what to wear for your portrait session
There are two schools of thought for me here:
Wear what you feel comfortable in
Clothing can be your armour
One of the most important things to remember when choosing your outfit is that you need to feel comfortable. If you truss yourself up in something that doesn’t feel like you, or doesn’t represent who you are, it will show in the photographs.
I remember, as a child, being dragged into one of those film set photo places while on holiday on the Isle of Wight. We were all put into ridiculous period costumes, my parents included, just to have a themed photograph taken. I’m sure I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I’ve no idea where that photograph has gone now, and that’s probably a good thing!
Don’t get me wrong, if you want to wear something from the 18th century, that’s absolutely fine. That choice is the important part.
Wearing something that feels unfamiliar or restrictive can make it harder to relax. If you’re tense, it shows in your posture and expression. Feeling comfortable allows you to move naturally, breathe more easily and simply be yourself.
If you have a jacket, jumper, or pair of boots you reach for time and again because they feel like you, that familiarity often photographs beautifully. The aim is for your photographs to show you as you are and not a version of someone else.
I often save outfit inspiration visually too. On my Pinterest, I curate boards around equestrian style, textures, countryside dressing and timeless clothing. They are not trends but pieces that feel grounded and wearable. It’s a lovely place to gather ideas and see what resonates with you before a shoot.
Now this leads me onto my second point. I do believe that clothing can also be practical and act as a gentle form of armour.
A well loved tweed jacket, a structured coat, a checked shirt or a favourite pair of Fairfax & Favour boots can all bring a sense of confidence and reassurance. Certain pieces help you feel more grounded and supported, especially if you feel a little exposed in front of the camera.
It’s not about hiding, it’s about feeling supported. You’ll stand more comfortably alongside your horse, your body will soften, and that quiet confidence comes through in the photographs in a way no styling trick ever could.
I’m a big fan of Holland Cooper clothing. I love the design, the quality, and importantly, how it makes me feel. The way I dressed during my corporate career was always important to me, and it became even more so when I moved into senior management. A blazer or suit jacket became my armour. It helped me step into my role with confidence in what was often a male-dominated environment. There was no formal dress code but I still chose to dress in a way that put me in the right headspace.
There are lots of styles I could suggest — tweed, gilets, smart breeches are all obvious choices but at the end of the day, these are your photographs. It’s about finding a balance between what looks good and what makes you feel comfortable. And if you want to wear your pyjamas? No judgement here!
I must admit though, I’ve often thought how wonderful a portrait shoot would be wearing a beautiful Holland Cooper Kensington double-breasted pinstripe trouser suit. The ultimate power portrait — perfect for an office wall or boardroom. Find out more on my Portrait Session page.
