Hello! I'm Amanda Costelloe, the heart behind Olive & Eve Photography, based in Toronto and serving the beautiful region of Southern Ontario. Specializing in lifestyle and wedding photography, I’m here to help you look and feel your best during our photo sessions. Choosing the right outfit is crucial to creating stunning, timeless images. Here are some tips for selecting outfits for different types of sessions.

Family Photo Sessions

Coordinate, Don’t Match: Instead of everyone wearing the same outfit, aim for a coordinated look. Choose a color palette of 3-4 colors and mix and match within that range.
Consider the Location: Think about where your photos will be taken. If it’s a park, earthy tones and pastels work well. For urban settings, bolder colors can pop against the city backdrop.
Comfort is Key: Make sure everyone is comfortable in their outfits, especially the little ones. Avoid clothing that’s too tight or restrictive.
Accessorize: Scarves, hats, and jewelry can add a fun element to your photos. Just keep it simple and cohesive with your overall look.

Newborn Sessions

Soft and Simple: Choose soft, neutral colors for both the baby and the parents. This keeps the focus on the baby’s delicate features.
Comfortable Clothing: Newborn sessions can take time, and comfort is essential. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and feeding.
Avoid Patterns: Solid colors work best for newborn sessions as they don’t distract from the baby.
Have a Backup: Babies can be unpredictable. Having an extra outfit or two can save the day in case of any accidents.

Portraits and Headshots

Reflect Your Personality: Your outfit should reflect who you are and the image you want to project. Think about the purpose of the portrait – professional headshots may require more formal attire, while creative portraits can be more relaxed.
Choose Solid Colors: Solid colors photograph well and keep the attention on your face. Avoid busy patterns and logos.
Fit and Flatter: Wear something that fits you well and flatters your body shape. Avoid anything too baggy or too tight.
Minimal Accessories: Keep accessories minimal to avoid distraction. The focus should be on your face and expression.

Maternity Photos

Highlight the Bump: Choose outfits that highlight your baby bump. Maxi dresses, fitted tops, and stretchy fabrics work well.
Comfort and Confidence: You should feel comfortable and confident in your outfit. Soft fabrics and stretchy materials are ideal.
Coordinate with Partner: If your partner is joining the session, coordinate your outfits. Neutral tones and soft colors work beautifully for maternity photos.
Consider the Location and Season: Flowing dresses work well in outdoor, natural settings, while more structured outfits might suit an urban environment.

Engagement Photos

Complement Each Other: Your outfits should complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Think about a cohesive color scheme.
Reflect Your Style: Choose outfits that reflect your personal style as a couple. If you’re more casual, go for a relaxed look. For a formal vibe, dress it up a bit.
Consider the Setting: Like with family photos, consider the setting of your engagement shoot. Your outfits should enhance the location, not clash with it.
Bring Options: If you're unsure, bring a couple of outfits to change into during the session. This can add variety to your photos.

Final Tips

Test Run: Try on your outfits a few days before the session to ensure they fit well and you feel comfortable.
Avoid Logos: Logos and heavy branding can be distracting in photos.
Iron/Steam Your Clothes: Wrinkles can be very noticeable in photos, so take the time to iron or steam your outfits.
Discuss with Your Photographer: Don’t hesitate to ask me for advice! I’m here to help you make the best choices for your session.

For any questions or to book a session, feel free to reach out to me at oliveevedesign@gmail.com. Let’s create beautiful memories together!

Warm regards,

Amanda Costelloe Olive & Eve Photography

Selecting Your Outfits for a Perfect Photo Session