Picking the perfect outfit is a key part of planning any photo session — but it’s especially important when planning an adventure photo session. After all, this is not your typical photoshoot. This is a full-blown exploring experience. And for obvious strategic (and safety) reasons, you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed to make the most of the great outdoors!
Here are some paramount points to ponder when planning the perfect adventure photo session ‘fits!
1. Comfort is Key
This is not the time to wear those suffocating jeans that make you irritable because they’re squeezing you in all the wrong places nor strut in those shoes that give you tear-jerking blisters five minutes into wearing them. Instead, reach for your tried and true, go-to staples that are equally as stylish as they are comfortable and functional. This is especially important if your session is going to include a lot of hiking or if your photographer has a movement-based shooting style. You’ll want to dress in a way that elicits easy movement and helps you let loose so you can participate in all the fun posing prompts and directions your photographer gives you! If you don’t feel comfy in what you wear during your session, it’s going to show in the end result!
2. Options, Options, Options
A billowing ballgown and statement suit pairs perfectly with the dramatic view atop a mountain peak, but it’s obviously not going to be the best choice to hike up said mountain in. Instead, you’re going to need to come prepared with multiple hiking- climbing- and other bada** activity-friendly footwear and clothing options to wear leading up to that epic shot. At certain locations, it’s smart to show up ready to tackle uneven terrain in a casual look with hiking shoes or boots then change into a fancier look with chunky heels/dress shoes once you’re in a spot where it makes sense to do so. For my extra-adventurous clients, I always recommend packing an outfit to drive home in afterwards just in case you feel up for a spontaneous swim or get a little too wild playing in the sand!
3. Layer Up!
Mother Nature doesn’t care about your photoshoot, sorry. She’s gonna do what she wants when she wants and if that means sun, rain, wind, and snow all within one hour long session… so be it. I promise to come prepared with gear to adventure through unexpected weather conditions, but that means you better come prepared, too. Okay? A light coat, cardi, sweater, scarf, etc. can be a great way to add some style variety throughout the session, keep you cozy between shots on cold days, or protect you from the sun on warm ones.
4. Neutrals are your BFF
Repeat after me. “You can NEVER go wrong with neutrals.” Okay, now say it again. You got that? Good. Black, white, and/or earth tones look GREAT literally any and everywhere in nature. Don’t complicate it. Keeping within that color scheme will keep the focus on the emotion and location, where straying from that can make the photos feel distracting. Of course, if bold colors are your thing, then it can totally be pulled off with careful planning, specific location selection, and balance! Just make sure to talk to your photographer beforehand so they can guide you toward a tasteful way to strut your stuff!
5. Make it your Own!
If you take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this one! Remember: This is YOUR adventure session, so use your style to express your personality and help tell your unique story! This can be done through incorporating meaningful accessories or props like hats, jewelry, sunnies, bags, blankets, umbrellas, etc. OR you can take it a step further and make your shoot/style have a sentimental theme. For example, if your favorite way to spend time with your partner is rock climbing, wear your climbing gear and do a climbing shoot together. Maybe riding dirt bikes is a key part of your kiddo’s childhood, so bring your motorcycles and gear for a trail riding shoot in the desert with the whole fam. The possibilities are endless when you apply tried and true style guidelines then add your own personal twist!
Erin L Malcolm Creative 
Published by