What to Wear for Your Colorado Photo Session
One of the most common questions I get is 'What should we wear?' Here is my honest, practical advice after years of shooting across the Front Range.
The Short Version
Wear something you feel good in. Seriously. That is the number one rule. I have photographed hundreds of sessions along the Front Range, from Chautauqua to Boulder Creek to downtown Pearl Street, and the people who look best in their photos are always the ones who feel comfortable and confident in what they are wearing.
The longer version involves some practical considerations, especially when you are shooting outdoors in Colorado where the altitude, sun, and weather all play a role. So here is what I tell every client before their session.
General Tips That Work for Every Session
Stick to solid colors and soft patterns. Bold logos, large graphics, and busy patterns pull attention away from faces. Solids, subtle textures, and small patterns photograph cleanly and keep the focus on you.
Earth tones love Colorado light. Muted greens, warm tans, soft blues, rust, cream, and denim all look fantastic against the Flatirons, open meadows, and red rock formations. Colorado's landscape already provides a beautiful color palette, and earthy clothing fits right in.
Layers are your friend. I cannot say this enough. A denim jacket over a dress, a flannel tied at the waist, a cozy cardigan draped over your shoulders. Layers add visual interest, give us more variety in shots, and keep you warm when the sun dips behind the mountains.
Think about your shoes. If we are hiking at NCAR or walking the trails at The Peoples' Crossing, you need shoes you can actually walk in. Heels on a dirt trail do not work. Boots, clean sneakers, or sturdy sandals photograph well and keep you safe on uneven terrain. I keep a pair of trail shoes in my car at all times, and I suggest you do the same.
Family Sessions
The biggest mistake families make is trying to match perfectly. You do not all need to wear white shirts and jeans. Instead, pick a color story: two or three colors that work together, and let each person choose something they like within that range.
For example, a palette of navy, cream, and rust gives you plenty of options. Dad in a navy henley, Mom in a cream sweater, one kid in rust, another in navy stripes. It looks coordinated without looking like a catalog shoot.
For kids: comfort wins every time. If your toddler hates shoes, let them go barefoot. If your teenager refuses to wear that collared shirt, let them wear something they actually like. I would much rather photograph your family having fun in casual clothes than fighting over an outfit nobody wants to wear.
Sports Sessions
For game day and tournament coverage, your athlete is already wearing their uniform, so wardrobe is not really a factor. For individual athlete portraits or team photos outside of game situations, here is what works best:
- Clean, wrinkle-free uniforms. Sounds obvious, but a freshly washed jersey photographs so much better than one pulled from the bottom of the equipment bag.
- Both home and away jerseys if you want variety.
- Equipment they actually use. Real cleats, real gloves, their own gear. Borrowed equipment always looks a little off.
- A casual outfit too, if you want some off-field portraits. A favorite hoodie or team warm-up jacket works great for these.
Outdoor and Adventure Sessions
If we are hiking up Flagstaff Mountain, scrambling around the Flatirons, or exploring Boulder Canyon, your clothing needs to be functional first and photogenic second. That said, functional can absolutely look great in photos.
- Hiking boots or trail runners you have actually broken in. New boots and blisters do not make for good expressions.
- Layers you can adjust. Mornings at 7,000 feet can be 50 degrees, and by mid-session you might be in a t-shirt. Bring options.
- Skip the neon. Bright fluorescent colors clash with natural landscapes. Stick to colors that complement the environment.
- Hats and sunglasses are fine. I will ask you to remove sunglasses for some shots, but a beanie or baseball cap can add personality.
One more thing: Colorado's altitude means the sun is more intense than you might expect. Even on overcast days, UV exposure is higher. If we are doing a longer session, sunscreen is a must. Applied before you arrive, not during the session (the shiny look takes a while to settle).
Portrait and Headshot Sessions
For headshots, think about what fits your industry and personality. A yoga instructor does not need to show up in a blazer. A financial advisor probably should not show up in a tank top. Wear what represents you at your most professional and comfortable.
Solid colors work best for headshots. Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy) and neutrals photograph well against almost any background. Avoid all-white and all-black, which can wash out or absorb too much light depending on the setting.
Bring two or three tops. Changing your shirt between shots gives you variety without needing a full outfit change. A casual option and a slightly more polished one covers most needs.
Business and Branding Sessions
Branding sessions are about showing your customers who you are, so wear what you actually wear when you are working. If you run a coffee shop and you are always in an apron, wear the apron. If you are a personal trainer, show up in your training gear.
The key with branding sessions is authenticity. I want your photos to match the experience your customers have when they walk through your door. Nobody trusts a business whose website photos look nothing like the real thing.
Colorado-Specific Wardrobe Notes
I moved here from Florida, so I learned these things the hard way. Here are a few Colorado-specific details that matter for photos:
- Wind is real. If you are wearing a flowy dress at Chautauqua, it is going to move. That can look amazing in photos, or it can be a problem. I will help you work with it, but be prepared.
- Golden hour is golden. The light along the Front Range during the hour before sunset is warm and rich. Warm-toned clothing (creams, tans, golds, soft reds) looks incredible in this light.
- Altitude dries everything out. Moisturize your lips and hands before the session. Chapped lips show up in close-up portraits.
- Wildflower season (late June through July) pairs beautifully with light, airy clothing. If we are shooting in a mountain meadow, let the flowers be the color and keep your outfit simple.
What Not to Wear
I try not to be too prescriptive because personal style matters, but a few things consistently create problems in photos:
- Large visible logos or brand names. They date photos quickly and pull the eye.
- All one color as a group. An entire family in black t-shirts creates a visual blob. Mix it up.
- Brand new shoes you have not broken in. Especially for outdoor sessions. Blisters are not fun.
- Anything you have to keep adjusting. If you are going to spend the whole session pulling at your neckline or tugging your hem down, you will not be relaxed, and it will show.
My Honest Advice
I have been doing this long enough to know that the best photos happen when people feel like themselves. If you are a jeans-and-flannel family, wear jeans and flannel. If you are a sundress-and-cowboy-boots person, go for it. The clothing matters less than how you feel in it.
If you are still unsure, send me a photo of your outfit options before the session. I am happy to help you narrow it down. I do this all the time, and it takes the stress out of the decision completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we coordinate outfits as a family without looking too matchy?
Pick two or three colors that work together and let everyone choose their own pieces within that palette. Earth tones, denim, and muted greens photograph really well against Colorado landscapes. The goal is to complement each other, not to look like you all shopped at the same store on the same day.
What should my kids wear for photos?
Something comfortable that they can move in. If your kid hates button-up shirts, do not put them in one just for photos. Uncomfortable kids make for stiff photos. Let them have some say in what they wear. I would rather photograph a happy kid in a favorite t-shirt than a miserable kid in a fancy outfit.
What if the weather changes between when I plan my outfit and the session?
Colorado weather shifts fast, especially along the Front Range. I always recommend bringing a layer you can add or remove. A denim jacket, flannel, or lightweight sweater works great in photos and keeps you warm if the temperature drops. I will send you a weather check the day before our session.
Can I change outfits during the session?
Absolutely. If you want two different looks, plan for about 10 minutes of transition time. I usually suggest one casual and one slightly dressier option, or a family outfit and an individual look. Just keep the changes simple so we spend more time shooting than changing.
Photography Services
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Have a question about your session?
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