What to Wear for Your Outdoor Dog Photography Session
Your LA area dog photography session is about capturing your dog’s amazing personality. Yes, it’s all about your pup, but I highly recommend you are in at least some of the images with your dog. We want to capture your beautiful bond. I want you to feel confident and comfortable choosing what to wear for your outdoor dog photography session, too! My motto is to wear something true to your style and that you feel great in. You don’t have to run out and buy a new outfit (unless you want to!), and there’s no need to stress.
I have these tips for you below as a guide so you can quickly and confidently choose your outfit.
What to Wear for Your Dog Photo Session
Think of the End Result - If you take one tip away from this article, please make it this one! As you think about your outfit, I want you to visualize the final result from this photo session. Whether you’re thinking about an album or printed artwork on the walls, we want whatever you choose to wear to look great in professionally printed artwork.
Choose a Color Palette - I recommend working off one color palette and considering our session location when you choose it. If your session is taking place at the beach at sunset, think creams, browns, greens, and blues. We want a cohesive look that isn’t too matchy-matchy. And no, you don’t have to match your dog’s coloring, but complimenting it can look nice!
I love how this sweet family’s color palette perfectly complements the lush green background, with pops of colorful flowers and the soft pink in Mom’s outfit tying beautifully with the rest of the family’s coordinated look.
These cuties perfectly complement the background and their pup, with mom wearing a navy long-sleeve and dark jeans and dad wearing a cream button-up and dark gray pants.
This family has the coastal vibes down with the green and tan of their outfits complementing the gorgeous green and sand backdrop and their sweet pup.
This gorgeous family’s outfits perfectly complement the beach and the sunset with neutral tones.
This is the same family as above with different lighting. So pretty.
Simple and perfect! This couple opted for neutral long-sleeve shirts and jeans, perfectly complementing the charming beach town backdrop.
Add Interesting Layers - No matter the temperature, layers add interest to the portrait. We don’t have to overthink it, but if you want, add scarves, belts, jackets, vests, jewelry, and layered shirts.
Love their jackets in this photo.
In this photo, dad has the jacket off. It still looks great!
Textures and Patterns - Most photographs will say no to any textures or patterns, but I disagree. They look great in moderation. Sweaters and shirts with a light pattern, for example, look beautiful.
Mom’s sweater is perfect for this photoshoot look.
Dad’s shirt offers a touch of dimension in this photo.
Mom’s button up offers a layer and pattern in this cute family photo.
I just had to include this beautiful photo from this couple’s engagement session!
What Not to Wear for Your Dog Photo Session
Skip the Gym Clothes - Don’t wear gym clothes like shorts or leggings. While we’ll be on the move during your session, we won’t be doing enough physical activity to warrant a workout outfit. However, since we will be moving around, crouching down, and squatting to pose with your pup, don’t wear any short shorts, low cut tops, or short dresses.
Comfortable Fit - Don’t wear clothing that’s too baggy or loose. It doesn’t photograph well! Shoot for a comfortable fit.
Avoid Bright Colors - Neons like hot pink, bright green, etc., don’t photograph well. Also, avoid wearing lots of black and white. Believe it or not, white actually photographs similar to a neon color - it is very bright and distracting in final images. We want the spotlight to be on you and your dog, not your bright clothing.
Ditch the Hat - Well, maybe. I recommend you don’t wear a baseball cap. If you want to wear a summer hat for a portrait or two, that will be okay. But baseball caps cast a strong shadow on your face. Glasses are fine but avoid transition glasses.
Your Outdoor LA Pet Portrait Experience
As a full-service pet portrait photographer, I will guide you through this entire process while making it as stress-free as possible. During our session planning process, we’ll go over what to wear and any questions that you may have. When we work together, you’ll feel like you have a friend helping you every step of the way, including choosing what to wear. I’m here to help!
Interested in learning more? Let’s schedule a quick phone call. Click here to schedule your call today.
Cute, perfect, simple. It doesn’t get any better than that!
