What should I wear for photos with my pet is a common question I get from my clients. And rightly so! Dressing for pictures with your dog, cat or horse can differ a bit from more traditional people-focused portraiture. There’s a lot more movement involved, not to mention the muddy paws and dog hair! 

I’ve put together some helpful guidelines to give you a starting point. The emphasis here is on guidelines. These certainly aren’t hard and fast rules. The most important thing is that you look and feel like your beautiful self!

12 style tips to help you look amazing in photos with your pet.

1. Colors that photograph best.

I typically recommend gravitating towards neutrals and earthy tones. Colors like mustard yellow, forest green, navy blue, burnt orange, etc. In other words, colors you would find in the natural world tend to work really well. 

2. Colors to avoid.

Avoid wearing bright, fluorescent colors as they are not only distracting, but can create unflattering color casts on your skin and your pet’s fur as well. 

3. Patterns: do’s and don’ts

I love a good pattern and feel that they are definitely ok in photos. Here are a couple of tips on how to make them work for you:

Do: look for patterns that are both subtle and in earthy or neutral tones. Flannels, stripes, and florals can all photograph beautifully when they adhere to these guidelines.

Don’t: wear really loud (i.e. florescent) or chunky patterns as they don’t photograph well and make for busy, unharmonious images.

4. Complement, but don’t match.

Instead of everyone in matching outfits, create cohesiveness with a color scheme. I encourage couples and families to put together outfits that are complementary rather than matching. If everyone is wearing matching clothes you’ll all blend together and end up looking like a big blob in your photos. Instead, pick a couple of complementary colors and build outfits that adhere to that color story. 

A simple way to do this is to lay the outfits together on the bed, step back and get a good look at the overall visual picture. 

5. Pay attention to elevation.

Something to keep in mind for us here in Colorado (or other mountainous regions) are the climate changes that happen at various altitudes. Temperatures can be significantly cooler the higher you go in elevation, even in the summer. It may be 90° in Boulder, but only 70° (or cooler) in the Indian Peaks. So keep that in mind when dressing for your session. 

6. Think about the season. 

Just as a chunky scarf would look out of place in the summer and a sleeveless, airy dress would look out of place in the winter; keep your look in tune with the season. In other words, if it’s freezing, dress in layers. If it’s going to be hot, wear clothes that can breathe.

7. Dress for the location. 

From urban cityscapes to dramatic mountain views we’re lucky to be surrounded by such varied and gorgeous Colorado scenery. Let the environment guide your outfit choices. In Colorado, this can be a little tricky due to elevation (see tip #5) so be sure to factor in the temperature and weather conditions at the session location.

8. Shoes

If we are going to be hiking be sure to bring an extra pair of shoes with good traction. I’ve found that even during shoots that take place in Front Range cities and open spaces we will still be doing some walking around. If you have some cute shoes you’d like to wear for the photos you are always welcome to bring an extra pair to change into. 

9. Opt for classic rather than trendy.

Adhering to classic styles will give your images longevity. You want your look to remain timeless rather than making your images look dated in a few years time. 

10. Jeans are a popular choice.

Denim is a great neutral. Darker washes tend to look a little dressier while light washes and distressed details can feel a little more casual. Both work great, it just depends on your personal style. 

11. Incorporate an accessory. 

Minimal jewelry pieces can add a finishing touch to your outfit and a subtle sophistication to your photos without distracting too much from your pet. 

12. Above all, be yourself. 

More than anything, my hope is that the more you feel like you, the more comfortable you’ll be in front of the camera. As long as you wear whatever makes you feel the most confident and happy, I promise your photos will look great no matter what! 

Looking for more inspiration? I’ve created an entire Pinterest board chock full of ideas.