After 20 years and hundreds of sessions, I’ve seen every outfit decision play out — the ones that worked beautifully and the ones that, bless their hearts, really didn’t. I’ve watched couples show up in brand-new clothes they’d never worn before and spend the first 30 minutes tugging at things. I’ve also watched couples show up in their favorite jeans and a sweater and look completely stunning because they were totally comfortable.

So let me save you the spiral and just tell you what actually matters.

The one rule that overrides everything else

Wear something you feel like yourself in. Not “yourself dressed up for a photoshoot” — actually yourself. If you never wear flowy dresses, don’t put one on for the first time in front of my camera. If your partner hasn’t worn a blazer since a work event three years ago, this is not the moment to revisit that. Comfort reads on camera in a way that no outfit can fake, and discomfort does too.

Colors: what works, what doesn’t

Earth tones photograph beautifully — cream, tan, rust, olive, sage, soft blues, blush. They’re timeless, they work in any setting, and they don’t fight with the background for attention. If you’re shooting in the Sierra Nevada or Yosemite, these tones feel right at home against granite and pine.

What to avoid: neons, bright whites in synthetic fabrics (they blow out in natural light), busy patterns and fine stripes (they do a weird vibrating thing on camera), and anything with logos or text. The goal is for people to look at you — not your shirt.

Coordinate, don’t match

Matching outfits — identical colors, identical formality — look a little costume-y in photos. What works much better is coordination: a shared color palette, complementary tones, a similar level of dressed-up-ness. One of you in a flowy dress and the other in a full suit creates a visual mismatch that’s hard to fix in editing. One of you in a linen dress and the other in dark jeans and a relaxed button-down? That works every time.

Bring a second outfit if you want variety

A lot of couples bring two looks — one a little dressier, one more casual. For a Yosemite or outdoor mountain session, that might mean a flowy dress for the first half and jeans and a cozy sweater for the second. It gives your gallery range, and it gives you a natural break in the session to reset and relax.

If we’re heading somewhere adventurous, please bring shoes you can actually walk in. I will always find you a beautiful spot — but sometimes getting there involves a short trail. Heels in a meadow are a choice, and not always the right one.

The practical stuff nobody mentions

Wear your outfit before the session. Not just to the store — actually wear it, move in it, sit down in it. Find out now if the neckline does something weird when you lean in or if the pants are uncomfortable after an hour. The day before is not the time to discover this.

Clean your ring. Your hands are going to be in a lot of photos, and a dull stone in otherwise gorgeous light is a missed opportunity. Takes 30 seconds with warm water and dish soap. Worth it.

If you’re shooting in the mountains — and if you’re anywhere near Oakhurst or Yosemite, you probably are — layers are your friend. Temperature changes fast at elevation, especially in spring and fall. Bring a jacket you can take on and off. It often becomes a prop anyway.

What about hair and makeup?

Entirely up to you. Some couples go all out, and those photos are gorgeous. Some couples show up looking like they just got back from a hike, and those photos are also gorgeous. The only wrong answer is showing up feeling uncomfortable or unlike yourself. If getting your hair done helps you walk in with confidence, do it. If it makes you feel overdone and awkward, skip it.

Still not sure? Just ask.

I’m genuinely happy to look at outfit photos before your session and give you honest feedback. “Does this work?” is one of my favorite questions — because the answer helps us both show up ready. Send me a message and we’ll figure it out together.

Booking an engagement session in the Yosemite area or anywhere in California? I’d love to be your photographer. Let’s talk.