What to wear for a festival photoshoot

By Mariya Harley · London · updated August 2026

What works for a festival shoot specifically

Colour. Texture and colour over pale neutrals, which grey out in dust within an hour. Anything reflective works after dark when flash comes out.

Fabric. Whatever survives a field, sun, and being sat on. Nothing you would mind ruining, because it will be.

Footwear. Broken in and closed. Visible in most full-length frames and responsible for whether the day lasts.

The thing that ruins frames. A bag that will not close, photographed hanging open in every shot. A crossbody that sits behind the hip stays out of frame.

In the bag. A power bank, a rocket blower for dust, wet wipes, and a small torch — the walk back to the tent is the one part nobody plans for.

Two rules that hold everywhere

• Steam it the night before — creases are the most expensive thing in any retouching bill and the cheapest to prevent.
• Bring options and decide on set, where you can see the light and the background rather than guessing at home.