What to Wear for Your Session (Without the Stress)


If you only read one part of this post, let it be this:

Wear something that feels like you, and make it comfortable. That’s the golden rule. Everything else? Just helpful details to get you thinking.


Keep It Real

I get it—getting dressed can be hard enough on a normal day, let alone when you're about to stand in front of a camera. It’s tempting to shop for a whole new outfit (and if that makes you feel confident, go for it!), but sometimes the best choice is something tried and true. If you feel awkward in it, it’ll show. If you feel like you in it, that confidence will shine through every photo.


Footwear Matters

Choose shoes that work for the location. We might be walking through fields, standing on gravel, or dancing in the sand—so make sure you can move, walk comfortably, and not worry about twisting an ankle. Sometimes, ditching the shoes altogether is the move (barefoot beach moments, anyone?).


The Color Breakdown

  • Neutrals & blacks: Always a safe bet—they photograph beautifully and work with almost every backdrop.
  • Avoid bright colors, logos, and busy prints: They tend to distract from the real focus of the photo—you.
  • Textures + flowy fabrics = photo magic: Think soft, billowy, sheer, or layered pieces. These add movement and emotion to your images.
  • Avoid stiff, starchy clothing: They wrinkle in weird places and need constant adjusting.

Don’t Match—Coordinate

Matching outfits can blend you into one big monochromatic blob. Instead, aim for complementary colors and varied textures. This brings depth and contrast to your photos while still looking cohesive. Not sure how to pair outfits? Once we pick your location, I can help suggest a color palette that works beautifully with the scenery.


Temperature Check

Wear something that works for the weather! Stay cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. You want to feel good during your session—if you're freezing or overheating, it'll show.


Bonus Tips

  • Bring a second outfit: This gives us some flexibility and variety.
  • Don’t stress over perfection: Bring your personality. If we get a little sandy, muddy, or wet along the way—it’ll be worth it.
  • Need inspiration? Head to my Instagram @carliekuhlmanphotography or scroll through my website gallery for outfit ideas from past sessions.

Still unsure? I’ve got a full, detailed outfit guide I’m happy to send over—just shoot me a message!

Parent tenderly holds and gazes at their newborn baby in a cozy living room with wall art and a grey sofa.
A family sitting together in a golden sunlit field of tall grass during sunset.
Family spending time together in a grassy field on an overcast afternoon.
A couple embraces while standing in a golden field during sunset with autumn foliage in the background.
A group of people in elegant beige and cream dresses pose together outdoors in a sunlit autumn field.
A family enjoys a candid moment together in a sun-drenched wooded area during golden hour.
A family stands together in a sunlit field of tall golden grass during sunset.
A couple walking hand in hand through a meadow at sunset with their husky dog leading the way.
A family of four plays together in a sun-drenched field during golden hour with tall pine trees in the background.
Young couple in white shirts sharing tender moment with sleeping newborn baby in teal outfit.
Happy couple embraces their smiling golden retriever dog in a sun-lit grassy field at sunset.
A couple relaxes together on a beige sectional sofa in a cozy living room with warm lighting.
Two people standing together in sepia tones amidst a golden field of tall grass under cloudy skies.
A couple holding hands in a golden wheat field wearing casual denim and sweaters on an autumn day.
A couple poses together in a golden field at sunset wearing a white dress and tan button-down shirt.