The question we get in almost every pre-session consultation: “What should we wear?” It’s the right question to be asking, and it deserves a better answer than “whatever you’re comfortable in.” Your outfit choices will affect how you look in every single photograph. Here’s the real guide , from photographers who’ve seen every combination against every Rocky Mountain backdrop.
The single most important rule
The mountains are the backdrop, not the subject. Your job is to complement the landscape, not compete with it, and not disappear into it. That means choosing colours and silhouettes that read clearly against the specific background you’ll be photographed against, without drawing the eye away from your faces and your connection.
Everything else in this guide flows from that principle.
The colours that work in the Rockies
SUMMER (JUNE – AUGUST)
The Rocky Mountain summer palette is green forest, turquoise water, grey rock, and blue sky. Against this:
- Ivory and warm white — classic, reads beautifully against green and teal. Avoid bright white, which can blow out in direct sun.
- Sage and muted olive — surprisingly stunning. These tones feel like they belong in the landscape without disappearing into it.
- Dusty rose and terracotta — warm tones create natural contrast against cool mountain backgrounds. One of our favourite combinations.
- Navy and deep blue — structured and classic. Particularly powerful at Lake Louise where the water reflects the sky.
- Camel, tan, and warm neutrals — timeless. Work in any season but particularly beautiful in summer light.
FALL / LARCH SEASON (SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER)
The larch season palette runs gold, amber, and deep green. Against this:
- Deep burgundy and wine — extraordinary against golden larches. One of the most requested combinations.
- Forest green — works with the evergreens surrounding the larches, feels intentional and editorial.
- Rust and terracotta — autumn tones that feel like the season itself. Warm, rich, and beautiful in fall light.
- Cream and ivory — still works, but choose a warmer tone rather than stark white against the warm fall palette.
WINTER (NOVEMBER – MARCH)
Banff in winter is a study in contrast: white snow, dark pines, pale blue sky, grey stone. Against this:
- Deep jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, deep plum. Rich colour against snow is one of the most striking combinations in photography.
- Black — dramatic and graphic. Against white snow with mountain peaks behind, black photographs powerfully.
- Camel and cognac — warm against cold. The contrast between warm fabric tones and winter landscapes is visually compelling.
- Red — only for the brave and the intentional. A saturated red coat against snow is arresting. Don’t do this halfheartedly.
“The biggest mistake we see: couples wearing colours that are too similar to the background. You want to be seen in the frame — not camouflaged by it.”
Coordinating as a couple — without matching
The goal is cohesion, not uniformity. You should look like you belong in the same photograph — which means your colours should complement each other, your formality levels should match, and your overall aesthetic should feel intentional.
The easiest framework: choose one person’s outfit first, then build the second outfit around it in the same tonal family. If she’s wearing a dusty rose dress, he might wear a warm grey suit with a subtle blush pocket square. If he’s wearing a navy suit, she might choose a deep blue or ivory dress with navy accents.
What to avoid:
- Identical colours on both people — makes you look like a matching set rather than a couple
- Clashing formality — a formal gown with casual jeans reads as disconnected
- Competing patterns — if one person is wearing pattern, the other should wear solid
- Both wearing busy prints — the frame becomes visually chaotic
Fabric and fit in mountain conditions
The Rocky Mountains are cold. Even in July, temperatures at elevation can drop to 10°C or below, and wind is a constant variable. This has real implications for what you wear:
- Natural fabrics move better and photograph better. Linen, silk, lightweight wool, and cotton all behave well in wind and look more organic in movement than synthetics.
- Flowy skirts and dresses look extraordinary in mountain settings. Movement in a mountain wind creates natural, beautiful shots. Plan for this. Embrace it.
- Bring a layer you’re willing to be seen in. A beautiful coat or wrap can actually improve your images — it adds texture and warmth to the frame, and it means you’ll be comfortable enough to relax.
- Wear shoes you can actually walk in. Many of our favourite portrait locations require a short walk on uneven terrain. Beautiful footwear matters — but so does being able to move without anxiety. Wedge heels and block heels handle gravel and grass far better than stilettos.
OUR PRACTICAL CHECKLIST
- Bring your full outfit, including shoes, to the session
- Iron or steam everything the day before — wrinkles read in photographs
- Pack an extra pair of flat shoes for the walk to the location
- Bring a hair tie in case it’s windy — but don’t start with it
- Avoid strong perfume near wildlife areas
- Bring a small bag for lip gloss, touch-ups, and your phone
Hair and makeup for mountain engagement sessions
Mountain engagement sessions happen outdoors, often in wind, sometimes in cold, always in natural light. Here’s what reads best:
- Hair: Styles that can handle wind tend to look best. Loose waves, half-up styles, and braids all move beautifully. Perfectly structured updos can be stunning — but plan for the wind. Bobby pins are your friend.
- Makeup: Natural-to-editorial finish. Outdoor photography in bright mountain light means heavy foundation can look cakey. Natural skin with defined eyes and a quality lip tends to photograph beautifully. Avoid shimmer on cheekbones in direct sun — it can blow out the skin tone.
The location-specific style guide
We send every client we work with a custom styling guide for their specific location. Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Canmore, and Kananaskis all have slightly different palettes, different lighting conditions, and different practical requirements. It takes five minutes to read and makes a visible difference in the final images.
When you book an engagement session with us, this guide comes with it — no extra charge, no extra effort on your part.
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