The great outdoors is the ultimate backdrop so there’s no need to worry about having enough photo opportunities. Now all that’s left to do is choose your outfit for the shoot.

*Before I get started I want to mention that at the end of this post I'll be sharing a lovely photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area, scroll to learn more.  But first . . .

Let’s start with a few no-nos.

You might be a fan of bold accessories and fun patterns but if you’re shooting your photos outside, wearing items like this will place the focus on your clothing instead of you, your family and your beautiful outdoor setting.

The same goes for bold hairstyles. In many other scenarios, a bold hairstyle would add a funky and unique touch to your photos but they’re simply not right for an outdoor photo shoot. Your outdoor photo shoot is not the right time to try out a new hairstyle or use new makeup.

It’s also important that you avoid any outfits that will bring attention to your bra straps or tan lines.

Getting it right

Causal and natural are what you want to aim for in your outdoor photos. Pairing jeans with a one pattern shirt, blouse or top always works really well in an outdoor setting.

Any outfits that will draw attention to your face instead of the rest of your body are winning outfits. If you do live in an area with a cooler climate, wearing a long sleeve top with a pair of jeans ensure that the focus is always on your face instead of your arms and legs.

The fabric that you choose also makes a difference. Fabrics that are flattering will always look better in photos so keep this in mind when choosing your outfit.

Layering also works really well for outdoor photo sessions. Pairing a tailored jacket with jeans is stylish and casual at the same time.

Colors that work well outside

If you have scheduled your shoot for the fall, green, brown and blue tones work really well. Blacks and greys can also be incorporated into your fall shoot, with darker pants and shoes being optimal choices.

If you will be shooting during the warmer months, bright colors that complement your eye color are recommended. For example, if you have green eyes, yellow, brown, and green are some of the best colors to wear. For brown eyes, greens, blacks, and browns are ideal.

Darker colors will naturally help you to achieve a slimmer appearance in your photos but if you do want to add some color to your photos, combine a lighter top with darker bottoms for the perfect balance.

As mentioned before, patterns are not ideal for outdoor shoots so stick to solid colors wherever possible. If you do want to incorporate accessories or patterns, make sure that they’re subtle and fit in with your location.

If this will be a family photo session, solid colors help create uniformity. It’s also important that family members don’t wear colors that clash.

Remember to keep your location as well as your personal style preferences in mind when choosing outfits for your outdoor photo session. At the end of the day, it really is up to you what you want to wear but by following these basic guidelines, you can expect some amazing photos.