What To Wear For Your Photoshoot

This question is the most asked question every photographer has when they book portrait sittings. Therefore we feel it makes sense to give some general guidelines.


General Clothing Tips


Simple, simple, simple, that is definately the way to go. To make sure your portraits are timeless, it important to keep clothing choices clean looking and simple. Logos and characters can date your photos. 


For a classic look, simple, timeless clothing in solid, neutral colours photograph best. Denim or khakis with solid shirts work well for a casual look. Clothing with too busy of a pattern or logo is distracting and detracts from essence of the portraits, you and your family. On the other hand, for a modern more "fashion" look, feel free to bring along some trendier outfits with fun and fashionable colors. When in doubt, feel free to have on hand several outfits, and we will help you chose which will photograph the best.


Jewelry and accessories should be minimal, avoid wearing watches. When photogrpahing more than one person please consider their outfits as a whole, and keep colours uniform. Please ensure that everyone dresses in a similar manner (i.e casual or dressy)

Family Portraits 


Choose colours in the same tonal range so that no single individual stands out. Jeans- dark colors if you prefer a more traditional look, Khakis - all solid lighter, neutral tones for a more casual look. 

Baby Portraits


If you wish to have your baby's portrait created without his/her clothing or nappy; please keep him/her in loose garments prior to our session so he/she won't have any indentations on their skin from her clothing.


If you have a baby or toddler, bring along whatever you need to keep your child clean and happy: nappies, wipes, snacks, etc. Please also bring a favorite toy that makes noise, as we may need to use it as an attention-getting tool.

Maternity Portraits


Wear loose clothing! As you know, restrictive clothing (bras, socks, etc.) leaves marks on your body that take time to go away. Try to avoid wearing anything restrictive before (and to) the shoot if at all possible.

Free Maternity ‘Bump’ Photography in Scotland for Chloe’s Count the Kicks

Martin Ward Photography are currently offering complimentary maternity ‘Bump’ photoshoots to expectant mums in aid of Chloes Count the Kicks charity calendar competition. This great organisation works to raise awareness of the need for expectant mums to monitor their babies movements in a bid to reduce neonatal deaths and still births. 

We will come to your home with studio equipment or you can visit our studio or we can visit the great outdoors for some unusual and precious images for you to treasure forever – all you need to do is email us at studio@martinwardphotography.co.uk visit  our facebook page or use the contact form on the website – book in for your session and bring with you ideas and any props required to create your calendar image.


Look forward to hearing from lots of lovely ladies needing a maternity photographer throughout Scotland.

Portrait Photography Tip #3: On Location

Photographing on location is a completely different ball game to the studio, as we have to work within the confines of the environment and elements.

Going on location gives you total freedom of expression in your portrait photography.  You may wish to be photographed participating in a hobby, sport or activity.  Lifestyle photography, could simply be meeting up somewhere you like to walk or in the local park.  Kids playing in the park make great photographs for you to remember that time in their childhood.

How to look fabulous

The key to looking fabulous on location is to work with your environment and not against it.  It’s best to dress appropriate for your location.  If you’re out for a country walk, wear jeans and walking boots etc.  Kids playing in the park should wear their play clothes.

Your portraits can be casual and relaxed giving off a sense of calm.  Alternatively, you may want your portraits packed with drama and high impact.  We can do that too.

Many factors will affect the portraits we create for you.  And depending on what you want, many factors will be contradictory so we will not attempt to explain them here.  

Portrait Photography Tip #2: Studio Black Background

A black or dark background is great for creating pictures that are more classical in style or with portray deeper feelings.  It’s not as well suited to fun family photographs partly as the lighting needs careful consideration.  However, dark backgrounds are ideal for formal family portraits.

The black background is well suited to photography that is more artistic especially where a human body is more exposed.  This could be pregnancy, newborn babies or of course nudes photography.  These are all ideal subjects for displaying as monochrome photographs.

I find black backgrounds are perfect for newborn babies photographed for black and white.  Monochrome removes almost any trace of deep red birthmarks that simply melt into the baby’s natural skin tones.

How to look fabulous

Assuming you’ve read portrait photography tip #1, you’ve already guessed that dark clothes are better suited to a black or dark background.  Limiting the contrast between your clothing and the background draws the viewer’s attention to you.

For example, if you wore a brilliant white shirt (or blouse) against a dark background the shirt would dominate the picture – almost certainly overwhelming you.

However, if your clothes or hair is virtually black they could blend into the background.  Sometimes this is desirable. But when it isn’t it must be fixed with additional lighting.

Portrait Photography Tip #1: Studio white background

The white floor and background is probably the most popular studio set up today.  This is often referred to as the white infinity background.

It’s light and airy, and without distracting patterns in the background.  This is perfect for both contemporary family portraits and a glamorous makeover that looks like it’s fresh out of any popular magazine.

How to look fabulous

It may surprise you but you should wear light colour clothing.  Light colours will compliment the light background creating a bright photograph with high impact.

Don’t wear very dark clothing.  Dark clothing creates too much contrast with the bright background.  The viewers’ eyes will follow lines created by areas of bright and dark meeting instead of being drawn to you, which is where we really want their attention.

Mother's Day Special Offer

With Mother's Day fast approaching we are running a special promotion with all sessions are for the weekend of 19th/20th March.


It's the perfect gift that will last year after year.

With every session you will receive a framed 8x10 print.

And you can choose from a range of 5 frame colours.

If you would like any further information please just get in touch.

Now A Member of the SWPP

Martin Ward Photography are proud to announce that we are members of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.

Aims of the Societies

·    Encourage high professional standards and ethics in photography

·    Promote development and discussion about all aspects of the business of 

     photography

·    Promote the interests of photographers

·    Provide education and training within the profession

·    Establish photographers' rights and set precedents in areas such as copyright

·    Cultivate friendship and understanding among photographers

      ·    Be a reliable resource centre for photographers

This is exciting for both us and our customers alike.