What to Wear to your Professional Photoshoot in Zermatt

My Top Outfit Tips for Mountain Sessions

So, you just booked a photo session in Zermatt. Congratulations! It’s probably safe to assume your travel is arranged, the details of the day are all planned out and now you’re standing in front of your closet thinking… “Oh god. What do I wear?” Not to worry! I’ve put together a list of handy tricks for what to wear to a photoshoot. The abridged version is to keep it simple and be yourself. You want to look and feel your best? Here’s how:

Wear Something That Makes You Feel Comfortable:

My photography style often captures my subjects in motion! That can mean a candid stroll down a trail, a playful game of chase or any number of things that keep you moving naturally. When you focus on doing something, you’re less preoccupied with being on camera and the result feels more “you”. 

Make sure your outfit allows you to walk, jog, jump and hug without needing to constantly be adjusted or worried over. If you are going to have more than one look, plan at least one that feels more active. I don’t mean that you need to wear hiking clothes by any means but the last thing you should be thinking about is your clothing.

Pick an Outfit that Represents You - Timelessly:

I always tell my clients: “Wear something you would’ve liked five years ago and will still like in ten years.” If you settle on a look that is overly “trendy” or formal, you run the risk of regretting it down the line. Keep it simple. Knit sweaters, denim, khaki, slacks, peacoats, simple scarves, classic dresses and neutral tones will always be in style.

Keep it Practical:

If you are planning a mountain session in the winter, please bring appropriate gear! You do not necessarily need to wear your coat and gloves in the images but please have them on hand to put on and warm up. It is crucial you protect yourself from the elements and always be prepared.

Bring a bag with a change of shoes as well! Depending on our plan, navigating through deep snow or cumbersome trails may be required. Pack a good hiking shoe with structure. I want you to be safe and to keep your clothing safe as well! You can change into those nice shoes once we’ve made it to our location.

Make Sure Your Clothes are Pressed:

A stain or spill can be edited out in photoshop but wrinkles are a little more complicated. Choose articles that hold their shape and form, not something that is going to crumple on the train ride up. Take the time the morning of your session or the night before to iron or steam your outfits and put your best foot forward. 

More than One Outfit:

A lot of my clients request two looks and this is no problem at all! However, we do need to account for the time and logistics of this change. I have a pop up tent that I can provide for you to change anywhere on the go! That said, having advanced notice is a must. Ideally, we can build a plan that allows you to change and refresh inside at a water closet or lodge.

Let’s also talk through what look makes the most sense for the chosen locations!

Color Guide:

Make sure that everyone in the photo is coordinated. That does not mean wear the same color as one another! However, I recommend choosing a color family or temperature for everyone to adhere to. Maybe you all wear warm tones but different shades! You want to compliment one another without overly matching.

Color Temperatures

Cool Tones:

Blacks, whites and greys

Accents of muted blues and purples

Warm Tones:

Browns, tans and creams 

Accents of muted yellows, oranges and reds

Choosing a Palette:

Limit your palette! Use the 3 color rule - any more will be too complicated.

Analogous colors, which are side-by-side on the color wheel, will come across 

soft and harmonious.

What to Avoid:

• Bright Colors - Anything bold and bright will be reflected back onto you in the sunlight. While a bright red or green may look gorgeous on you, you don’t want your skin coming across as either of those colors. Stick with muted, earthy, neutral or pastel tones to be safe. 

• Complex patterns - An overload of small, detailed prints can complicate images and pull attention away from you. Not to mention, certain small scale patterns do not come across well on camera. My advice is not to avoid patterns altogether but rather, use them sparingly. For example, if one person’s sweater has a subtle check or stripe, put the other in all solids. If you want a little bit of flare, do it in small touches. Not sure if your pattern will look good on camera? Feel free to ask me!

Lastly, don’t overthink your outfit! The focus should be on YOU - your happy face, your wonderful love story, your one-of-a-kind family - NOT on your outfit. If you feel your outfit is borderline boring, you’re headed in the right direction! As long as it flatters you and makes you feel like yourself, you have successfully chosen your photoshoot look. 

Keep in mind, I'm always here to help. My goal is to create beautiful images that you will cherish for a lifetime. Let’s make sure you look and feel your best going into our time together on the mountain.