How to Choose an Outfit for Your Photoshoot with Your Dog
Tamara Telkes
Deciding on an outfit for your session can be a difficult decision considering we are creating once in a lifetime memories. If you find it challenging to figure out what will work best, here are a few ways you can go about finding the perfect clothes and looking your best in your images.
Keep It Simple
The simpler your clothes are, the better. Not only will this ensure your pictures will age well, as certain prints and bright colors frequently go in and out of style, but it also creates a more pleasant look with less distractions. What you wear generally should not draw the eye too much, since we want the attention to be on your dog and the emotion on your faces. Small, fine prints also just make a photo seem busy and clash with your surroundings, so it is safer to avoid those. Instead, opt for something without any text, logo or small pattern on it. Additionally, a monochromatic look always feels very put together and elegant.
Functionality is Key
Since the majority of my sessions take place in nature, often in areas that take some time to walk to, or that require some mobility to navigate, it is crucial to consider the functionality of an outfit. Not only will you likely have to deal with nature, but also handle your dog, so in most cases high heels or tight dresses that limit your mobility are sadly not an ideal option. For city or studio shoots, on the other hand, these are fine. Just keep this in mind when choosing your location!
Match Your Dog
In any photo, and especially in a photo where the focus is the relationship between dog and owner, we want to create harmony. One of the ways you can enhance this feeling of belonging together is by matching your outfit to the color of your dog. This of course does not have to be the exact shade of your pet’s hair, just a color that complements it well. For instance, wear warm tones for brownish dogs. However, you can also never go wrong with black or white, which works well with any dog and almost all situations.
Match the Theme
Alternatively, it can also look fantastic if you choose what you wear based on the season or the specific landscape we are photographing in. Think about going with a tan, beige or orange look in the fall, or something blue in a snowy scenery. By being harmonious with your surroundings, your images are going to look a lot more intentional and natural, and less like you were randomly staged somewhere. Dressing to match the theme of your shoot will result in an added feeling of cohesiveness, thoughtfulness.
Lastly, I would also like to emphasize that while these are tried and true tactics, the most important thing is that you dress in a way that makes you feel confident and true to yourself. If you are the type of person to rock very colorful, over the top looks, first of all you are really cool and secondly, by all means show up as your authentic self to your photoshoot!