Congratulations on booking your equine portrait session! As you prepare for your upcoming session, one question may be looming large in your mind: “What should I wear?” Don’t worry, it’s a common concern, and I’m here to help ease your worries and ensure you look and feel your best during our time together.
General Outfit Suggestions
1. Stick to Solids
Opt for solid colors as they keep the focus on you, the subject. They also make editing easier to remove dust, hair, slobber, and wrinkles. Darker colors can appear more flattering on camera, but don’t shy away from vibrant pops of color.
2. Avoid Patterns, Logos, and Graphics
Unless they hold significant sentimental value, leave graphic tees and logos at home. They can date the photo and be distracting. Tight patterns, like checkered designs, can cause strange effects in-camera that can’t be fixed with editing. If in doubt, send me a picture during planning.
3. Keep it Simple
Opt for clean and easy outfits like a t-shirt with jeans, a dress, slacks, or a jacket. Complex outfits will leave you fidgeting with it during the session. Keep it simple so you can focus on having a good time.
4. Consider Your Glasses
If you wear glasses, I’m sure you have pictures of yourself with a glare on the lens, blocking your face. You should absolutely wear your glasses during your session, but consider removing the lenses and wearing contacts simultaneously to prevent any issues.
5. Stick With What You Know and Love
Avoid the temptation to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe for your session. It is best to be comfortable and dress like you would every day (okay maybe leave the athleisure at home). Being comfortable in your clothes will help you feel at ease and relaxed during your session.
6. Choose Confidence-Boosting Clothes
Select clothing that makes you feel unstoppable. Whether it’s a leather jacket or a princess dress. Confidence is key and will positively influence your mood during the session.
7. Opt for Fitted Clothes
Avoid loose, baggy clothing as fitted attire makes posing easier and looks more flattering on camera.
8. Dress for the Location and Weather
Consider the session’s location and weather when choosing your outfit to ensure your comfort and the best possible outcome for your images. No one wants to wear a sweater in Georgia in July.
9. Avoid Ripped Clothing
Unless it’s a deliberate style choice, opt for clothing without holes to avoid drawing attention away from you.
10. Mind Your Undergarments
Choose undergarments that complement your outfit, avoiding visible lines or distractions. Expert tip: White bras will show under a white shirt
11. Pay Attention to Necklines
Be mindful of how much cleavage you’re comfortable showing and ensure collars fit well for a polished look.
12. Bring Multiple Outfits
Not only is there a high risk of your horse snotting on you in the first five minutes of our session, multiple outfits that vary in length and texture are a great way to add variety to your shoot.
13. Minimize Jewelry
Stick to everyday jewelry or opt for minimalistic pieces to avoid distractions. Be sure to leave the apple watches, fitness trackers, and extra hair ties at home.
14. Empty Your Pockets
Leave unnecessary items like phones and wallets behind to avoid looking like you have a third butt cheek in your photos.
15. Avoid Pure Black or White
These are excellent color choices but I recommend adding texture or a layer with some color. For more details on color choices including how to match your horse’s coat or your own skin tones, check out my blog on Mastering Your Equine Photo Shoot Wardrobe
16. Bring “In-Between” Clothing
Keep in mind that there will be down time in between locations. If you’ve opted to wear heels or an outfit that isn’t quite warm enough, make sure to bring comfy shoes or a jacket for those moments where we’re not taking photos. You wont regret the extra comfort.
Women: What to Wear
- Layer with jackets, scarves, cardigans, or vests to add texture and personality.
- Avoid spaghetti straps or strapless tops to maintain a flattering silhouette.
- Consider skipping shorts and opting for knee length dresses
Men: What to Wear
- Business casual is great. If you want a more relaxed look, a plain, cotton shirt or polo works great.
- Choose a heavier material for your shirts to avoid wrinkles.
- Jeans or casual trousers are versatile options that pair well with most outfits.
- Steer clear of white button-down shirts for a more dynamic look.
Branding: What to Wear
- Dress for your clients: If you wear scrubs to your client’s sessions, I would not recommend wearing a t-shirt. It creates a mental disconnect with your audience. Clients work with people they trust. Make sure that the pictures people see on your social channels reflect who they see in person.
- Choose colors that complement your brand’s aesthetic for cohesive branding. Leave that hot pink shirt at home if your brand is muted blues and off-whites.
How to Prepare Clothing for Your Equine Photography Session
- Test your outfits beforehand. Walk in those heels, bend over in that low cut shirt, kneel in those jeans and check for unwanted underwear appearances.
- Launder and iron your clothes to look and feel your best. Wrinkles and stains will show up more in camera. Don’t settle for “good enough”
- Bring clothes on hangers to minimize wrinkles and make finding your next outfit easier.
- Wear something else while traveling and prepping your horse. It’ll cut down on wrinkles and you can still use your pants as a napkin.
What About…
If you’re unsure about what to wear for your equine photography session, don’t hesitate to reach out! Send me pictures of your clothing options, and I’ll help you curate your wardrobe. I’m happy to help in any way I can to make sure your portraits are perfect.
