Madeira Photoshoot Style Guide: How to Dress for Photos Session

You booked your tickets to Madeira, you booked your photoshoot, and now comes the big question: “What should I wear?”
Madeira is not your typical beach destination. It is an island of dramatic contrasts: black volcanic rocks, lush green ancient forests, deep blue ocean, and red mountain peaks. To get those cinematic shots you see in my portfolio, your outfit plays a huge role.
As a photographer, I want you to pop against the landscape, not disappear into it. Here is my ultimate style guide to help you choose the perfect outfit for your session.

1. The Golden Rule: Contrast is King

The biggest mistake? Wearing green in the forest.
Madeira’s “Laurissilva” forest (like in Fanal) is incredibly dense, moody, and green. If you wear green, khaki, or dark brown, you will blend into the background like a chameleon. We want the opposite!

• In the Forest :
  • YES: White, Mustard Yellow, Orange, Terracotta.
  • WHY: These colors create a stunning separation from the dark moody trees. A red dress in the misty forest looks like a fairytale.
  • NO: Green, Camouflage, (unless you want a very dark/gothic vibe).
• On the Coast :
  • YES: White (pure contrast), Bright or Pastel Colors, Light Blue.
  • WHY: The rocks are black and dark brown. White creates a clean, elegant, and high-contrast look.
  • NO: Dark Grey, Dark Blue.

2. Play with the Wind (Flowy Fabrics)

Madeira is the island of eternal spring… and eternal wind! This is especially true at the peaks (Pico do Arieiro) or on the cliffs (Ponta de São Lourenço).
Instead of fighting the wind, let’s use it to our advantage.

• For Her: Long, flowy dresses (Maxi dresses) are absolute magic here. They catch the wind and add movement and drama to every shot.
• Avoid: Short, tight skirts (they ride up and are uncomfortable to walk in) or stiff fabrics that look frozen.

3. Bring Layers (The 4 Seasons in One Day)

It can be 25°C and sunny in Funchal, and 8°C and foggy in the mountains just 30 minutes later.

• The Strategy: Don’t ruin your outfit with a bulky, neon hiking jacket. Bring a stylish cardigan, a shawl, or a nice leather jacket that compliments your look.
• We can take photos with and without it. But if you are freezing, it will show on your face!

4. Shoes: Comfort First (Then Style)

We will walk (a bit). We could walk on rocks, sand,… We might walk in mud.

• The Trick: Wear sneakers or hiking boots to walk to the spot. Carry your heels or dressy shoes in a backpack.
• Change your shoes only for the desired photos.
• Note: If you wear long dresses, your shoes might not even be visible most of the time!

5. What to Avoid (Generally)

• Neon Colors: Fluorescent pink or green reflects on your skin and gives a weird color cast in photos.
• Big Logos: Avoid T-shirts with huge brand logos or text. It distracts the eye from the landscape and your emotions.
• Clashing Patterns: If one of you wears a busy floral pattern, the other should wear solid colors. If everyone wears crazy patterns, the photo becomes visually chaotic.

Summary Checklist for your Suitcase:

• ✅ A pastel color dress (essential for the forest).
• ✅ A Yellow – Orange – Beige top (pops everywhere).
• ✅ Walking shoes + Fancy shoes in a bag.
• ✅ A warm, stylish layer (jacket/shawl).
• ✅ Accessories: Hats (Fedoras) look amazing here, but be ready to hold them if it’s windy!

FAQ & Last Minute Tips: Read this before your session!

Now that your outfit is sorted, here are the answers to the questions I get asked the most. Read this to sleep tight before our shoot!

1. “Help! The weather forecast says rain!” ☔

Don’t panic. Seriously.
Madeira has dozens of micro-climates. It can be pouring rain in Funchal and perfectly sunny in Ponta do Sol (20 mins away). Weather apps (Apple/Google) are notoriously unreliable here.
My Job: I check the webcams live. If the weather is truly bad everywhere, we will reschedule. But 95% of the time, we just drive to where the sun is. Trust me!

2. “I am not a model / We are shy…” 😳

That is perfect, because I photograph real people, not mannequins!
You don’t need to know how to pose. My style is about movement and interactions. I will guide you through everything (“Walk towards me”, “Look at the ocean”, “Tell her a joke”). It will feel like a walk with a friend, not a rigid photoshoot.

3. “Can I wear glasses?” 👓

If you have contact lenses, please wear them. Glasses with “Transitions” lenses (that turn dark in the sun) are a photographer’s nightmare because they hide your eyes. Standard glasses can also reflect the light/flash.
If you must wear glasses, be prepared to take them off for a few shots if the reflection is too strong.

4. “When will I get my photos?” 📩

I know you are excited to share them! My standard turnaround time is within 4 to 8 weeks depending the season. I’ll send you a preview with the top10/20 photos in the next says of the session
You will receive a private online gallery where you can download your photos in High Resolution.

5. “Do you photoshop us?” 🎨

My editing style focuses on Color Grading (giving that cinematic, warm, moody look you see in my portfolio) and light adjustments.
I remove temporary blemishes (like a pimple that appeared yesterday), but I do not alter bodies, remove double chins, or change your physical appearance. I capture the best version of YOU.

Still looking for a photographer in Madeira?

Check out my Private Photo Tours here or send me a message to book your session.
Let’s create memories that last a lifetime.