This is one of our favorite repeat clients that has mastered the “theme” dressing. They always choose simple, understated and light tone clothing with minimal patterns and distracting elements. Cotton khaki shorts for the guys and light tone linen dresses and skirts for the ladies, complimented with a white or off white top perfectly showcases these beautiful people and allows for the background and surrounding environment to pop!
Aloha! Deciding what to wear for your Kauai photography session can feel like a big decision, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. Whether it’s for a family portrait, an engagement session, or just capturing memories of your time on this beautiful island, what you wear can make all the difference in how your photos turn out. As an experienced Kauai photographer, I’ve seen it all and have plenty of tips to share to make sure you not only look amazing but feel confident and comfortable during your session.
Dressing for the Occasion: Let Your Personality Shine
From corals, blues, to whites and minimal patterns, this big groups did it right! The subtle stripes aren’t too distracting and the cohesive theme and comfortable clothes makes for a beautiful happy family portrait.
Your wardrobe is an extension of your personality, so choose outfits that reflect who you are. Think about how you’d like to be remembered in these photos. A great starting point? Dress like you’re heading out to a nice dinner. Classic, timeless pieces always look fantastic in photos and keep the focus on you and your loved ones rather than loud patterns or distracting designs.
Consider the Climate: Light and Breezy
These ladies knew what they were doing. Although they went with a slightly mismatching theme, the overall light tones, muted pastel colors and comfortable light weight clothing creats a very subtle yet boldly beautiful group portrait.
Kauai’s tropical climate is warm, humid, and breezy—perfect for lightweight and breathable fabrics. Linens and cottons are your best friends here. Not only do they keep you comfortable, but they also photograph beautifully. Think light tones and pastel colors like whites, tans, corals, and soft blues. These shades harmonize with Kauai’s lush greens and bold ocean blues, creating a balanced and flattering look.
Coordinating for Groups: Themes Over Matching
While white clothing is actually tricky to photograph, it is one of the most elegant options, paired with an off white and touch of blue makes this family photo come together.
If you’re planning a session with multiple people, don’t stress about everyone matching exactly. Instead, aim for a coordinated theme. For example, you might all choose a color palette of neutrals with soft accent colors. A slight variation within the theme can add visual interest while still looking cohesive. Flowing dresses for the ladies and casual yet polished shirts for the men are always great choices.
The Power of Movement: Embrace the Breeze
This couples engagement session was so fun and they made great wardrobe choices! His understated outfit with a clean white collard shirt and khaki shorts allows for the pinkish red flowing dress to “pop”!
One of Kauai’s unique features is the trade winds that often bring a gentle breeze. This creates an opportunity for stunning dynamic shots, especially with flowing dresses or skirts. If you’re up for it, try wearing something with a bit of movement, like a maxi dress. It’ll add a touch of elegance and drama to your photos. Just in case the wind picks up, bring along a hairbrush or hair ties to keep your locks under control.
Barefoot Bliss: To Shoe or Not to Shoe
The classic look! There’s something simply timeless and elegant about jeans and a clean white shirt. Its casual yet formal appeal leads us into a very approachable image and allows for our subjects to stand out, even without a touch of color.
Here in Kauai, going barefoot is a way of life, and it’s no different for photography sessions. Shoes often aren’t necessary and can even look out of place in beach photos. Slippers (flip-flops) are perfectly fine for walking around and can be easily slipped off for the session. Just be mindful of sharp lava rocks or hidden shells if you’re going barefoot.
Props and Accessories: The Finishing Touches
The Aloha shirts are pretty common on the islands. Thankfully the green pattern isn’t too distracting on this one! Her pinkish coral off white dress blends into the color pallet beautifully, as well. Although the Haku was made with fake flowers it does add a nice touch of color and ceremonial feel to this surprise engagement.
Props can be a fun way to personalize your session, but simplicity is key. A hat, a scarf, or even a Haku lei (a Hawaiian flower crown) can elevate your look without overwhelming the image. Keep in mind that some items, like alcohol, are not permitted on public beaches during commercial photography sessions. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider substituting sparkling cider for champagne to keep things festive and compliant.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While we don’t usually recommend black, this couple avoided colors all together with a black and white combo. Her nicely fitted white dress is very elegant and is complemented by his white pants. And, his black collard shirt is unique and elegant enough to match.
As much fun as bright Hawaiian shirts and bold patterns can be, they often don’t translate well in photos. These elements can be visually overwhelming and distract from the subjects of the image—you! Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that enhance the overall aesthetic. Less is more when creating timeless imagery reminiscent of the Dutch masters.
Multiple Wardrobe Options: Maximize Your Session
Shorts aren’t mandatory. The blue jeans and white collard long sleeve shirt add an elegance to this surprise engagement. His simple yet timeless understated apparel allows for her pink and red flowing dress to really stand out. The complimentary reds and greens create a striking visual image.
If you’re still unsure about what to wear, book a full session with us! These longer sessions allow time for multiple wardrobe changes, so you can try a few different looks and find what feels best. Whether it’s a flowy dress for the beach, a casual outfit for the lush forests, or something formal for a dramatic sunset shot, variety ensures you’ll have a diverse and stunning gallery of images.
Iconic Kauai Locations: Dress to Complement the Scenery
Understated stands out, but in the best way possible. This white dress, pants and black shirt combo creates an area of great contrast and leads the viewers eye directly to the subjects, all while allowing the background to stand out.
Kauai’s landscapes are as diverse as they are breathtaking. From the golden sands of Hanalei Bay to the rugged cliffs of Waimea Canyon, every location offers a unique backdrop. Dressing to complement the scenery can make your photos truly unforgettable. For beach sessions, lighter tones work beautifully against the blue ocean. If your session is in a forest or near waterfalls, consider earthy tones that blend naturally with the surroundings.
Why Preplanning Matters
Simple yet elegant clothing choices. His white shirt and blue jeans are a classic option which really helps her green dress to stand out. Her light toned green fitted dress looks beautiful!
Preproduction is an essential part of any successful photoshoot. Taking the time to plan your wardrobe, props, and even your hair can make a huge difference in the final result. Discussing your vision with your Kauai photographer ahead of time ensures we can help you make the best choices and create a session tailored to you.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Create Something Beautiful
This couple knew what they were doing. His comfortable understated light blue collard shirt and gray shorts complement the surround environment perfectly and allows for her short light blue dress to stand out subtly.
Your Kauai photography session is more than just a photoshoot; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. With a little preparation and the right wardrobe, we can capture the beauty of both you and the island in a way that feels authentic and timeless. Ready to book your session? Let’s chat and make your vision a reality. Mahalo for trusting Paradise Productions as your go-to Kauai photographer. Aloha!