Dress to Impress: What to Wear to Your Dog’s Photo Session
It's a pet photography session, so most of the focus will be on your dog! But if you plan to join the fun and jump in some images (and I highly recommend that you do!), what you wear is essential, too! Your clothing choices for the photo session should reflect your style and make you feel comfortable and confident, so opt for attire that you love and that showcases your personality. Whether you prefer a casual or more formal look, ensure it aligns with your natural style and makes you feel like your best version of yourself. In this article, I'll provide valuable tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you and your family look and feel your best during your pet's photo shoot.
Dressing for Comfort and Practicality
During your pet's photo session, it's important to prioritize comfort and practicality. Opt for outfits that allow you to move freely and engage with your pet comfortably. Jeans are great - but if you choose to wear them, go for a mid-to-darker wash rather than a lighter one, as lighter colors can distract from the subject in photographs. For the ladies, long dresses or skirts look great, too!
Choose clothes that are comfortable and well-fitting (avoid clothes that are too tight or very baggy).
Layers can add visual interest to your outfit and provide flexibility in adapting to changing weather conditions.
Women: consider scarves, belts, jackets, jewelry, and cardigans
Men: layer long-sleeved collared shirts over t-shirts or thermal knit shirts. Vests look great, too!
Textures like denim or a knit sweater look great in photos.
Opt for solid hues that complement your complexion and your dog's fur color. Simple patterns can work, too, but remember that less is more when it comes to patterns.
Consider the season and the location of your session, and dress accordingly.
Avoid overly fussy or cumbersome clothing or accessories that require constant adjustments. You want to feel relaxed and focus on enjoying the session rather than fussing with your clothing.
“Yes” Please:
Comfortable, well-fitting clothes
Simple patterns and solid hues
Layers: jackets, sweaters, vests
Scarves, jewelry, belts
Add texture
Neutral, earth tones
Just Say “No”:
Bright neon colors
Brimmed hats, in most cases
Clothes that are too tight or too baggy
Fussy accessories
Gym clothes
Busy or bright patterns
Choosing the Right Colors: Harmonizing with Your Pet's Fur Color
Earth tones and neutral colors never disappoint and blend beautifully with natural surroundings. When selecting colors for your outfit, consider the color of your pet's coat. If your dog has a dark brown coat, blues, grays, and earthy tones can create a pleasing contrast. On the other hand, if your pet has a white coat, it's best to avoid wearing white as it may appear lackluster against your pet's fur. Vibrant red, coral, dark pink, or purple hues can offer an exciting alternative. A rich hue such as crimson can create a striking effect for dogs with a black coat! If your dog is darker, virtually any color will suffice. However, opt for lighter or medium shades to ensure your pet stands out against your attire.
Jewel tones, such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and garnet, always look great in photographs and complement a wide range of skin tones. These rich, saturated colors can add vibrancy and depth to your images. Consider incorporating pastels for a light and airy feel, especially during spring and early summer sessions. Pastel combinations like pink and blue or yellow and green can create a visually appealing contrast, mainly when photographing young children.
If you're still not sure, ask your photographer for help!
Hair and Makeup: Enhancing Your Natural Beauty
For women, wearing makeup during the photo session is recommended, even if you don't typically wear it. However, keep it natural and avoid overdoing it. A light amount of skin smoothing and blemish removal is included in standard retouching with your session, ensuring a more natural look in the final images.
Keep blush and lip color on the muted, natural side
Avoid sparkly, shiny, glittery eye shadow, blush, and lip gloss.
Play up your eyes - a little mascara will help them stand out.
When it comes to hair, keeping it simple and similar to your usual style is generally the best approach. You want to look like yourself in the photos rather than trying to adopt a completely different look. Consider the weather conditions on the day of the session and choose a hairstyle that can withstand wind or humidity if necessary.
The key is to keep it hassle-free so you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience. If it makes you feel more confident, pamper yourself with professional hair styling on the day of your photoshoot.
Shoes: Completing the Look from Head to Toe
Remember your shoes, as they might end up in the picture! Choose shoes that you would be proud to have in the final images. Closed-toe shoes and boots generally work well and provide a polished look. Avoid bright white shoes, which tend to be distracting in the final photos.
What about a Formal Look?
For a specific style and a fun, trendy, formal look to your final images, the sky's the limit! From ballgowns to tuxedos, we can create a unique formal look for your pet's photo session in the studio or at an outdoor photo session. There are many extraordinary options, and we'll chat about creating the perfect look for you during your pre-session planning meeting.
Families: To Match or Not To Match?
For a time, it was a popular trend for families or groups to dress in the same outfits (i.e., everyone was in jeans and a white shirt). Well, it's a pleasing look, and you are certainly welcome to go for it if that's your preference. But, consider each person's style when deciding what to wear. Sure, your outfit choices should complement each other, but they do not have to be "matchy."
Instead, choose a palette of two to three colors that enhance each other without appearing overly coordinated. Have each family member include an accessory that reflects their style (a jacket, scarf, necklace, etc). The main goal is to be sure everyone is comfortable and wearing clothing that reflects their personality without clashing with one another or the dog.
Children: Letting Their Personalities Shine
When dressing your children for a pet photo session, prioritize their happiness and comfort. Allow them to wear their favorite clothes, as a stress-free session is the goal. Their genuine smiles and happiness will shine through in the images, creating a more authentic and memorable experience.
Attention to Detail: Completing the Picture-Perfect Look
Consider whether or not the clothing you select will attract your pet's hair - it WILL show up in photos! Pack a lint brush if needed.
Wrinkles in clothes will stand out in your images, so please iron anything that needs it before your session.
While your outfit is essential, paying attention to small details can elevate the overall look of your photos. Ensure your pockets are free from mobile phones, keys, wallets, and dog treats. Instead, bring a small tote bag to carry these items discreetly.
In general, you should avoid wearing hats during the session, as they can cast deep shadows on your face. However, if a hat is an essential part of your style and makes you feel confident, by all means, wear it!
If you wear glasses, ensure they are clean to avoid distracting streaks in the photos. Transition lenses can be challenging, as they may darken in sunlight. Consider removing your glasses for a few shots or opting for contact lenses. Sunglasses should only be worn if they are part of a specific style or theme.
What About Your Dog?
We can’t forget about the star of the day - your dog!
Choose a clean, flat buckle collar for his session. If your dog has a fancy collar or one with special meaning - let's show it off! Otherwise, I recommend a basic, solid color that complements your dog's fur color or blends in.
No matter what collar you choose - please be sure to remove the tags before your session.
Have multiple collars? Wardrobe changes are easy-peasy! If you want the 'n0-collar' look, we can chat about the option of removing it during the editing process. If this is important, mention it to your pet's photographer during the pre-session planning meeting.
Bow ties and bandanas are welcome and look so cute! We may need to adjust them regularly during the session, so if your dog is not keen on being fussed with, you may want to think twice about these little extras. When in doubt, bring them to your session - we can always give it a go!
Be True to Yourself and Enjoy the Experience
What you wear to your pet's photo session is essential. You'll look and feel your best during the session by choosing outfits that reflect your style, complement your pet's fur color, and prioritize comfort and practicality. Please pay attention to small details, such as accessories and shoes, and ensure your hair and makeup enhance your natural beauty without overpowering it. When you feel comfortable and confident, it will radiate through the images, creating beautiful and timeless memories with your beloved pet.
So, get ready to strike a pose and capture the unique bond between you and your dog. Contact me today to schedule your pet's photo session, and let me help you select the perfect wardrobe for a picture-perfect look.
