Empowering Tips from a Seattle Stylist & A Women’s Empowerment Photographer
Have you thought about booking a photoshoot for yourself, but then panicked… Sitting in a pile of clothes next to your closet thinking…”But what would I even wear?” We’ve all been there. Trust me, (the queen of overthinking)… I get it.
It can definitely feel overwhelming…wanting to look your best AND feel confident in front of the camera.
That’s exactly why I’ve teamed up with Grace, the Founder of Park Avenue Styling. Grace is a local Seattle-based stylist and an expert at creating a style that speaks to your personal brand and identity.
If you’ve stumbled upon this post and haven’t met me yet… Hi! I’m Alena, a women’s empowerment photographer with a Studio in Ballard, Seattle. I specialize in creating customized fashion-style portrait sessions for women who want to celebrate the wonderful, gorgeous, badass that they are.
In this post, we’re both sharing some simple tips and inspiration to help you feel prepared and excited for your photoshoot. Whether you’re doing a photoshoot for self-love, celebrating a milestone, or need images to promote your personal brand or business, we’ll guide you to pick pieces that feel like you and make you shine.
Let’s dive in to make sure you’re feeling confident and ready to rock your next photoshoot!
Why Your Outfit Matters in a Photoshoot
What you wear can do wonders for how you feel, and that confidence really shines through in photos. When you’re wearing something that makes you feel comfortable and confident, it shows in the way you carry yourself, making your photos feel more authentic and powerful.
The colors and textures in your outfit all play a big part in how your images turn out. Bold colors can make you feel strong and confident, while softer tones might give off a calm, relaxed vibe. Textures like silk, lace, or denim can add beautiful depth to your photos, and the right fit will not only make you feel at ease but also help you look your best.
At the heart of what we do is helping women feel amazing as their authentic selves. We’re here to guide you in choosing the perfect outfit and to capture those real moments that truly show who you are. Our goal is simple: to make sure you feel confident, beautiful, and empowered in every image.
Key Wardrobe Tips from a Professional Stylist
When preparing for your photoshoot, the most important thing is choosing outfits that make you feel like you.
Confidence comes from authenticity, and when you wear what truly reflects your style, it shines through in every shot. Start by picking clothes that flatter your shape and celebrate your body. Whether it's a dress that hugs your curves or a flowy blouse that lets you move comfortably, find silhouettes that make you feel confident.
Textures and layers are also your friends! Mixing fabrics like silk, denim, and knitwear can add depth to your look, while layering lets you play with different styles without overwhelming your outfit.
When it comes to color, bold tones like red or royal blue can really pop on camera, while softer pastels and neutrals offer a more relaxed vibe. Choose colors that make you feel great and match the energy you want for your shoot.
But make sure that you wear the colors and the colors don’t wear you. Don’t forget accessories! A simple necklace or a cute pair of earrings can elevate your outfit without taking away from it. The key is balance - let your accessories complement, not overpower, your look. And if you’re feeling unsure about what to wear, you can either gather some visual inspiration or contact a stylist like Park Avenue Styling!
Photographer’s Perspective: What Works Best On Camera
I agree with Grace that the most important aspect of dressing for a Photoshoot is wearing things that feel true to who you are and reflect your personal style. Clothing itself is an artistic expression of who we are. And we all have completely different sides of ourselves that should shine through equally to create images that really capture that spark within you that make you unique.
That’s why I offer up to 5 outfit changes for your photoshoot. It gives you the opportunity to explore every aspect of who you are and show off what makes you..you! And, maybe even allows you to jump outside of the box of what you’d normally wear day to day, and try some things you wouldn’t have thought of previously.
When you book a shoot with me, you’ll get a full Style Guide with tips, inspiration on how to shop your own closet, and some links to shop or rent clothing items. You’ll also get access to my Studio Wardrobe if you’d like to borrow rather than buy!
But, here's a few basic tips:
SOLIDS VS. PATTERNS
In general, solid colors tend to photograph better than patterns do. Some patterns can cause strange effects on the camera, and also be distracting or clash with other elements in the portrait. The goal of portraits is to highlight you. Solid classics like black, white, or neutrals keep the focus on you and your skin. It’s also usually a good call to avoid logos and other branding identifiers on shirts, etc.
Sizing
It’s always best to pick items that fit properly. If an item is too tight, it can cause unwanted bulging, straps cutting in and causing marks on your skin, rolling up, squishing, or slipping off. On the other hand, for an oversized look, go for something within a size or 2 up
from your actual size. If something is too oversized, it can cause more work to make it look presentable, or overpower you in the final look.
Materials & Texture
Texture and details photograph beautifully! Denim, cotton, thick or chunky knit sweaters, leather, can add to the mood of your portrait, as well as adding visual interest that isn’t overpowering.
For headshots & Personal Branding:
Think about your brand colors, and the colors on your website. You want your imagery to be cohesive and match the overall aesthetic of what your brand represents.
We all love a classic blazer, they photograph great and feel more professional, but try to find a way to take the idea of a classic blazer and customize it to who you are and what your brand represents. Picking a blazer in one of your brand colors can add that extra pop of color and make you stand out from the crowd and stop the scroll.
If your brand is more personal and laid back, there’s nothing wrong with using a fun dress, or even a blouse and jeans to help your portraits feel more approachable and fun.
I love how Grace added different pins and broaches to make her blazer feel elevated and customized.
Bonus: Prepping your Wardrobe Like a Pro
Getting your outfit just right before your photoshoot can make a world of difference in how you feel and look.
After you’ve booked a photoshoot with me, one of the final steps before your shoot date is a full Design & Wardrobe consultation, where we go through all of the final details, your Pinterest Pins, and what you’re thinking of wearing. I can look at the items and give feedback to help you select which piece would work for each look.
If you feel like you need some more guidance, one of the best ways to prepare is by having a try-on session or a style consultation with Grace!
This gives you the chance to see how different outfits fit, and how they’ll look in photos. If you’d love to have someone walk you through everything or provide extra help, we will both collaborate with clients. When it comes to the shoot itself, having a few outfit options is always a good idea. Bringing a variety lets us capture different vibes and gives you the freedom to experiment. The more options, the better, so you can feel confident knowing you have choices that make you feel amazing.
And remember, if you feel uncertain about your outfit choices or want a style consult, you can book one with Grace through this link: https://calendly.com/parkavenuestyling/virtualconsultation.
Whether you need last-minute guidance or just a little reassurance, we’re always here to make sure you feel comfortable and ready for the spotlight!
Keep in mind, this is your shoot! It can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be.
Remember to stay true to yourself, and pick items that make you feel like the beautiful human you are.
About Alena
Hi there, I’m Alena, owner of Alena Lauren Photography, an award-winning Seattle portrait Studio, specializing in modern glamour, personal branding, headshots, and boudoir. More than just a photoshoot, my sessions are fully customized, magazine-style experiences designed to be transformative and confidence-boosting.
My mission is to hold space for women to feel seen, celebrated, and worthy. Clients describe their experience as fun, transformative, and empowering, leaving with not only stunning artwork but also a renewed sense of self-love and confidence that carries into every part of their lives. I believe every woman, regardless of age, body, sexuality, or ethnicity, deserves this experience.
I’d love to chat with you and hear all about who you are right now and your vision for how you’d love to be photographed.
About Grace
Hi everyone, I’m Grace, the Founder of Park Avenue Styling!
I help everyday people stop feeling disconnected from their clothes by creating complete wardrobe plans that actually reflect who they are. Style is a powerful part of personal branding, and your wardrobe should feel authentic - not forced. Through a complete wardrobe plan, I eliminate outfit confusion and decision fatigue. Getting dressed becomes effortless, aligned, and intentional.
Everyone deserves a closet that supports both your lifestyle and how you want to show up.
To book a styling consultation, use this link: https://calendly.com/parkavenuestyling/virtualconsultation OR feel free to message me on Instagram @parkavenuestyling.
Meet Me at Park Avenue <3
