Outfit Guide

The outfit you choose can either make or break a gorgeous shot.

I usually lean towards neutral, earthy tones, with pops of color that complement the scenery. Textures can add a lot of depth to images as well, such as movement from flowy dresses, gauzy linens and textured cottons. I always recommend choosing something that feels comfortable, is a flattering fit, and matches your unique style. Unless the outfit is the subject of the photo, I recommend choosing something that won't be overly distracting from you or the landscape.

I am happy to help with clothing choices if you have any questions or need help choosing!

Clothing suggestions

Neutral & Earth Tones

Neutral tones can help you blend more into the landscape and nature. I love using neutral earthy colors to bring more focus to the subject and the background, rather than bringing attention to the clothes themself.

Here are a few examples for inspiration. Notice how your eye is drawn more towards the subject, landscape and movement before the outfits. The photos below are from Pinterest and are not my work.

Deep greens in the jungle, forest, or grassy meadow
Whites and creams
Browns
Faded Jeans
Stone grays and blues
Mushroom taupes and beige
Soft pinks in desert scapes
Soft purples, pinks, and yellows to match the sunset

Complimentary Colors

A pop of color that stands out in a visually pleasing way within nature can create a beautiful contrast in your photos. Bolder color choices often make more of a statement and can give your images a more artistic feel. White and black in contrasting landscapes can create a more moody or ethereal feel.

Here are a few examples for inspiration. Notice how your eyes are immediately drawn to the color. The photos below are from Pinterest and are not my work.

Reds in a green forest
Whites is stunning in dark forests and desert landscapes
Yellow is gorgeous in blue hued costal towns
Deep greens and reds in snowy landscapes
Blacks and dark browns against white or neutral backdrops (snow or sand dunes)
Bright colors against light backgrounds
Yellow or pink or orange in contrast with the blue sky
Blues next to yellow wildflowers

Texture & Movement

Movement brings life into photos. When you walk, spin, or let the wind catch your clothing, it creates natural flow and soft lines that make images feel organic and alive rather than stiff or posed. The fabrics and clothing you choose play a big role in this feeling. Pieces made from natural fibers and softer textures tend to move more beautifully with your body and the environment, helping create a relaxed, earthy, and timeless atmosphere in your photos.

The examples below are to demonstrate the depth movement and texture clothing can bring to images. All images below are from Pinterest and not my personal work.

Clothing & fabrics that photograph beautifully with movement

Linen dresses, skirts, or button-downs
Cotton gauze or muslin pieces
Long skirts with multiple layers
Wrap dresses or wrap skirts
Lightweight wool sweaters or cardigans
Chunky knit wool layers for texture
Hemp, cotton, or linen loose fitting clothing
Shawls, scarves, or wraps (linen, cotton, wool)
Kimonos or dusters made from natural fibers
Soft cotton or linen shirts left slightly loose
Lots of layers & textures - gauzy scarves, chunky sweaters layered over dresses and skirts
Texture also adds depth to an image, such as layers, interesting fibers, subtle gingham or plaid patterns, etc..

Family photos

I highly recommend neutral earth tones, whites and browns. If you do choose colors, keeping them muted and only one 1-2 of the subjects with everyone else in neutral. Finding outfits that are cohesive and not overly matching is ideal. The goal is to capture the love and energy of the family, and I find that bright or loud color schemes can distract from this.

Here are a few examples for inspiration. The photos below are from Pinterest and are not my work.

All white & cream outfits in a green field
different shades of browns, creams, taupes
if a touch of color is preferred keeping them neutral and only having 1-3 articles of clothing with the color among the rest of the group dressing nuetral (rusty deep reds, olive/forest greens/charcoals instead of black, slate blue)
Avoiding denim if possible
adding layers for texture and depth (hats, jackets, sweaters, beanies, cardigans, kimonos, vests, flannel shirt layered on top of a t, etc...)
avoiding short dresses/skirts, revealing tops, articles of clothing that could potentially be too revealing.
For men's outfits see below
See nuetral & earth tones above for color ideas

Men's Clothing

Men’s outfits are just as important as everyone else’s, especially during family and engagement sessions. Even if dressing up isn’t normally your thing, there are many comfortable options that look great on camera beyond a basic t-shirt and jeans.

Photo sessions are about documenting meaningful moments with the people you care about. Coming prepared, putting a little thought into your outfit, and showing up with a good attitude helps the session go smoothly and ensures we create photos your family will treasure for years.

Images below are examples from Pinterest and not my own work.

Linen or casual trousers
Earth tones button down shirts or sweaters layered with a solid white or neutral t-shirt (no words or graphics)
simple plain white t-shirt with a nice hat, and khaki pants or vintage jeans (no baseball caps)
Flannel or corduroy button down
thermal henley shirts
chunky knit Fishermans sweater
beanies, cowboy hats, and rimmed hats are great but try to avoid baseball caps.
denim jacket/button up shirt

Nude

The human body is a natural part of the landscape we live in. My embodied portrait sessions are rooted in the idea that our bodies belong to the earth just as much as the rivers, mountains, and forests do. When approached with intention and respect, nude imagery can be a powerful way to explore presence, vulnerability, and connection with the natural world.

Your safety, consent, and comfort are always my highest priorities. There is never any expectation or pressure to remove clothing during a session. If you are interested in incorporating nude images, please let me know ahead of time so we can plan for a private location where everyone involved feels safe, comfortable, and respected.

Nude Portrait Guidelines

Tasteful nude imagery can be a beautiful and natural part of embodied portrait sessions. To maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment, the following guidelines apply:

All nude imagery created is artistic and intentional in nature. I do not create sexually explicit or pornographic content.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Valid ID may be required before the session.
At this time, nude portrait sessions are offered for women only.
If you are interested in including nude images, please communicate this before booking so we can plan a private location and ensure everyone involved feels safe and comfortable.
Consent, boundaries, and comfort are always prioritized. You are welcome to change your mind at any time during the session.
Nude images will never be shared publicly without your explicit written permission.
Clients are welcome to bring a trusted friend or support person if that helps them feel more comfortable.

Clothing to Avoid

Since my photo sessions take place in nature and often have a natural, timeless aesthetic, I recommend avoiding the following types of clothing to help maintain that look.

While there are occasions where some of these pieces could work beautifully, consider this guidance as a recommendation rather than a strict rule. The goal is to create images that feel effortless, cohesive, and true to the natural surroundings.

Stripes

Graphic t-shirts with words or images

Apple Watches

Bright Obnoxious Colors and Patterns (unless intentionally matching scenery or making a fashion statement, see complimentary colors above)

Tight fitting uncomfortable clothing

Be mindful of clothing that overly blends into the landscape. It can look beautiful if intentional but contrast helps you stand out a bit more!

Be mindful of removing hair ties around wrists, watches, wallets and phones in pockets. These can be distracting and hard to remove through editing.

Super short skirts, revealing tops, clothing that has a hard time staying in place.