As a photographer who’s had the joy of capturing countless love stories across Maine, I know that deciding what to wear for your couples photography session can feel surprisingly stressful.
You want to look your best, feel confident, and express your unique connection—all while making sure your outfits photograph beautifully. That might sound like a tall order, but don’t worry. I’m here to help you navigate the outfit selection process with expert advice, insider tips, and a whole lot of heart.
From Portland’s cobblestone charm to Acadia’s rugged beauty, couples sessions are all about celebrating your bond in a way that feels authentic and relaxed. Let’s make sure your wardrobe choices help tell your love story in the most genuine way possible.
Start with the Setting
First things first: consider your location. Your backdrop will set the tone for your photos, and your outfits should complement, not compete with, the surroundings.
- Beach sessions (like those in Kennebunkport or Old Orchard Beach) call for light, airy fabrics, bare feet, and soft, natural tones.
- Urban settings (think downtown Waterville or Portland) pair well with a bit more edge—structured jackets, boots, and layered textures.
- Forest or mountain sessions (like in Camden Hills or Baxter State Park) shine with cozy knits, flannel, and earthy tones.
Think of your wardrobe as an extension of the story your setting is already telling.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing white shirts and jeans. Today’s photography is all about showcasing personality and connection. Coordinating colors creates visual harmony without being overly uniform. Choose a color palette with 2-3 main tones and mix in neutrals or subtle patterns for depth.
For example, if one partner wears a soft sage green dress, the other could incorporate muted tan or gray with a subtle plaid or textured shirt. The goal is to look cohesive and connected—like you belong together—without being identical.
Comfort Is Key
Confidence shines through when you feel good in what you’re wearing. If something feels too tight, too short, or just "not you," it’ll show. Choose pieces that move with you and allow for natural interaction, whether you’re cuddling on a picnic blanket or dancing on a windswept trail.
Ladies, flowy dresses and skirts often photograph beautifully, adding motion and romance. Gents, well-fitted jeans or chinos with a relaxed button-up or sweater strike a perfect balance of polished and casual. And don’t forget comfortable footwear—especially if we’ll be exploring nature together.
Layer and Accessorize Thoughtfully
Layers add texture and interest to your photos. A denim jacket, a cozy cardigan, or a wide-brimmed hat can be both functional and stylish. Scarves, jewelry, and subtle props (like a shared book or vintage camera) can make your session more personal.
Just keep in mind that accessories should enhance, not distract. We want the focus to stay on you and your connection.
Embrace Color, But Keep It Timeless
Soft, earthy, and neutral tones tend to photograph well across all settings and seasons. Think cream, taupe, olive, rust, slate blue, and soft pastels. These colors complement Maine’s natural backdrops and add a timeless feel to your gallery.
Avoid neon colors, large logos, or busy prints, which can be distracting or date your photos quickly. If you love a bold color, consider using it as an accent—a scarf, belt, or layer—rather than the main focus.
Consider the Season
Maine’s seasons are stunning and diverse, so tailor your outfits accordingly:
- Spring: Embrace florals, pastels, and lightweight layers.
- Summer: Opt for breathable fabrics, sandals, and relaxed silhouettes.
- Fall: Bring on the warm tones, cozy knits, and boots.
- Winter: Layer up with scarves, wool coats, and boots—plus hand warmers if needed!
Weather can shift quickly here, so I always recommend bringing a backup layer just in case.
Include a Personal Touch
Whether it’s a piece of heirloom jewelry, a flannel from your first date, or matching mugs for a hot cocoa break, adding personal touches to your wardrobe can make your session uniquely yours.
Some couples like to bring a second outfit for variety—one more casual, one a bit dressier. I love this idea as long as the change is quick and easy. Just let me know in advance so we can plan for it!
Real Couples, Real Style
To give you a little inspiration, here are a few outfit combos that worked beautifully:
Cozy Vibes at the Tree Farm
For their holiday session among rows of evergreens, this couple chose perfectly coordinated, earthy winter tones that felt warm and seasonal without being overly styled. She wore a cream knit top layered with a quilted plum vest, paired with classic black leggings and brown ankle boots—simple, flattering, and movement-friendly.
Hecomplemented her look in a coordinating maroon pullover with tan chinos, keeping the palette cohesive and natural. They wrapped up (literally!) in a neutral plaid blanket that added texture, comfort, and a sweet, snuggly vibe to their portraits.
This session is a beautiful example of how thoughtful layering and subtle color matching can reflect your bond while fitting seamlessly into a wintery Maine backdrop.
Romantic Moments in Late Autumn Light
This couple brought rich, romantic tones to their golden-hour session in a Maine field, creating a striking yet effortless look.
Her deep burgundy dress featured textured details and a flattering silhouette that moved beautifully with the breeze and added warmth to the late fall palette. His dark olive button-down and jeans provided the perfect grounded contrast—neutral but still richly toned.
Together, their outfits not only complemented each other but also harmonized with the earthy, coppery backdrop. Their family joined for a few heartfelt frames, and the cohesive styling carried through seamlessly—an ideal example of how to elevate a casual session with just the right amount of polish.
A Casual Look on the Coast
Clean, casual, and effortlessly classic—this couple nailed the coastal Maine vibe with a look that was simple yet striking. Both wore crisp white tops and blue jeans, creating a timeless, sun-kissed palette that felt fresh and airy against the rocky shoreline.
Her strappy espadrille sandals added just the right amount of feminine detail, while his boat shoes kept things relaxed and practical. Their outfits let their connection shine, proving that you don’t need bold colors or complicated layers—just a little coordination, confidence, and a whole lot of love.
Making Memories in the Meadow
This dreamy, golden-hour session captured the soft romance of summer in Maine with effortlessly authentic styling.
She wore a flowing, cream eyelet dress that moved like poetry through the tall grasses, while he kept things down-to-earth with a slate-gray Carhartt tee and jeans.
Their second outfit brought a rustic twist: she in a dusty rose blouse and boots, and he in a crisp white button-down—laid-back yet polished.
Their playful chemistry, warm color palette, and natural textures paired beautifully with the wild, uncut meadow, creating imagery that felt straight out of a storybook.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Session
- Try on your outfits in advance and move around in them. Sit, hug, dance—whatever you plan to do during the shoot.
- Steam or iron your clothes beforehand to keep things crisp.
- Bring a tote bag with essentials: touch-up makeup, a comb, water, tissues, and any layers or props.
- Trust your photographer (that’s me!). I’ll guide you on posing, lighting, and even outfit tweaks as we go.
You Deserve Photos That Feel Like You
At the end of the day, your couples session is about celebrating your love in all its real, unscripted beauty. Your outfits should reflect who you are—not who you think you "should" be. My goal is always to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and completely yourselves.
If you’re still unsure about what to wear, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to offer personalized guidance or even help review outfit choices before your session. We’re in this together, and I can’t wait to capture your story in a way that feels true, joyful, and uniquely you.
Let’s plan something beautiful together.
