If you’re on this page you probably already know why it matters! But outfits play such a huge part in the way an image looks. You have chosen to invest in photography to document this stage of your life, and investing in the outfits that you choose (not necessarily financially, but investing mentally in them) is so important. In years to come, you want to look back at these photos and feel like you, you want to look comfortable in them, and overall you want to look back with fond memories of both the session and have it bring back memories from that time in your life. The outfits that you choose play such a huge role in this! Picking outfits that feel true to your style, are comfortable to wear and move in, and are appropriate for the time of year and the weather is key!

I recommend bringing a few options to the session so that we can mix and match whatever works best for the weather and the landscape. This is especially a good idea if there are children involved in the session as (I’m sure you’re aware) kids often need outfit changes for various reasons! 2-3 different options for each person is a good ball park to aim for.

If you’re travelling from overseas for the session and don’t have access to a vehicle then we can chat via instagram or WhatsApp and you can send iPhone photos of your options and we can choose what to bring along prior to the session to streamline the process, your packing, and to minimise what you have to bring along to the session.

Probably one of the most important parts! I want you to look like YOU, and I want you to feel as though what you’re wearing reflects your personality and feels true to you and your own style. I never want you to feel as though you have to wear certain things that you see on my instagram or in my portfolio if that’s not you, the goal for the session is always to capture you in all of your authenticity, and wearing clothes that feel like you is a big part of making that happen.

Think about practicality too. If the shoot is taking place in winter, wear base layers (I recommend merino wool thermals, or fleece layers) and wool socks with good boots. You can wear base layers underneath pretty much any outfit and this will really help to keep your core temperature comfortable during the session. If there are children and babies involved in the session, I definitely recommend the base layers and fleece layers and a wind blocking coat in the winter months, as well as bringing extra layers and blankets just in case.

In the summer months, we have midges! So covering skin with light loose layers is a good idea, as well as using a midge repellant on any exposed skin.

I love fabrics that create movement, it really helps to tell a story and create shapes in an image, as well as further show emotion.

Choosing outfits that allow you to move is very important as my sessions often involve a lot of walking around, playing if it’s a family session, and often a bit of scrambling if we’re up in the highlands

If you’re wanting breastfeeding images then take this into account when choosing outfits too, make sure you have easy access and that the outfit doesn’t look awkward when feeding. Bringing a button down shirt or something similar for feeding photos is a good idea.

I usually like to suggest muted colours for sessions as they are the least distracting. I’m definitely not opposed to colour and as much as I love neutrals, I also love purples and yellows and greens. I feel as though colour really does add to the personality of an image, but because it it eye-catching, I just say to be intentional about the colours you choose to wear, and think about the landscape that we’ll be shooting in.

If you’re booking a session in August or September in the highlands, adding touches of purple to your outfits will make the purple heather stand out which is so beautiful. If your session is in the winter or autumn time, warm amber tones will match the fern and the leaves.

For in-home sessions, I usually recommend neutral tones since there is often random pops of colour throughout homes and having heavy patterns or bright colours in outfits can cause distraction more easily.

Often in here in Scotland, the weather is unpredictable regardless of the time of year, so I always recommend bringing layers that you can mix and match and interchange as needed. Good layering options rule be wool cardigans, jumpers, scarves, and hats.

Think about the textures of your outfits and use this to ‘match’ rather than matching through colours or the exact same pieces. For example, if you’re wearing a wool cardigan, you could put your baby in a wool onesie, and your partner could wear a wool beanie, that way you’re being tied together by the texture which is more subtle than wearing the exact same colours.

Accessories are a great way to change up an outfit and can be easily removed and added throughout the session: hats, jewellery, scarves, blankets, sunglasses, jackets, etc. are all good things to bring along and can be used as needed throughout the session.

If there is anything that is sentimental such as a special interest toy (my son would love to bring his digger for example) then please do bring that too because it will make your child comfortable and also capturing memories that special will be something you’ll be so grateful for in the future!

Other examples could be family tartan, a baby’s blanket, an anniversary gift, family heirlooms… anything that you think would be special to have included can be included and it doesn’t have to be used for the whole session! Just something to bear in mind when planning what you’ll bring.