WHAT SHOULD I EVEN WEAR?

A person in blue jeans and black sweater poses against an autumn backdrop with golden sunlight filtering through trees.

Your photography experience is about you — showing up as your best self, feeling confident, comfortable and authentic.


Here’s how to choose outfits that help us tell your story beautifully.

Comfort comes first

Pick something you move in, breathe in, and feel like you.


If you’re spending time deciding between “must-buy new outfit” vs “favorite go-to”, more often than not the go-to wins. You’ll look more relaxed and that shows on camera.


A parent and child hold hands while standing together in a golden autumn field at sunset.

Match your outfit to the setting and season

Where we’re shooting and when matters.

For example:

A formal gown in a casual urban alley feels out of place.

A summer sundress in a snowy field may distract from the moment.


Think: Does the outfit make sense for the location and weather? Plan accordingly — shoes that handle uneven ground, a jacket if it’s cold, sandals if it’s warm, etc.

A couple dances together on a scenic overlook at sunset, creating a joyful moment in the golden hour light.

Bring options

If you’re up for it, bring two or three outfits you love. We can mix, change, try different styles and vibes. This gives us flexibility and helps capture different sides of you — classic, playful, serious, casual.

Layers & accessories

Layers = visual interest + comfort. Think cardigans, denim jackets, scarves; they also help if weather changes.

Accessories like hats, headbands, belts can be great, but please avoid anything that steals the spotlight. The star is you.

Shoes matter: Make sure you’re comfortable and they suit the location. Heels on rough terrain? Not ideal. Flip-flops? Usually skip. Boots, sandals, bare feet (if location allows) all work — just make sense for us.

Hairstyle, makeup, nails

Hands show stories — make sure nails are clean, tidy, and any polish is not chipped (camera picks up on that).

Hair down gives movement; up-dos can work but make sure you’ll like how they photograph.

Makeup: Go for a version of yourself with polish, not a different person. Feel like you, just slightly on-camera enhanced so you look like the best version of you.

Ultimately I’m not trying to capture a trend; I’m trying to capture you.

A sequence of silhouettes showing a person rolling over in a progressive motion against a light background.
Black and white photo of a child in a sweater holding onto an adult's hand in a grassy field.

Let your personality lead

Whether you’re bold and dramatic or quietly understated — wear that. If jeans + tee are your thing, let’s make them look good.  The more true to yourself you are, the better the images.

Fabrics & texture matter

Clothes that flow, fabrics that catch the light, textures you can sense — all these help the photo breathe. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool tend to photograph beautifully.

Try to avoid stiff, bulky items that feel rigid — they freeze the moment instead of capturing it.

Color choices

Stick with a palette of softer neutrals, earthy tones, pastels or gentle metallics — these tend to work beautifully in most environments.

Bright, neon or very bold primary colors can sometimes pull attention away from you.

For groups/families: Pick 3-4 colours at most. Choose one standout piece and let others complement it.

Know your color-wheel: “Complementary” colors are opposite on the wheel (e.g., blue + orange) and make each other pop; “Analogous” colors sit next to each other (e.g., blue, teal, green) and give a cohesive feel.

Patterns, prints & logos — use wisely

Large, bold patterns can distract. If using pattern, try to limit to one piece and keep the rest simple.

Matching outfits exactly tends to blur individuality — goal is to complement, not clone.

Logos or big branding: Unless it’s intentional (say, your personal brand) they can pull focus — subtle branding is fine, but big sports logos or heavy text might divert attention from what we’re really capturing: you.

A family in matching plaid and denim outfits shares tender moments together in a grassy field at sunset.
A young child wearing a pink floral dress and tiara poses outdoors in a park setting during autumn.

Props & personal touches

If you have something meaningful — your guitar, beloved pet, vintage bike, special hat — bring it. Props that tell your story add depth. Skip the “just because” props that don’t feel like you.


They should support the image, not dominate.


A series of black and white photographs showing people embracing and interacting outdoors in casual attire.

Let’s do this

I’m excited to work together and help you feel and look your best. Bring the outfit(s) that feel right, bring your unique energy, and let’s create something beautiful together.

If you have any questions or want help narrowing choices, shoot me a message!


Handwritten text with the name 'Mikaela' written in cursive script with decorative flower doodles.

 

Final checklist

Are you comfortable in your outfit?

Does it fit the location and season?

Do you have at least 1-2 outfit options?

Does the color palette complement the environment and the other people (if any) in the shoot?

Are fabrics flowing? Are patterns/prints/subtle?

Are accessories/shoes practical and fitting?

Are nails, hair, makeup, props all considered?

Most importantly: Do you feel like YOU?

 

A group of people in casual attire pose together on a grassy lawn in front of a red barn on a sunny day.