What to Wear for Your Maui Photo Shoot
So you booked your photoshoot - YAY! What felt like the hard part is now out of the way, but now you’re met with a new decision: what is everyone going to wear?!
If your family is anything like mine, getting everyone to dress in a coordinated way can be a bit like pulling teeth. Maybe you manage to get everyone into those matching Aloha shirts but the misery on your son’s face is evident in every. Single. Photo.
The good news is that there are many ways to dress so that everyone looks and feels their best. It’s all a matter of deciding on a simple theme and allowing everyone to put their own spin on it if they choose. You’ll be surprised at how easy this can be!
Below I’ve outlined several simple themes that will allow your photos to look cohesive, and everyone in your party will be grateful there are no costumes required (unless you’re into that)!
COLORS
A True Classic - Beachy Whites
It’s undeniable that white has a certain charm when paired with the backdrop of the ocean. Since it looks good on any skin tone, white is a classic choice of color for beach portrait photos.
If you want to keep outfit planning simple, sticking to an all-white theme for color ensures a cohesive color scheme. White is also favored in the warmer months as its reflective qualities keep you cool, so it’s well suited for warm climate-themed photos.
This white includes white dresses, polo shirts, button-downs, and white linen.
The Easy Win: Neutrals
If white isn’t your thing, you can always focus on wearing neutrals that won’t distract from the photos. Neutral colors are easy to mix and match, and they’re unlikely to upset even the pickiest of dressers.
In addition, solid blue hues compliment the blue of the ocean and stand out from the neutral sand backdrop.
Make a Statement
If low-key isn’t you’re style, or if you’re looking for more pop, then there are bright colors that look great. Fun summer hues like yellows, watermelon, teals, or tangerines scream summer fun and add an exciting element to photos. Keep in mind that bold hues can overpower others, so always pair a brighter color with a neutral like tan, white, or black.
What about patterns?
Patterns and logos are beautiful and interesting to the eye but don’t always come across well in photos. Sometimes, these patterns can be distracting and take away from the impact of the photo. Sticking with solid colors will ensure the focus stays on you and your family for best results.
A quick note about accessories:
It’s important to be mindful of accessories. Keep the accessories to a few choice pieces to easily focus on the people in the photos.
STYLES AND COORDINATION IDEAS
Flow and Movement
Long, flowy maxi dresses are made for beach photoshoots. The wind catches the fabric beautifully, providing nice movement in photos.
If a flowy maxi dress isn’t ideal for you, opt for a dress or skirt that is midi or just above knee-length. If the dress is too short or uncomfortable, it can show in the photos. You can also wear shorts underneath, so there are no worries while moving around during the shoot.
A Matching Set
Another fun way to use color to mix up your photos is to focus on two main colors for the shoot. If you’re shooting with a group of friends, the men can wear one color while the women wear another. With families, you and your spouse can wear one color while the kids wear another.
Hair Options
Maui beaches often have a nice breeze thanks to the Pacific trade winds. These winds can be unpredictable, so it’s best to have a plan for loose hair prior to the shoot. Planning for the wind with a tied-back style, or simply having a few hair accessories just in case will ensure your hair is tamed for the shoot so you feel your best.
