Even a nice winter coat. 
Be careful not to wear shirts with logos on them as they can be distracting. 

WHERE TO SHOP

Outfits

wardrobe

for the men

find it fast:

Certain colors photograph beautifully because they complement skin tones, enhance natural lighting, and bring out the mood of an image. Here are some tried-and-true colors that consistently look great on camera:

Earth Tones: Shades like olive, rust, tan, and warm browns are natural, flattering, and versatile. Earthy colors create a timeless, organic feel and blend harmoniously with outdoor settings, making them ideal for nature-inspired or outdoor shoots.

Neutrals: Soft neutrals like cream, beige, gray, and white are subtle and flattering without overpowering. They allow the subject to be the focus and work well in nearly any environment, providing a clean, minimalistic look that feels classic.

Muted Colors: Soft, dusty shades like sage green, blush pink, and muted blue have enough color to add interest without overwhelming. These colors work particularly well for brand and headshot sessions where a polished look is essential.

Jewel Tones: Rich hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, deep purple, and burgundy bring vibrancy and depth. Jewel tones look especially striking on camera and add a sense of luxury and sophistication, making them perfect for headshots and formal portraits.

Pastels: Light colors like soft pink, pale blue, and lavender have a gentle and airy quality, making them ideal for spring or summer sessions. Pastels bring a touch of warmth and romance to photos without taking away from facial expressions or natural beauty.

colors

tips for looking your best

When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with 'poses' that are super easy, natural and will make you feel instantly comfortable. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for. 

Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy our time together! Just think of it as old friends catching up.

"What do I do with my hands"?

POSING

Props

champagne is always a good idea

If you’re planning to bring props to your session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you or help tell your story. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met or take your dates together. A bottle of your favorite champagne with some fancy glasses also make for great photos that celebrate your time here in Paris.

I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera, however I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought it would be AND you even might have had a little fun. Trust me on this one!

the guys

a note to

No matter where you are, weather can surprise you. However, there is no need to worry if it decides to rain (or snow) on your session date. I like to have some options for locations that have great cover and still gives you amazing photos. Studio sessions are also a great option as well.

Usually you can check the weather a day in advance for the most accurate weather predictions (I try not to look more than a couple days because it tends to change so frequently). We’ll check in with each other the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and see how the weather is looking. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for photos and we definitely want you looking your best for your session no matter what the weather is. I would recommend always bringing a backup outfit just in case or clear umbrella (try and avoid umbrellas with patterns or brightly colored ones that may reflect a certain color on to your face). 

inclement weather

what to do if it rains

I love detail photos! I believe it is a great way to capture your personality and fashion sense in a photo. I love taking pictures of your hands, rings, shoes or jewelry (even a cute designer handbag).
If possible, try to have your rings cleaned, shoes polished and outfits nicely steamed before our session together. 
For finger nails, make sure that you either have no polish on your hands or that your hands have recently been manicured. 
Ladies - getting your hair and makeup done is always recommended when getting your photos taken. If you are in need of some recommendations, please let me know and I would be happy to send some over.  

The DETAILS

 wedding, engagement & family Sessions

While I take most of our wedding, elopement, engagement and portrait sessions in Salt Lake and Seattle, I’ve photographed sessions and weddings everywhere from Paris, Italy, Greece, the UK and Ireland. If you have a location in mind that is significant to you, let me know because I love to travel! I love exploring new areas around the world for photos outside of my normal area.

*Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.

Destination

I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your photo session with me. However if there is something I've missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email info@courtneybowlden.com

Thank You!