What to Wear for Your Photo Session | Braelyn Grace Photography

Hi friend! If you're wondering what to wear for your session, you're in the right place. Picking outfits is one of the questions I get asked most, and I promise it doesn't have to be stressful. Here are the tips I share with everyone I photograph, with a few favorites from my galleries along the way.

Comfort and confidence first

Before anything else: wear something you feel amazing in. When you're comfortable, you laugh more, you move more naturally, and it shows in every photo. If you're tugging at a hem or can't sit down in it, it's probably not the one. Pick the outfit that makes you feel the most like yourself, then build from there.

A senior laughing in a cane chair, wearing a light top and flared jeans, holding a bouquet — Comfortable, relaxed, and totally herself.

Colors that photograph beautifully

Soft neutrals, earthy tones and muted colors are my favorites. Think cream, white, tan, olive, rust, dusty blue and soft denim. These shades look gorgeous in natural light and they never feel dated.

A few things to skip if you can:

Neon or very bright colors, which can reflect color onto your skin
Big logos or graphic text, which pull attention away from you
Busy, tiny patterns like small checks or thin stripes, which can look a little wavy in photos

A family in light tops and denim on a trail with mountains behind them — Light, soft colors that work together.

A senior in a flowy white dress among red rocks — A simple white dress against warm red rock.

Textures and layers

Texture is the secret to photos that feel rich and full of life. Knits, linen, denim, lace, suede and flowy fabrics all add depth without being busy. Layers like a cardigan, jacket or flannel give you easy variety, too: wear it, hold it, toss it over your shoulder, or take it off halfway through.

A senior in a cream cardigan and olive shorts standing on red rocks with mountains behind her — A cozy cardigan adds an easy layer of texture.

Seniors

This is your session, so bring as many outfits as you like! Outfit changes are always welcome, with no limits. I love a mix of casual and dressy, like your favorite jeans and a comfy top plus something a little more special.

Bring the things that mean something to you. A letterman jacket, a cowboy hat, your favorite boots, your team gear or your instrument all tell your story, and they make your photos feel personal years from now.

A senior in a red letterman jacket standing on an open road — A letterman jacket says so much.

A senior in a cowboy hat and light western shirt in front of a red barn — A cowboy hat and a classic western shirt.

Flared jeans and loafers, seated in a vintage cane chair — Details like shoes are worth thinking about, too.

Families

The goal is to coordinate, not match. Instead of everyone in the same white shirt, pick a palette of 3–4 colors that go together and let each person wear a different mix of them.

The easiest way to start? Choose one person's outfit first (usually the one with a pattern or the most color), then pull the rest of the family's colors from it. Mix in a few textures, and don't forget shoes! Clean, simple shoes finish the look, and they show up in more photos than you'd think.

I'm always happy to help you plan what everyone wears. Just send me your ideas!

A family in flannels and denim among trees — Flannels and denim in a warm, coordinated palette.

Branding sessions

For a branding session, wear what represents you and your business. If your brand is bright and playful, let your outfit show it. If it's calm and minimal, keep it simple. Pull from your brand colors if you have them, and bring a few options so we have variety.

Bring your props and products, too! The tools you use, the things you make and the little details of your work help tell people who you are and what you do.

A desk flat lay with paint swatches, flowers and a laptop — Your tools and products help tell your story.

Indoor vs. outdoor sessions

I photograph both indoors and outdoors, and I have favorite locations for each. Not sure which is right for you? I'll help you pick one that fits your style and your outfits.

Indoors: Think about the space. Choose textures and colors that complement it, like warm neutrals in a bright, airy room or richer tones in a cozy one. Comfortable shoes matter a little less here, and cozy layers like sweaters and soft knits look beautiful in window light.

Outdoors: Plan for the weather with a layer you can add or take off, and choose footwear you can actually walk in. We might wander a trail or a field to find the best light!

A small business owner seated by a large window indoors, holding a bouquet — Indoors, by a big bright window.

A senior in a cream top and jeans among green aspen trees — Outdoors, among the aspens.

Colorado seasons and locations

Colorado weather keeps us on our toes! Mornings and evenings can be chilly even in summer, and fall can change by the hour. Layers are your best friend: a jacket, a cardigan or a flannel can come on and off between shots.

For outdoor sessions, think about footwear. Trails, meadows and rocky spots can be dusty or uneven, so boots or sturdy shoes are a great choice. If you'd love to wear something dressier, bring comfy shoes for walking and switch when we get to the spot.

Cowboy boots and the hem of a white dress on a sandy trail — Boots that are ready for the trail.

Finishing touches

Hair and nails: Get them done a few days ahead so they feel fresh but settled.
Steam or iron your clothes, and hang them up so they arrive wrinkle-free.
Bring a lint roller. Dark fabrics and pet hair are best friends.
Accessories: Simple jewelry, a hat or a favorite jacket can add so much personality.

Quick checklist

Outfits I feel comfortable and confident in
A color palette of soft neutrals, earthy or muted tones
At least one texture or layer
Any extra outfits (changes are always welcome!)
Meaningful accessories or props
Shoes that fit the outfit and the location
A weather layer for outdoor sessions
Clothes steamed and hung up
A lint roller

Ready for your session?

I can't wait to see what you bring! If you have questions about outfits, locations or anything else, send me a message or take a peek at the FAQ. And if you're ready, let's book your session.