Many people wonder, what to wear for a photoshoot — a dress or a suit, a skirt or jeans? Your outfit is a crucial detail, as it sets the tone and harmony for the photographs. If you’re booking a session with a professional photographer in Ottawa, I will help you create not just an outfit, but a complete style — from clothing and accessories to hair and makeup — so you feel confident, elegant, and radiant.
Here are some tips to guide your choices:
1. Choose Your Location
The location plays a key role in determining your color palette. Every setting has its own tones — pastels, nudes, deep shades, bright colors, whites, and more. Once we choose the location, we’ll know which colors from your wardrobe will complement the environment and highlight your natural beauty. Don’t forget to consider your personal features — skin tone, hair, and eye color — to create a truly refined and harmonious look.
2. Consider the Genre of the Shoot
The style of your session — classic, boudoir, fashion, or lifestyle — influences the outfit choice. Whether it’s a tailored suit, an elegant dress, or a more casual ensemble, the genre guides the selection. For sessions lasting around two hours, you can prepare 2–3 outfits to add variety and richness to your images.
3. Can’t Find the Perfect Outfit?
If your wardrobe doesn’t have exactly what you need, don’t worry! You can:
- Purchase something new specifically for the session
- Explore thrift or vintage stores
- Borrow from friends or family
- Rent clothing from photo studios or specialty shops
These options make it easy to create a unique, stylish look without stress.
4. Avoid Bold Patterns
Clothing with large prints, logos, writing, or rhinestones can distract from your face and emotions. Solid colors and elegant textures are best, allowing you to shine in the photographs. Fabrics like silk, velvet, soft wool, or delicate tulle add depth and a premium feel to your images.
5. Couple or Group Photoshoots
For couple or group sessions, it’s essential that everyone’s outfits coordinate in style and color. Harmonious tones create cohesion and elegance. For example, if one person wears a classic suit, others can complement with dresses or outfits in matching shades to create a unified, visually pleasing look.
6. Premium Assistance at Our Ottawa Photo Studio
At our Ottawa photo studio, I help you create a complete, refined look:
- Perfectly selected outfits, accessories, and fabrics
- Professional hair and makeup
- Stylish, comfortable, and welcoming studio environment
- Coffee or light refreshments to enjoy during the session
Every detail is carefully planned so you can relax, feel confident, and allow us to capture elegant and timeless photographs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right outfit is not just preparation — it shapes the atmosphere, harmony, and premium quality of your photographs. A well-coordinated look highlights your best features, creates sophisticated and memorable images, and makes you feel like the star of the session.
Ready to create a stylish and harmonious look for your photoshoot in Ottawa? Contact me today and let’s plan your perfect outfit!