You’ve booked a Curaçao photographer or you’re still considering it? An exciting step, which often also brings up the question – what should I wear? Because clothing for photoshoots may seem simple, but it often makes the difference between a photo that’s “okay” and one you really want to keep.
Whether you’re going in front of the camera with your family, booking a portrait shoot or planning a couples shoot with your partner – the right clothing choice helps to bring calm, unity and atmosphere into your images. No costume party, just conscious choices.
In this article I give you practical tips about clothing for a photoshoot on location. What works well on camera, what is better to avoid, and how do you coordinate outfits without it feeling forced?
What always works well on camera?
You don’t have to be a model to look good in photos. But the clothing for a photoshoot does help. Some colours and materials create calm and clarity in your image, while others are distracting.
Fortunately, there are a few simple rules of thumb for clothing that almost always works well during a photoshoot:
- Neutral or earthy tones always work well
Think of beige, olive green, rust, cream, light grey or soft blue. These colours create a natural balance in the photo and suit almost any environment. - Avoid busy prints, text or large logos
You want the attention to go to you – not to a brand or print on your shirt. A subtle texture in the fabric is fine, but keep it calm. - Choose clothing that fits well, without being too tight
Comfort shows in your posture. Better something loose than something you constantly have to adjust. - Different shades, one style
You don’t all have to wear the exact same colour. Coordinate the outfits in terms of atmosphere: warm vs. cool, soft vs. hard.
The right clothing for a photoshoot enhances the image, without overpowering it. It’s not about perfection, but about an expression that matches who you are.
Clothing for a photoshoot per situation
Photoshoot with family or children
With a family photoshoot, it’s all about cohesion, without everyone having to wear exactly the same shirt. What helps:
- Choose 2–3 base colours that go well together (for example cream, light blue and sand)
- Work with layers or textures: a vest, linen blouse or denim jacket adds depth
- Avoid sharp contrasts (one person in white, another in bright red often stands out too much)
Clothing for a family photoshoot works best when it doesn’t look too perfect, but is clearly coordinated.
Photoshoot with children
With a photoshoot with children, it’s important that they can move freely and that should also be possible during the shoot. So make sure their clothing:
- Fits comfortably and is not too tight
- Doesn’t have shiny or synthetic fabric (this reflects strangely in the image)
- Is soft in colour – such as old pink, light brown or light green
A small child in a cool playsuit or a flowy dress with a denim jacket? Perfect. Better real than too neat.
Photoshoot in nature
Are you doing the photoshoot in the city, on the beach or somewhere in nature? Let your clothing match the environment:
- Choose colours that appear in the landscape (sand, stone, leaf green, sky blue)
- Avoid bright colours like hot pink or bright yellow – they clash with the calm of outdoor images
- Wear layers or natural materials such as cotton, linen or wool
This way you become part of the overall image, without disappearing into the background.
Which clothing should you avoid for photoshoots?
Some things may look nice in everyday life, but work less well on camera. If you want a calm, timeless look in your photos, it’s better to avoid these clothing items and details:
- Busy prints and patterns
Stripes, floral prints or checks can quickly distract or look restless – especially if multiple people are wearing something striking. - Clothing with text or logos
Brand names or large texts draw attention away from you. These shirts also visually age faster in style. - Neon colours or bright white
These colours reflect a lot of light and often cause harsh shadows or blown-out areas on your face or clothing. - Shiny or synthetic fabrics
Think of satin or polyester. They catch light in an unnatural way and can unnecessarily emphasise folds or creases. - Sportswear or ‘home outfits’
They may feel comfortable, but often look messy or too casual for an image you want to be proud of.
Keep it simple, comfortable and in line with your own style. Then that will also show in the photo.
Accessories and extras
Accessories are not mandatory, but can sometimes make a shoot more personal. Especially if you use them consciously. Think of:
- Hats, headbands or scarves
Especially at outdoor locations they can add something extra to the atmosphere or help with harsh sun or wind. - A blanket, basket or item from home
For a family photoshoot it’s nice to bring something that feels familiar. Not too striking, but functional or warm in the image. - Barefoot is always good
Especially on the beach or in nature: shoes are often unnecessary and bare feet immediately give a relaxed atmosphere. - Pay attention to jewellery or glasses
Fine if they suit you, but it’s better to leave large shiny accessories at home if you’re unsure. And if you don’t normally wear glasses? Then you don’t necessarily have to now either.
Small accents can enhance the image, as long as they remain supportive. The attention should stay with you, not with what you’re wearing on your wrist.
What if the weather forecast is unfavourable?
It can of course happen that the weather doesn’t cooperate at the time of a photoshoot. We can’t control this and are at the mercy of the weather gods. From experience I know that almost every type of weather has its own unique influence on shoots. Light rain or passing showers can sometimes actually turn out very well in the photo series.
But with really bad weather for a photoshoot, such as heavy downpours or thunderstorms – then I prefer to postpone the photoshoot. That can be for an hour, but we can also choose a new date. How exactly does that work? You can read about that in my blog about photoshoots in bad weather.
What to wear if you really don’t know?
Sometimes you get stuck: your wardrobe is full of clothing for photoshoots, but nothing feels “good enough”. If you’re unsure about what to wear for a photoshoot, keep it simple:
- Choose one calm base colour that you feel good in. Think of sand, cream, light blue, soft green or warm grey.
- Avoid panic purchases: New clothing often feels less like “you”. Better to wear something you already feel comfortable moving in.
- Feel free to ask for advice in advance: You don’t have to figure it out alone. Some clients send me their outfit options in advance and I’m happy to look at them with you.
In the end, it’s all about how you feel. Clothing for a photoshoot should suit you, not the other way around. If you’re relaxed, that will automatically come across in the image. Clothing for a photoshoot is important, but it’s only one part of the whole picture.
Ready to plan your photoshoot?
Would you like to book a photoshoot and create something beautiful together? Feel free to get in touch, then we’ll look together at what suits your moment, style and story.