This is the question we hear more than any other before a session: "what should we wear?" There's no single right answer, but there are a handful of principles that consistently photograph well — and a few common mistakes worth avoiding.
Coordinate, don't match
Matching outfits (same exact colour, same exact pattern) can look staged and a little stiff in photos. Coordinating — picking a shared colour palette and letting each person's outfit interpret it differently — almost always looks more natural. Think two or three complementary colours rather than one identical one.
Solid colours over busy patterns
Small patterns, logos, and busy prints can be distracting in photos and sometimes create a strange visual effect called moiré on camera. Solid colours and simple, larger patterns photograph more cleanly and keep the focus on the two of you rather than your clothes.
Think about your location before you choose colours
Deep jewel tones and warm neutrals tend to stand out beautifully against green, leafy backdrops like Heart Lake or Riverwood Conservancy. Against an urban backdrop like the Distillery District, both muted neutrals and richer colours can work well — it depends on the specific wall or street you're in front of. If you're not sure, tell us your location and we're happy to give colour suggestions.
Layer for versatility
A jacket, cardigan, or blazer that can come on and off gives us two different looks in the same outfit without a full change. This is a simple trick that adds variety to your gallery without extra planning.
Comfortable shoes matter more than you'd think
You'll likely be walking, standing, and moving around more than expected. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for walking between shots, even if you switch into something dressier for the actual photos.
When in doubt, keep it simple
Outfits that feel like "you," just slightly elevated, almost always photograph better than an outfit that feels like a costume. If it doesn't feel like something you'd wear on a nice date, it's probably not the right choice for photos either.
Still not sure?
Send us a message before your session — we're glad to look at outfit options together and help you land on something that will look great in your specific location.