Argh, But What do I Wear?!

What to Wear for Your Photoshoot...

An uncomplicated wardrobe guide for photography sessions in Mildura & Sunraysia.

One of the first questions I often think about when planning a photography session is something we've all asked ourselves at one point or another.

What on earth should I wear?

And while I could give you a list of colours, fabrics and outfit combinations, I think the most important place to begin is with something much simpler.

Wear something that feels like you.

At Degotardi Imagery, my approach to photography is rooted in documentary storytelling with an editorial eye. I'm interested in the connections between people, the way light falls across a face, the movement of fabric and the little moments that make your story uniquely yours.

Your clothing is part of that story.

It can complement the landscape, introduce texture and movement, and help create a certain atmosphere. But it should never make you feel like you're pretending to be someone else.

So, whether we're wandering beside the Murray River, exploring the red earth of Sunraysia or spending a quiet afternoon at home, here's a little guide to help you prepare.

01. Begin With Something You Love

Before purchasing an entirely new wardrobe, have a look through the clothes you already own.

Is there a dress you always feel beautiful in? A linen shirt you reach for every summer? A favourite pair of jeans that feels unmistakably you?

Start there.

Choose one piece you love and build the rest of your outfit around it.

For families and couples, I generally recommend coordinating rather than matching. Think of your outfits as belonging to the same story, without needing to look identical.

A mixture of complementary colours, different fabrics and individual styles often creates a more natural result.

And remember, you don't need to dress formally simply because you're having professional photographs taken.

Sometimes your everyday clothes are exactly what the story needs.

02. A Colour Palette Inspired by Sunraysia

One of the things I love about photographing around Mildura is the variety of colours found in our landscape.

The deep greens along the Murray River. The warm ochres of the Mallee. The dusty pinks and golden tones of the evening sky.

Our surroundings provide plenty of inspiration.

Soft neutrals

Ivory, cream, oatmeal, stone, warm grey and chocolate brown.

These colours feel understated and timeless. They work particularly well when mixed with natural fabrics and layered textures.

Earthy colours

Terracotta, rust, olive, sage, mustard, clay and muted burgundy.

These shades complement many of the warm tones found throughout Sunraysia and can add richness to photographs without overwhelming them.

Soft, muted colours

Dusty blue, faded rose, lavender, soft peach and muted green.

These are lovely choices when you want a little colour while keeping the overall palette gentle.

And what about black or white?

Absolutely.

A beautifully cut black dress, a crisp white shirt or a simple monochromatic outfit can create a striking editorial photograph.

I particularly love white when it feels intentional, with natural light and texture giving it dimension.

There's no single colour palette that suits everyone, and I would never want you to avoid a colour you genuinely love simply because it doesn't appear on a photography mood board.

03. Dressing for the Landscape

The location of your session can help guide your wardrobe.

Along the Murray River

Think soft fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and colours that complement the river gums, water and surrounding greenery.

Cream, chocolate, dusty blue, rust and warm neutrals can work beautifully.

A flowing dress, linen trousers or a relaxed shirt can create lovely movement when the breeze catches the fabric.

The Red Earth of the Mallee

Our red dirt and open landscapes offer something quite distinctive.

Against those warm earthy backgrounds, I love the contrast of ivory, denim blue, olive, chocolate and even a carefully chosen black outfit.

For something more tonal, rust, terracotta and mustard can create a rich, cinematic look.

There's something particularly beautiful about allowing the landscape and clothing to become part of the same colour story.

Vineyards, Orchards & Golden Paddocks

Sunraysia's vineyards, orchards and open paddocks can make wonderful settings when access and permission allow.

Soft neutrals, faded blues, muted pinks and deeper earthy colours can complement these environments.

I'd generally avoid dressing everyone in exactly the same shade of green against dense foliage, unless we're deliberately creating a tonal look.

At Home

Some of my favourite photographs are made in the places people know best.

If we're documenting an afternoon at home, you don't need to dress as though you're attending an event.

A comfortable knit, your favourite jeans, a soft cotton dress or even bare feet can feel wonderfully authentic.

Your home is part of your story, and your clothing can reflect that.

04. Texture, Movement & the Little Details

Clothing isn't only about colour.

Texture plays a beautiful role in photography.

Linen, cotton, denim, soft knits, lace and textured fabrics can add depth and interest, particularly in close-up photographs.

I love the way fabric moves when someone walks, embraces another person or sits quietly in the afternoon light.

Flowing skirts, relaxed sleeves and soft layers can introduce a sense of movement.

But fitted clothing, structured tailoring and simple silhouettes can be just as beautiful.

It's about the feeling you're hoping to create.

One little tip: consider how your clothing moves when you sit, walk, bend or hold someone close.

If you're constantly adjusting an outfit, it can make it harder to relax into the session.

Comfort and confidence will always be more important than following a particular trend.

05. What to Wear for Family Photographs

For family sessions, I like outfits to feel connected without looking overly coordinated.

You don't all need to wear white shirts and blue jeans.

Instead, choose three or four complementary colours and distribute them naturally throughout everyone's outfits.

For example:

Mum might wear a soft rust dress.

Dad could choose a cream linen shirt with brown trousers.

One child might wear a dusty blue outfit.

Another could wear oatmeal or muted olive.

The colours work together without everyone wearing the same thing.

For children, comfort is especially important.

Choose clothing they can move, play and explore in. Make sure shoes fit properly and avoid anything that feels scratchy or restrictive.

And if your little one has a favourite outfit that feels completely like them, I'm always happy to work with that.

Sometimes those small details are exactly what you'll want to remember years from now.

06. Couples, Engagements & Maternity

For couples, I love outfits that complement one another without appearing too styled.

One person might wear a relaxed linen shirt and tailored trousers, while the other chooses a flowing dress or simple denim and knitwear.

The aim is to create a sense of connection rather than perfect coordination.

For maternity sessions, comfort is especially important.

Soft dresses, stretchy fabrics, relaxed shirts and clothing that gently follows the shape of your growing belly can photograph beautifully.

You might prefer something flowing and romantic, or something more minimal and intimate.

Both approaches can create meaningful photographs.

And if you'd love to include a second outfit, we can discuss how that might fit into your session.

07. Dressing for Mildura's Seasons

Our beautiful Sunraysia climate brings a few practical things to consider.

Summer | December–February

Mildura summers can be extremely hot, so breathable fabrics are your friend.

Think cotton, linen and lightweight clothing. Depending on the weather, we may plan an outdoor session for early morning or later in the evening, when conditions are more comfortable.

Autumn | March–May

Autumn brings beautiful changes in colour, especially around the river and established gardens.

It's a lovely time for earthy palettes, light layers and soft knits.

Winter | June–August

Winter can bring cold mornings and evenings, even when the afternoon sun feels pleasant.

Coats, woollen knits, scarves and layered outfits can add beautiful texture. Bring something warm to wear between photographs if needed.

Spring | September–November

Spring offers fresh greenery, blossoms and changing light.

Soft colours, lighter fabrics and relaxed layers can work beautifully, although it's always worth preparing for wind and unpredictable weather.

Whatever the season, we'll consider the conditions before your session so you're not uncomfortable simply for the sake of a photograph.

08. A Few Things Worth Considering

There aren't many strict wardrobe rules at Degotardi Imagery, but there are a few things that can help.

Large logos and bold graphics can sometimes draw attention away from faces and connections.

Very busy patterns can compete when several people are photographed together.

Neon colours can reflect strongly onto nearby skin and clothing in certain lighting conditions.

And shoes matter more than you might think, especially if we're walking through sand, grass or uneven ground.

None of these are automatic reasons to avoid an outfit.

They're simply things to think about.

If a bold print, bright colour or favourite pair of boots is part of your personality, I'd much rather find a way to incorporate it than ask you to leave it behind.

09. You Don't Need to Buy Anything New

I want to make this particularly clear.

You don't need an expensive outfit, a completely new wardrobe or perfectly coordinated clothing to have beautiful photographs.

Borrow something from a friend.

Wear a favourite piece you've owned for years.

Visit a local op shop.

Or bring a few options from home and we can decide together.

Some of the most meaningful photographs are made when people feel relaxed, comfortable and completely themselves.

The clothing helps tell the story, but it isn't the story itself.

10. Before Your Session

A little preparation can make the day feel much easier.

Try your outfit on beforehand and make sure you feel comfortable sitting, walking and moving in it.

Check for any obvious creases, bring appropriate footwear and consider packing a spare outfit for little ones.

If you're unsure about colours or combinations, you're always welcome to send me photographs of your outfit options before the session.

I'm more than happy to help you put everything together.

The Most Important Thing to Remember

Years from now, when you look back at your photographs, I hope you won't be thinking about whether you chose the perfect colour or followed the latest trend.

I hope you'll remember how it felt.

The laughter. The little hands holding yours. The way the afternoon sun fell across someone's face.

The people you were with and the chapter of life you were living.

Your clothing should complement those memories, never overshadow them.

So come as you are, wear something you love, and leave the rest to me.

Because the most beautiful thing you can bring to a photograph is yourself.