A few honest answers to the questions I get asked most — no Pinterest board required.
Can we wear jeans?
Yes — specifically, a darker wash or raw denim photographs cleaner than light-wash or distressed, which can read as busy or dated in a few years. Pair with something soft on top (a linen button-down, a flowy blouse, a knit sweater) so the outfit doesn't feel like two separate decisions.
Do we have to match?
No — and matching often backfires. If you both wear the exact same shade of blue, cameras pick up on the uniformity and it reads stiff, almost like staff photos. Instead, pick a shared color family (say, warm neutrals) and let each person wear a different piece within it — a cream sweater next to an olive jacket, not two identical creams.
Should our outfits match the season or the location?
Location wins. Shooting somewhere with a lot of green (forest, fields, English Point) — warm neutrals and creams stand out & compliment without fighting the background. Shooting somewhere with more open sky or water — deeper or richer tones hold up better against a lighter backdrop. If you tell me the spot before you shop, I can tell you what will actually work there.
What about shoes — does it matter if we're walking somewhere rugged?
Yes, specifically: heels and wet rock, loose gravel, or trail terrain don't mix — I've watched people white-knuckle their way across a creek crossing in heels. Wear real shoes to walk in, bring the ones you want in photos, and swap right before we shoot. Takes 30 seconds, saves your ankles. Or compromise with cute flats or sandals that give the vibe you want without breaking an ankle.
Should we ask our photographer before buying anything new?
Yes — specifically send me a photo of the item before you buy it, not after. I can tell you in one text if a pattern's going to be too busy on camera or a color's going to clash with the location. Catching it before checkout saves you a return or your images not looking how you envisioned.
What if we can't agree on a look?
Pick one item as the anchor — say, a rust-colored sweater — and have the other person choose a complementary neutral (cream, olive, charcoal) rather than trying to match it exactly. You end up coordinated without either person compromising on what they actually like.
Do accessories matter, or should we keep it simple?
Keep it to one: a hat, a scarf, statement earrings — not all three. Multiple accessories competing in frame pulls attention away from your faces, which is the actual point of the photo. But simple, dainty jewellery can fill in the gaps you might feel like your outfit has been missing. I would focus more on simple, dainty & elegant jewellery rather than a bunch of accessories.
Does timing change what we should wear — sunrise vs. sunset?
Yes, concretely: golden hour (the hour before sunset) has warm, low light — rust, camel, and cream glow in it. Midday or overcast light is flatter and cooler — that's when jewel tones (deep green, navy) hold their richness better than warm neutrals, which can look washed out.
Should we bring a backup outfit just in case?
Only if we're moving between a few different locations or the weather's unpredictable. Otherwise, one outfit you feel confident in is plenty — you don't need options, you need ease.
What if one of us hates dressing up?
Give the reluctant one one job: a single elevated item — a nice button-down instead of a graphic tee, or actual shoes instead of sneakers. Everything else can stay exactly as comfortable as they want. You don't need two people equally dressed up, you need one visual anchor that ties the two looks together.
I have no idea what looks good on camera. Where do I even start?
Start with fabric, not color: knits, linen, corduroy, waffle knit, soft denim and brushed cotton catch light and move with you; anything shiny (satin, rayon blends) or heavily logo'd tends to distract or reflect oddly. If you're stuck, a warm neutral in a fabric with some texture is close to foolproof.
Can we change outfits mid-session?
Yes, if it makes sense for the location — one look near the water, another somewhere with more texture or elevation. It's not required. If simpler feels more like you, one outfit is plenty.
What if it's cold or rainy? Does that ruin the photos?
No — cold usually helps. Real jackets, hands in pockets, a bit of wind in your hair reads as genuine rather than posed. Rain is trickier only if it's heavy; light rain or overcast skies actually give the softest, most even light of any weather condition.
I still don't know where to start.
That's what the session prep guide is for — and it's also exactly what your session itself is for. If you want the fuller philosophy behind dressing with intention (not just logistics), I wrote about that here: Let's Talk Outfits — But Make It Intentional.
Message me your location and season before you shop — I can tell you in a few minutes what colors and fabrics will actually work there, instead of you guessing from a Pinterest board that has nothing to do with your setting.
