What should I wear to my photoshoot? - Seattle and Sedona Portrait Photographer
Hello! Let’s talk about what to wear to your photoshoot with Dawndra.
Wearing whatever feels like you is most important. Natural fabrics, like linen, cotton or wool photograph nicely in nature and the studio. Natural colors are best such as off white, Ivory, olive, taupe, khaki, browns, greys - or rich warm colors photograph the best. I always suggest avoiding primary colors, and don’t wear white socks. STARK WHITE is kind of a bummer but doable. Try for off white or if it’s very white make it a linin.
Navy is not my favorite and doesn’t photograph well- and also turns dark into black and blends into the trees. I want you to stay true to your style and I don’t want to over influence you into wearing something that is not you. Hats, scarves, favorite stuffed animals, instruments, books, flowers can all be super fun to play with during a shoot.
I will be repeating myself in this blog just so you know! And I will be adding images and talking about what works and what could be better below them.
Colors that don’t photograph well. Primary colors like strait up yellow, very red, ect. Burgundy or mustard work better. Think of changing leaves. NOW, if your kiddo is a bright 5 year old who wants to be a princess- LET THEM if you want! Again, these are guidelines not guardrails. Green gets lost in the trees, especially forest green. But a sage green can work.
Above photo, not to pick on these guys I LOVE them, but if I could change anything it would be dads shirt to a brown, grey, or dusty blue.
Adventurous Outdoor Family Shoot: Earth Tone Styling Tips
An outdoor family session is all about movement, connection, and real moments — and your wardrobe plays a big role in bringing that story to life. Earth tones are the perfect choice for adventurous sessions because they blend beautifully with nature while keeping your family the focus.
Why Earth Tones Work So Well
Earth tones feel timeless, calm, and grounded. Colors like olive, rust, beige, cream, soft brown, clay, mustard, and muted blue photograph beautifully against mountains, forests, deserts, and coastlines. They allow emotion and connection to shine without distraction. Neutral boots, sneakers, or sandals complete the look and keep the adventure feeling natural and relaxed.
Antique pink looks great on the red rocks and in the green trees. Barefoot is always on the table no matter where!
Don’t Forget the Accessories- if it feels like you.
Accessories are the finishing touch that bring your outfits to life. Think of them as little storytellers — adding texture, personality, and warmth to your look.
Hats, scarves, layered necklaces, soft blankets, hair clips, suspenders for littles, cozy cardigans, and neutral belts all photograph beautifully in outdoor sessions. Stick to natural materials like leather, wool, linen, and cotton to keep everything feeling organic and timeless.
The key is subtlety. Accessories should enhance, not distract. Choose pieces that move in the wind, catch light softly, or add gentle contrast against your earth tones.
And remember — you don’t need a lot. One or two thoughtful pieces per person is perfect. Sometimes the smallest detail becomes the most meaningful part of the image.
The hat is everything!
PERFECT!
Love the natural colors and beautiful pattern here.
This family nailed it for this beach shoot!
I LOVE this dress choice. Imagine if she wore forest green! it happens! And it does not work. You blend in and become a floating head.
These two nailed it! The two patterns look great together, and the natural colors and fabrics photograph so well.
Love this! Navy is a little dark but it works here with the skirt.
This family nailed it! I do wonder if she wore a brown long sleeve instead - but this works for me. It’s not about perfection.
Lovely family. The colors are great, the little girls dress is a little dark but the pattern is great.
Warm Earth Tones (love)
Rust
Terracotta
Burnt orange
Clay
Cinnamon
Caramel
Mustard
Golden brown
Soft Neutrals
Cream
Oatmeal
Linen
Sand
Warm taupe
Mushroom
Muted Blues (Earthy Versions)
Dusty blue
Subtle Earthy Accents
Blush clay
Mauve
Rosewood
Soft plum
Best combinations for family sessions:
Rust + cream + olive
Mustard + denim + taupe
Terracotta + sage + sand
Forest green + oatmeal + clay
Dusty blue + camel + cream
SEE THE COLORS BELOW - Just steer blear of the forest green if we are in the forest!
Perfect fall colors.
Fun Earth tones, few cool patterns
Gold looks great with the wood and the trees
Great Earth tones, if I would change anything it would be the colors of dads shirt but it works ok.
Girl, this is PERFECTION
See how dads dark colors makes him blend into the background? The coat off would have been better for this shot, and lighter jeans. That being said, it’s still a fun photo. Look at the dogs face!
The lighter blue colors work, the dark blue is starting to get lost.
Black works great among the red rocks. I always tell people to also bring something lighter too.
LOVE this - the little girls dress is a little on the bright yellow side, but it works.
LOOK how perfect the burnt orange is with the trees - and his ivory. Careful with the orange - if you order from Amazon it could be ORANGE ORANGE which does not photograph well.
A more casual look and I LOVE IT.
I love these two above on the red rocks. His casual shirt with her gorgeous dress threw me for a loop though. The checkers are too busy and a light brown sweater or long sleeve and lighter pants would have been AMAZING
The ivory worked PERFECT here. Her other dress was burnt orange and it was gorgeous too.
I LOVE THIS FAMILY! Everyone looks perfect. If I could change one thing it would be moms dress, and choose a different color other than navy.
Perfect colors for that dark background.
Dark rustic pinkish worked PERFECT.
Gorgeous family~ we tried to get the older one to wear a longer dress and sweater but teenagers do what they want sometimes, and she still looks gorgeous.
When shooting in the city, there are so many colors you can wear whatever you want! I still say steer clear of logos and bright colors. When doing Senior portraits, the senior will want to be themselves first!
Love these guys, I would change the babes outfit to a lighter color other thank black. Brown would have been great, and the little gal’s dress what if it were rust? Thank you for being here!
Before the shoot, reach out with any questions at all.
I love this site for dresses, JOYFOLIE I also have an amazon list here - but know that the color example shown as the cover may not be the color to choose. Here is a whole different blogpost about other commonly asked questions about shooting with me, it talks more about what to wear, what about the rain- and about my half sessions, and locations.
