<em>A relaxed guide for couples and families across Ayrshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh</em>

Let’s be honest – having your photograph taken can feel a little daunting. As an Ayrshire photographer, I can say that the majority of people I work with across Ayrshire, Glasgow, and Edinburgh tell me the same thing at the start.

“I’m not very good in front of the camera…”

And that’s absolutely fine.

My job is to make the experience feel easy, natural, and – most importantly – enjoyable. You don’t need to perform or be anything other than yourself.

One of the most common questions I’m asked before a session is:

‘What should I wear?’

So, here’s a simple, honest guide to help you choose outfits that not only photograph beautifully, but also feel like you.

StartLight (But Stay True to You)

Light tones tend to photograph beautifully in natural light – something we’re lucky to have plenty of here in Scotland (on a good day!).

Soft neutrals, pastels, and cooler tones reflect light gently back onto your skin, giving a clean, flattering look. Creams, soft greys, pale blues… these all work effortlessly.

That said, this isn’t about rules – it’s about balance.

Darker tones can look fantastic too, especially when paired with lighter elements or textures. The key is avoiding anything too heavy or flat that absorbs all the light.

A quick note:

• Very bright whites can sometimes wash out lighter skin tones
• Deep navy or very dark shades might feel a bit heavy against darker hair

If in doubt, hold the outfit up in natural window light – you’ll quickly see how it feels.

Keep It Simple: Solids Over Busy Patterns

In photography, simplicity nearly always wins.

Solid colours tend to keep the focus exactly where it should be – on you.

Small, busy patterns can become distracting in images, especially when viewed in albums or prints. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid patterns altogether, just be mindful:

• Larger patterns work better than tight, detailed ones
• Bold florals or wide stripes are far more forgiving than fine prints
• If one person wears a pattern, the other in a solid helps create balance

Think of your outfits as working together, not competing for attention.

Avoid Fluorescents (Trust Me on This One)

Bright, fluorescent colours – especially oranges, greens, and neon’s – can reflect colour onto your skin.

That means:

• Faces can pick up strange colour casts
• Skin tones can look unnatural
• Even the person standing next to you can be affected

It’s one of those things you don’t notice in real life, but the camera definitely sees it.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of identical white tops and jeans.

Instead of matching, aim for complementary tones.

Think of a palette rather than a uniform:

• Soft earth tones together
• Muted blues and greys
• Warm neutrals mixed with texture

Also, dress for the same feel:
If one of you is dressed for a formal evening and the other looks ready for a walk along the beach in Ayrshire, it can feel a bit disconnected in the final images.

Add Personality with Layers & Texture

This is where things get interesting.

Layers and textures bring life into your photos:

• A knit jumper
• A flowing dress catching the wind
• A jacket, scarf, or simple jewellery

These small details add movement and depth without overwhelming the image.

And they give you something to do – which helps you feel more relaxed in front of the camera.

Most Important: Be Yourself

This is the part that matters most.

Wear something that feels like you on your best day.

If you feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed – you’ll look it too. And that’s what creates natural, meaningful photographs.

If you love a certain colour, wear it.
If you feel great in heels, bring them along.
If casual is more your thing, that’s perfect too.

There’s no ‘right’ look – only your look.

That said… I’m a big believer in making a bit of an occasion of it.

How often do you have professional photos taken in places like Glasgow, Edinburgh, or along the Ayrshire coast?

Exactly.

So if you fancy going a little more dressed up than usual – go for it.

A Practical Tip (You’ll Thank Me Later)

Bring comfortable shoes.

We might walk a little between spots, especially during outdoor sessions around Scotland’s beautiful locations. You can always slip into your dress shoes or heels just before we start shooting.

Don’t Be Afraid of an Outfit Change

If you’d like variety in your photos, bring a second outfit.

A simple switch – from something dressy to something more relaxed – can give you a completely different feel within the same session.

Just keep in mind:
We’re often outdoors, so quick and easy changes work best.

And finally…

The photographs you’ll love the most won’t be about what you wore.

They’ll be about how you felt.

Relaxed. Connected. Present.

That’s always the goal in every session I photograph.

So don’t overthink it.

Come as you are, bring a few thoughtful choices, and trust that we’ll create something honest and lasting together.

Because in the end, those are the photographs that matter most.

If you are ready to book a photoshoot, contact us here to organise a date.