Your Photoshoot Preparation Guide
Wondering what to wear for your photoshoot? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re preparing for a family portrait, professional headshot, maternity session or photographs with your pets, a little preparation can make a considerable difference.
This guide covers everything from clothing and colour coordination to hair, makeup, grooming and those small details that are surprisingly easy to overlook.
And don’t worry about knowing how to pose. That’s my responsibility. Yours is simply to arrive looking like yourself, preferably without having spent the previous evening worrying about where to put your hands.
Decide What You Want From Your Photoshoot
Before choosing your outfits, think about the photographs you’d like to have.
A family session might be relaxed and informal, while a professional portrait may call for something more polished. Maternity photographs can be soft and natural or more dramatic.
There’s no single correct approach. The important thing is choosing a style that feels right for you.
If you’ve seen photographs you particularly like, send them to me beforehand. They give us a useful starting point without needing to copy somebody else’s work.
For family sessions, think about whether you’d like individual portraits, photographs of different family members together or even a few with the family pets.
You can explore my portrait and family photography or pet photography for ideas.
Hair, Makeup and Grooming
You don’t need to reinvent yourself for a photograph. In fact, it’s usually better if you don’t.
Aim to look like a well-rested, well-groomed version of yourself. Keep your skincare routine familiar and avoid experimenting with new products immediately before your session.
Hair and Makeup
Professional makeup can be helpful, particularly for portraits and maternity sessions, but it isn’t compulsory.
If you’re doing your own makeup, keep it consistent with how you normally like to look. An even complexion and subtle eye definition generally photograph well.
For hair, choose a familiar style. If you’re planning a haircut or colour treatment, give yourself enough time beforehand.
Grooming for Men
A tidy beard, neat eyebrows, clean nails and a freshly pressed shirt make a surprising difference. If you shave, consider how your skin normally reacts and plan accordingly.
What to Wear for Your Photoshoot
A good photograph doesn’t require an expensive wardrobe. It requires clothing that works for you.
The following illustrated guide shows some simple choices that photograph well, along with a few common wardrobe mistakes worth avoiding.
Wardrobe Ideas for Women
Choose clothing that feels like you, rather than what you think you’re supposed to wear for a photograph.
A well-fitted dress, tailored trousers, a favourite blouse or a structured jacket can all work beautifully.
There’s no need to buy an entirely new wardrobe. Often, a few pieces you already own will give us everything we need.
A Few Things Worth Considering
- Choose clothing that fits comfortably and allows you to move.
- Consider how necklines and sleeves frame your face and shoulders.
- Bring a jacket or another layer if you’d like a different look.
- Keep jewellery and accessories complementary rather than distracting.
- Check that undergarments work with your chosen clothing.
- Try everything on before the session.
Navy, cream, olive, blush, burgundy and jewel tones are all useful starting points. Ultimately, though, the colours that suit you matter more than any fashion rule.
Wardrobe Ideas for Men
A few well-chosen basics can make an enormous difference.
A properly fitted shirt, smart trousers and a jacket can create a polished look without feeling overly formal.
For a more relaxed portrait, a plain knit or open-collar shirt may be exactly right.
The aim is to look comfortable and well-presented, not as though you’ve borrowed somebody else’s wardrobe.
Simple Choices That Work
- Navy, charcoal, olive and neutral colours are versatile.
- Choose shirts that fit neatly around the shoulders and collar.
- Bring a jacket for a more formal option.
- Check that trousers and shoes complement your outfit.
- Iron shirts and remove visible lint.
For corporate headshots and business portraits , think about how you normally dress when meeting clients.
Your photograph should reflect the professional image you want to present.
What to Wear for Family Photographs
Coordinate your outfits. Don’t make everyone dress identically.
Family portraits generally look more natural when everyone’s clothing complements the others without being an exact match.
Choose two or three colours that work together, then let each person wear something that suits them.
Cream, olive and warm neutrals are one possible combination, but there are plenty of others.
Preparing the Family’s Outfits
- Lay everyone’s clothing together before the shoot.
- Check that colours complement rather than compete.
- Avoid too many different patterns.
- Make sure children can move comfortably in their clothing.
- Bring spare clothes for younger children.
- Remember footwear if we’re taking full-length photographs.
Most importantly, allow everyone to look like themselves.
See more on my family and portrait photography page .
Preparing for Your Maternity Photoshoot
Your maternity photographs can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish.
Some people prefer flowing dresses and soft, natural portraits. Others enjoy a more structured or dramatic look.
Neither approach is better. It’s about creating photographs that feel right for you.
Comfort is particularly important, so choose clothing that allows you to sit, stand and move easily.
Maternity Clothing Ideas
- Flowing dresses create soft movement.
- Stretchy fabrics can provide comfort and shape.
- Fitted dresses can emphasise your bump.
- Cream, blush, olive and muted earth tones work beautifully.
- Bring another outfit if you’d like a different look.
- Choose comfortable, safe footwear.
If your partner or children are joining the session, coordinate their outfits with yours.
You’re also welcome to bring a small keepsake if it has special meaning.
Explore my maternity and portrait photography for more information.
Choosing Colours for Your Photoshoot
Colour can influence the mood of a photograph, but choosing what to wear doesn’t need to become a science project.
The simplest approach is to consider the feeling you’d like your photographs to have, then choose colours that complement one another.
How Different Colours Can Influence a Portrait
Light, fresh and understated. Particularly effective for soft portraits and maternity photography.
Calm, polished and versatile. A useful choice for professional and family portraits.
Natural and relaxed. These tones work beautifully with cream, beige and earth colours.
Soft and warm, with a gentle quality that suits maternity and individual portraits.
Rich and expressive. Useful when you want more depth and visual impact.
Timeless and sophisticated. Particularly effective for dramatic portraits and headshots.
One useful rule: Colours should complement the people in the photograph rather than compete for attention.
These are suggestions, not commandments. If there’s a colour you love and feel comfortable wearing, that’s often a very good place to start.
Your Final Photoshoot Checklist
A few minutes of preparation can save a surprising amount of fuss on the day.
- Try on your outfits and check the fit.
- Iron or steam clothing where necessary.
- Check shoes, accessories and undergarments.
- Pack any alternative outfits.
- Make sure hair and grooming are sorted.
- Bring any personal items we’ve discussed.
- Have reference photographs ready if needed.
- Allow enough time to arrive without rushing.
And that’s about it. You don’t need to practise smiling in the mirror or research seventeen different ways to stand.
I’ll take care of the photography.
Still Not Sure What to Wear?
Not sure whether the navy shirt, the cream dress or the thing you bought three years ago and have never worn is the right choice?
Send me a photograph of your options. I’m happy to help you decide what will work best for your session.
Ask Me About Your PhotoshootYou can also contact me through the website or explore my photography services in Johannesburg .