Okay… I’m Trying This Blog Thing Again

(A Bar Harbor Maine Photographer’s Take on What to Wear for Your Photoshoot)

Alright. I’m trying this blog thing out again… so here goes nothing.

Let me start by saying this: I would never tell you what to do. But I would tell you what I would do. Especially if we’re standing somewhere beautiful in Maine with a camera in between us.

Wardrobe is one of those things people stress about before a session, and I get it. You want your photos to feel like you. You also want them to feel timeless, intentional, and honestly… worth hanging on the wall. This isn’t about fitting you into a mold or making you look like someone you’re not. It’s about helping your photos turn out the way you’re hoping they will.

Bar Harbor (and honestly Maine in general) gives us a lot to work with. You can’t beat the rocky coastlines, quiet woods, open fields, and soft light that does half the work for us. So what you wear should work with that, not against it.

Why Wardrobe Actually Matters (More Than You Think)

Early on in my photography career, I used to wonder why certain photos didn’t feel the same as others, even when they were taken in the exact same spot, sometimes even with the same person. Over time, I realized it was all about wardrobe and how much it affects the final image.

Clothing sets the mood. It influences how your body moves, how comfortable you feel, and how your photos read emotionally. If you don’t feel like yourself in what you’re wearing, you’ll see it later when you look back at your photos and that’s not my goal!!

I always say I just want my clients to feel comfortable, and I mean that. You don’t need to be a professional model. I don’t want you to be. I want you to be you.

This guide is for anyone stepping in front of my camera whether you’re a senior, couple, family, or anyone in between, especially if photos aren’t something you do every day.

Start With the Why

Before you even open your closet, ask yourself: what kind of shoot is this?

Is it a senior session where you want all the focus on you? A family session where everyone needs to feel cohesive but still themselves? Something more laid-back and lifestyle, or something a little more polished?

Also think about how you’ll use these photos. Social media, prints for your house, a website, graduation announcements, these images are little time capsules. They’re going to live somewhere for a long time, so it’s worth thinking ahead.

Color: Keep It Simple

When I picture my “perfect” shoot, I almost always imagine neutrals and earth tones. BLUE! (I am always a sucker for blue)

Think:

• Creamy whites
• Oatmeal browns
• Soft tans
• Earthy greens
• Muted blues

Light and neutral colors photograph beautifully. They draw your eye to the subject (that’s you) and complement natural skin tones instead of competing with them.

What I usually recommend avoiding are things that distract, neon colors, big logos, super busy prints, or anything that pulls attention away from your face. You should be the first thing people notice in your photos(not your printed logo shirt or crazy patterned leggings)

For group sessions, aim for coordinating instead of matching. Same color family, different shades. Maybe your significant other wears an earthy green shirt, and your daughter has a headband with that same tone woven in. Little connections like that go a long way without feeling overly planned.

Patterns, Fabrics & Texture

If you love patterns, keep them subtle. Small-scale, softer prints tend to photograph better than busy or bold designs. Tight stripes and heavy logos can be distracting on camera.

Fabric-wise, I’m always a fan of lightweight, flowing materials… think linen, cotton, knits, and soft wool. These fabrics move with you, and movement adds so much life to photos.

Texture is another quiet hero. A chunky sweater, a linen dress, a knit cardigan. Texture adds interest without screaming for attention.

Dress for the Place You’re In

This one’s important.

Photos always feel best when your outfit makes sense for the location. Heels on Acadia National Park Carriage Roads or a formal gown on Sand Beach can feel a little out of place unless there’s a very specific reason for it (like a styled shoot with a particular vision).

That doesn’t always mean hiking boots on a cliff but maybe a casual sneaker or a non-heeled boot instead. You want to look natural in the environment, not like you wandered in from somewhere else.

Seasons matter too. Fall leans into the deeper browns, rusts, and warmer tones. Spring and summer lean lighter and airier. I work hard to keep the natural color present in my photos, and dressing for the season helps reinforce that feeling without forcing it.

Final Thoughts 

At the end of the day, wear something that feels like you. Comfort equals confidence, and confidence always photographs well.

And if you’re unsure, trust me. I’ll guide you. I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what will still feel right years from now when you pull these photos out again.

We’ll make something real. Something honest. Something that feels like you.