Booking a professional photo session is an investment in your memories. Whether you are celebrating a family reunion in Nuevo Vallarta, a romantic engagement in Conchas Chinas, or a surprise proposal at sunset, what you wear significantly impacts the aesthetic and “feel” of your gallery.
At Vallarta Photo, we want you to look back at these images in ten years and still love them. Here is our expert guide on how to dress for the tropical light and stunning backdrops of the Banderas Bay.
The Golden Rule: Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white t-shirts and jeans. It feels dated and hides your individual personalities. Instead, choose a color palette (3-4 colors that look good together) and distribute them across the group.
Pro Tip: Start with one “hero” outfit—usually a patterned dress for Mom or the fiancée—and pull the rest of the family’s colors from that print.
Colors That Pop in Puerto Vallarta
Our light in Vallarta is unique. Depending on your location, here is what works best:
For Beach Sessions: Stick to “Earth and Sea” tones. Think soft blues, creams, sandy beiges, and muted sages. These tones complement the Pacific blue without competing with it.
For Romantic Sunsets: If we are shooting during “Golden Hour,” warm tones like terracotta, mustard, or dusty rose look incredible as the sun hits the water.
For Jungle/Town (Sayulita or Gringo Gulch): Bold whites or even deep jewel tones (emerald or ruby) pop beautifully against the lush green leaves and cobblestone streets.
Fabric Choice: Breathability is Everything
Puerto Vallarta is tropical, and humidity is part of the package.
Choose: Linen, 100% cotton, and silk. These fabrics breathe and flow beautifully in the ocean breeze.
Avoid: Heavy polyester or thick denim. They show sweat quickly and can make you feel stiff and uncomfortable.
What to Avoid (The "Photo Killers")
To ensure your photos look high-end and timeless, avoid these common mistakes:
Fluorescent/Neon Colors: These reflect “color casts” onto your skin. A neon pink shirt will make your chin look pink in every photo.
Large Logos: You are not a walking billboard. Big brand names distract from your face.
Tiny Patterns: Very small stripes or checks can create a “moiré effect” (a weird dizzying pattern) on digital sensors.
Transitions Lenses: If you wear glasses, please try to wear a pair that doesn’t turn into sunglasses outside. We want to see your eyes!
Footwear: To Shoe or Not to Shoe?
If we are on the beach, barefoot is best. It looks natural and saves you from ruining nice shoes. If you prefer footwear, go with high-quality leather sandals or boat shoes. Avoid flip-flops and sneakers, as they tend to look too casual for a professional session.
Final Touches
Hair: The ocean breeze is real. We love the “wind-blown” look, but if you’re worried, consider an up-do or bring a few hair ties/pins just in case.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before so your skin looks fresh.
Empty Your Pockets: Men, please leave the phones, bulky wallets, and car keys with us or in your bag. A phone outline on your thigh can ruin a great shot!
Ready to Capture the Magic?
Now that you’re styled and ready, let’s get you in front of the lens. At Vallarta Photo, we specialize in capturing the authentic connection between you and your loved ones against the world-class beauty of Mexico.