You booked your session and now you’re thinking… “well, what should I wear?” Choosing an outfit for your upcoming photo session can be daunting and can make anyone pull their entire wardrobe apart to find the perfect attire.

First of all, being flustered over what to wear to your photoshoot is completely normal. I want our photo session to be a fun and memorable experience. Here’s my top 8 tips when choosing the perfect look for your upcoming fall photo shoot in Calgary.

Be Comfortable, First

It’s not uncommon to want to purchase something brand-new for your upcoming couples or family photoshoot in Calgary. It’s also completely fine if you don’t want to purchase something new - whatever you truly want to do for outfits for your photos is up to you. My biggest recommendation however, is wear something that reflects you when you take the photos. If you’re not a dress wearer, or a button-up shirt kind of person, then go with what makes you feel as authentically you as possible. Hell, it can even be a t-shirt and jeans. When you’re absolutely comfortable with what you are wearing, you feel your best! This feeling will also come through in your photos, and that’s how your photos will look authentically true to you.

Incorporate Textures and Layers

When choosing what to wear, it’s best to choose fabrics that move with you. Pieces that get tossed by wind or doesn’t restrict your movement. Texture means something that adds a bit of visual appeal to the garments you’re wearing such as cotton, linens and wools. Avoid wearing stiff fabrics and clothing that you constantly need to adjust. Fall is a beautiful time of year to incorporate oversized sweaters with jeans, long flowy dresses with combat boots, and layered knit cardigans.

TIP: If you’re looking for a outfit inspiration for family photos - look for one person to wear a cardigan, and one to two people with pattern. The others can wear a complimentary colour or neutral that are found in the layered or patterned pieces to really tie together the unity.

Autumn colour palette with earthy, rich, natural colours.

Choose Natural Colours - Where Possible

Aim for earthy tones and colours when you can, as they compliment the surrounding area almost always. This is particularly true for natural backgrounds like rolling hills, open fields, and mountain locations. Natural toned colours like dark greens, rusty oranges, muted yellows and rich browns are the perfect colour palette for fall photos, especially as the foliage begins to die off and the surrounding areas become brown and muted.

TIP: Bolder colours and patterns are great for more city-like backgrounds such as parkades, breweries, and inner-city parks.

Avoid Logos

This is a good one for any time of the year - avoid logos (if possible) on the garment which draws attention away from the subject - YOU! Logos are often distracting. Certainly there are times these work or are hardly noticeable - ie. polo shirts or golf shirts but where you can, try to avoid wearing them! Unless your photoshoot is sponsored by said company, a garment with texture is way better.