Don't Wear This At Your Photo Session! 

OK, I put the main  image  here as a total exaggeration about how loud and busy clothing can  ruin photographs. But I think you get the idea.

When it comes to capturing precious moments on camera, choosing the right outfit is just as important as finding the perfect location and photographer. While you may have a specific look in mind, there are certain clothing choices that should be avoided for a successful photo session. From ill-fitting clothes to distracting patterns, these fashion faux pas can ruin an otherwise picture-perfect moment. So, before you plan your outfit, take a look at our list of What Not To Wear For Photos. Trust us, your future self (and your photographer) will thank you!

Avoiding Oversized Clothing: It's All About the Fit

Oversized attire may scream cozy and fashionable in everyday life, but when it comes to photo sessions, it's not your best bet. These billowing ensembles often make you seem bulkier, swallowing your shape and adding an unflattering illusion of extra pounds. The camera captures a single, still image, and unfortunately, the effortless chic and relaxed allure that oversized clothes have in motion is lost in this context. So, for the camera, a well-fitted wardrobe is your go-to. Choose outfits that accentuate your silhouette, hug your curves, or outline your structure, creating a more polished and sophisticated vibe in your pictures. In essence, you want attire that makes you shine, not hide. So for your next photo session, bid goodbye to oversized, and say hello to perfectly fitted.

Steering Clear of Busy Patterns: Simplicity Is Key

Patterned clothing can be a stylish and fun way to express your personality, but when it comes to photography, too much of a good thing can become a distraction. Intricate prints like overwhelming plaids or exuberant florals often compete for attention with your face, which should always be the star of your photos. They can also be the culprits behind clashes with backgrounds or disrupt the harmony in group pictures.

Instead, opt for the underrated charm of solid colors and the understated elegance of minimalistic patterns. By doing so, you create a clean, visually balanced look that allows your natural beauty to take center stage. Besides, a photo session is not just about capturing your physical attributes—it's also about preserving emotions, expressions, and those unique characteristics that make you 'you'. By choosing simple outfits, you allow these subtle aspects to shine through.

Remember, while fashion is a powerful tool to express your personal style, it's essential to strike the right balance when preparing for a photo shoot. Going overboard with prints and patterns can lead to visual chaos. So, keep it simple and let your radiance do the talking. This way, the focus stays right where it should be - on you.

Saying No to Neon Colors: Keeping It Neutral

While they may be a favorite for a night out, neon colors can be a misstep for photo sessions. Neon outfits, as vivid and daring as they might be, often overpower the subtleties of your complexion and compete for attention with your features. In fact, they may also bounce off your skin and create color casts - unwanted tints in your photos that can be tough to rectify even in editing.

Rather than taking a trip to the vibrant end of the color spectrum, consider a visit to the quieter, more subdued side. Neutral colors - think beiges, greys, soft blues, and the like - are great alternatives. They're gentle on the eyes and manage to beautifully complement most skin tones without drowning out your features. There is a wide selection of neutral color choices for photos.

Also, pastel colors make a delightful choice. They bring a pop of color to your photos while maintaining a soft, pleasing aesthetic that won't overshadow your natural beauty. With pastels, you can introduce color without letting it dominate your photograph.



Remember, the star of your photo should be you, not your clothing. By choosing neutral or pastel shades, you keep the focus firmly on your face and expressions, ensuring you’re the center of attention in every click. So, while neon might be your color for the dance floor, when it's time for your photo session, turn down the dial and embrace the charm of neutrals and pastels.

Dodging All-White Outfits: Maintaining Balance

All-white ensembles might exude a timeless elegance, but they're surprisingly tricky to pull off in front of the lens. Since white will be the brightest part of the image, all eyes are going to go straight to that T-shirt or pair of white jeans. Just say no. Further, nothing adds 20 pounds faster than white.

Instead of risking this potential pitfall, why not explore the warmer end of the white spectrum? Off-white or cream hues can provide a similar aesthetic while being much more camera-friendly. These softer tones don't reflect as much light as pure white, helping to avoid overexposure issues.

Alternatively, you could experiment with other light, pastel shades. As previously mentioned, these colors bring a delicate pop of color to your pictures without being overly dominant or disruptive. By steering away from stark white and instead embracing softer shades, you ensure that your outfit enhances your photographs, rather than unintentionally sabotaging them. So, next time you're prepping for a photo session, remember to approach the all-white look with caution and consider opting for a softer, more photo-friendly palette.

Bypassing White or Light-Colored Shoes: Keeping the Focus Upward

Footwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your outfit for a photo session, but it can make a significant impact on the final result. Light-colored shoes, particularly white ones, can be a faux pas in this scenario. Here's why: shoes of this hue can act like a magnet for the viewer's gaze, pulling attention downward and away from the main event, which is your face.

Just like an actor on stage, you want the spotlight where it counts the most. That's not to say your shoes should be boring, but they shouldn't steal the show. A pair of dark-colored shoes can be your ally here, working to keep the viewer's attention right where it should be. They're subtle enough not to be distracting, yet they still contribute to your overall look.

This tip is particularly relevant for standing portraits or full-body shots where your shoes are in the frame. While light-colored shoes might blend nicely with a summer outfit, they can disrupt the viewer's focus in a photo. So, next time you're gearing up for a photo session, give some thought to your footwear. Opt for darker hues that will enhance your outfit without detracting from the star of the show – you.

Reconsidering Sparkly Makeup and Accessories: Shine Sparingly

While shimmer and sparkle may be your go-to for a night out or a special occasion, when it comes to photo sessions, they can be more of a hindrance than a help. Glittery makeup, shiny jewelry, and other sparkly accessories may seem like a fun way to add some flair to your look, but they can create unwelcome distractions in your photos.

When the camera's flash or natural light hits these shiny elements, it can cause them to reflect light intensely. This can lead to unflattering highlights, glares, or even create unexpected shadows on your face. It's not about avoiding shine completely, but rather about knowing where and how to use it for your advantage.

Instead, consider a makeup look that leans more towards the natural side. A subtle glow is preferable to heavy glitter, and it enhances your features without causing distractions. The same goes for accessories. While a statement piece can sometimes work, generally, less is more. Simple, classic pieces often photograph better and won't compete for attention with your face.

When it comes to your photo session, the goal is to capture you, in all your natural beauty and charm. The focus should be on your expressions, your emotions, and your unique personality. By going light on the sparkle, you ensure that it's your natural beauty that shines through, not your makeup or accessories. So for your next photo session, remember to shine sparingly and let your true self be the star of the show.

Avoiding Logos and Text: Let Your Personality Shine Through

A picture is worth a thousand words, but those words shouldn't be brand names or slogans sprawled across your attire. Clothing featuring prominent logos or text can cause unnecessary distractions in your photos, diverting attention away from your face - the real star of the image. Rather than promoting a brand or message, your clothes should be promoting you, showcasing your style and individuality without words or logos upstaging your unique personality.

Remember, a photo session is a platform to capture and celebrate 'you' in your most authentic form, not a billboard for advertising. So, when you're curating your outfit for a photo session, let your clothing whisper your style statement rather than shouting out brand names or catchphrases.

Opt for pieces that complement your personality and aesthetic, creating a seamless, distraction-free ensemble that lets your true self be the focal point. Keep the logos for the streetwear and the texts for the books, when it comes to photo sessions - let your personality do all the talking.