Outfit Tips for photo shooting on Koh Samui

Oh, I love it when people ask me this question:

• "What should I wear for my photo session?"
• "What colors are good for a shoot?"

It shows me that you care about getting the best results, and that's awesome! But don't worry if you haven't asked yet – I'm here to help. In this article, I would like to discuss how to pick the best outfit for a photo shoot. So let's get started!

Key Things You Need to Know

Color Palette

Thailand is a very colorful country, so any colors are good, including bright and bold colors. However, when taking group shots, it's better to stick to one or two colors to make the picture more stylish. I personally prefer white, cream, and pastel tones. For cute couple or family shots, matching outfits made from the same fabric look nice, but those kinds of outfits can be difficult to find.

Also, for Koh Samui's beautiful beaches and tropical backgrounds, it's best to avoid wearing black or other dark colors. Opt for lighter and brighter colors to complement the vibrant surroundings and create a cohesive look.

Coordinated Outfit

It's important to coordinate your outfit with other participants in the photo session. However, comfort is not always a top priority. While baggy dresses may be comfortable, they can make it difficult to achieve a good result in photos. So, it's important to choose clothes that not only make you feel confident but also fit in with the setting.

Fit and Size

On the beach, flying dresses and light fabrics look great. It's also important for ladies to have a visible waistline, as it can be difficult to correct overly baggy outfits in post-production. Tight-fitting clothes work well for some indoor locations, but only if you feel confident wearing them.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are definitely worth bringing to your photo session. When the sun's light is shining directly in your eyes, it's much better to wear them instead of squinting. However, keep in mind that wearing sunglasses can sometimes draw attention away from the focus of the photo, especially for close-up portraits. But don't worry, even on bright days, I can find the perfect direction and location to take stunning close-up shots. So let's work together to decide when it's best to wear your shades and when we can go without them to create the best photos possible.

Other accessories

The main goal of the shoot should be to capture your personality and the essence of the setting. So, accessories can add some variety to your photo shoot, but it's important not to put too much emphasis on them. While it's good to consider the purpose of the photo shoot when selecting accessories, it's also essential to ensure that they don't overpower the photo or distract from the main focus. Therefore, it's best to use accessories sparingly and focus on showcasing your unique qualities in the shoot. Remember, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in what you wear and the accessories you choose.

Shoes

For beach photo sessions, barefoot is absolutely fine. Ladies can wear beach lace anklets. Shoes are more appropriate for indoor locations or cultural areas like temples or gardens.

While it's always a good idea to check with your photographer (who could be me) about the most appropriate footwear for your photo shoot, there are certainly areas on Koh Samui where high heel shoes can look stunning and be most welcomed for shooting.

Many hotel areas are suitable for this type of footwear, and there are also special places like the Dusit Dhewa Center that are ideal for high heels.

Anyway, I wrote a special article about my favorite locations for photo sessions on Koh Samui. Please, check it out.

What to Wear? Different Photo Session Types

I already told you about common tips for any kind of shooting, but now I will provide more detailed suggestions about styles of photo sessions and what to wear to look your best.

What to Wear to Romantic Photo Session for Couples

For romantic photo sessions a flowing, lightweight dress is always a great option for women, while men can opt for a smart-casual outfit. On a tropical island like Koh Samui, consider light and airy fabrics, pastel or white tones. Remember, the goal is to capture the love and connection between the two of you, so choose outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel your best.

What to Wear to Family Photo Session

For a family photo session, consider wearing clothes that are coordinated in color and style. Choose one color as the base and add complementary colors and patterns. Children can wear clothes with playful patterns or prints.

What to Wear to Individual Photo Session

For an individual photo session on the beach, choose a light, flowing dress or beach style outfit. Swimwear is always an option, so consider taking different styles, one-piece or two-piece, take more options and ask me to choose. Accessories like beach pareos, covers, wraps, and sarongs can add some variety. Some examples of shots in swimming suits you can look here.

What DO NOT to wear to the photoshoot

Now that we've talked about what to wear for your photo session, let's go over some important things to avoid so you can feel confident and comfortable on the big day.

• Don't wear clothes that fit poorly! This might sound obvious, but it's important to double-check that everything fits well.
• Don't wear shirts that don't fit properly in the chest – if they're too small, it can cause gaping between buttons.
• Don't wear tops or dresses that might expose your bra straps.
• Don't wear shirts that are too short for your torso – if your shirt lifts up way above your belly when you raise your arms, it's probably not the look you're going for.
• Don't wear short skirts or dresses for family photo shoots – opt for something flowy that you can easily adjust when sitting.
• Don't keep your phone or keys in your pockets – let's keep them out of sight for the photos.
• Lastly, while black is a classic color, it's best to avoid it for your photo shoot, especially when we're shooting against the vibrant backgrounds of Koh Samui.

Conclusion and Final Tips

If you're not sure what to wear for a photo session, don't hesitate to ask me for help. Remember to choose clothes that make you feel confident and in harmony with the setting and other participants in the photo session. With these tips, you'll be sure to look your best in your next photo session on a tropical island.