Should I Offer Outfit Guides or Leave It Up to the Client?
Let’s be real: nothing derails a dreamy photoshoot faster than showing up and realizing the vibe is way off. Think: fluorescent patterns clashing with your editing style or a wrinkled hoodie that tells a very different story than the one you planned to capture.
So the question stands: Should you provide outfit guidance to your clients—or trust them to handle it?
Short answer? Yes, you should absolutely offer some guidance. But how much you give depends on what you shoot, who you serve, and how curated your style is.
Here’s why it matters—and how to do it without overwhelming anyone.
1. Clients Don’t Know What You Know
Most people aren’t thinking about color theory, texture, or how fabric picks up light. They’re thinking about what looks good in a mirror. You, however, are thinking about what looks good in a frame—against a backdrop, in motion, with your color grade applied.
Offering a little direction helps everyone feel more confident and ensures your final images look like the work you’re known for.
2. It’s Not Controlling—It’s Serving
Some photographers worry they’ll come across as bossy or too prescriptive. But outfit guidance is about serving, not controlling.
You’re saying, “Here’s what will photograph well,” not “Here’s what you have to wear.”
People actually appreciate the help—especially when they’re already stressed about choosing the right thing.
3. Outfit Misalignment Affects Your Brand
Let’s say you deliver a gorgeous gallery—perfect lighting, great posing—but the outfits are mismatched, loud, or distract from the emotion of the shot. Even if the client loves them, you might not want to share them publicly.
Offering guidance protects the brand you’ve built while still allowing room for personal expression.
4. It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need a 20-page style guide. Start simple:
Include a section in your welcome email or prep guide
Offer visual examples of do’s and don’ts
Share Pinterest boards or a quick outfit checklist
Mention what not to wear (neon colors, tiny stripes, heavy logos)
Keep the tone friendly and optional—more “here’s what will help” than “you must follow these rules.”
5. Bonus: It’s an Easy Value Add
Clients want to feel taken care of. When you go the extra mile by helping them prep—even in small ways—it builds trust and boosts your perceived professionalism.
And when they feel confident walking into their session, that shows up in every frame.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to micromanage anyone’s closet. But giving your clients a little outfit insight can make a huge difference in how your sessions feel and how your galleries turn out.
Because when what they wear matches the story you’re helping tell, the whole experience becomes more seamless—and more stunning.
