What to Wear + How to Prepare for a Wyoming Photo Session
Wyoming isn’t like anywhere else.
The wind, the light, the distance between things— it all changes how a photo session feels.
It’s quieter here. More open. Less controlled.
And whether you’re traveling in or you’ve lived here your whole life, that environment shapes everything— from what you wear to how the light moves across your skin.
As a Wyoming photographer based in Cody, I’ve photographed sessions across sagebrush plains, rivers, foothills, badlands, alpine meadows, the vast wilderness, and mountain edges. And over time, I’ve learned that the best sessions aren’t about perfect conditions— they’re about being prepared for what this place actually is.
If you’re planning a Wyoming photo session, these are the things that will make your experience not just smoother… but will make sure it’s more meaningful.
What to Wear for a Wyoming Photo Session
What you wear matters— but maybe not in the way you think.
In Wyoming, your clothing isn’t just about style. It interacts with the landscape, the wind, and the light.
The best outfits tend to feel like they belong in the environment:
natural textures like denim, cotton, linen, and wool
soft, earthy tones that reflect the landscape—sage, cream, rust, tan, blues, browns
layers that move with you
Flowy dresses, long skirts, and layered pieces photograph beautifully because they catch the wind instead of fighting it. Movement adds life to your images.
For footwear, think practical first. Most photo sessions in Wyoming involve:
uneven ground
rocks, sagebrush, prickle pear, or sand
elevation changes
Boots, booties, or closed-toe shoes are always your best option. If you have a second pair you love (heels, sandals), you can absolutely change once we’re in place.
One of the biggest things clients don’t think about ahead of time:
try on your full outfit— including undergarments— before your session
Straps, fit, and movement all matter more when you’re outside in natural light. And in small Wyoming towns, there usually isn’t a quick store run if something isn’t working.
I always carry things like garment tape and a few quick fixes— but the more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll feel.
Best Time of Day for Photos in Wyoming
Light in Wyoming is different.
We have wide open spaces and very little natural shade. That means the quality of light changes everything about your photos.
The best time for a Wyoming photo session is during golden hour— the hour before sunset (and sometimes just after sunrise).
This is when:
the light softens
shadows become longer and more dimensional
the colors of the land deepen— sage, gold, terracotta
Midday light here can be harsh and flat, especially in open areas. It’s not impossible to work with— but it doesn’t create the same depth or feeling.
Golden hour also brings a shift in the environment. The wind often softens, temperatures begin to drop, and everything feels a little quieter.
Timing your session well isn’t just about getting “pretty light.”
It’s about stepping into a completely different rhythm of the day.
Choosing the Right Location in Wyoming
One of the most common questions I get as a Cody Wyoming photographer is:
“Where should we go?”
And the answer is— it depends on what you want your photos to feel like.
Wyoming isn’t one landscape. It’s many.
Within a relatively short distance, you can find:
open sagebrush prairie
rivers and cottonwood-lined banks
desert-like badlands and rock formations
foothills and forest edges
mountain views and alpine terrain
Each location changes the tone of your session.
Prairie locations tend to feel:
open
quiet
very “Wyoming” in a grounded, minimal way
Mountain or foothill areas feel:
more dramatic
more immersive
sometimes more physically demanding to access
River locations often feel:
softer
more intimate
reflective, especially in evening light
There’s no single “best” location— only what aligns with you.
That’s why every session includes a planning conversation where we talk through:
access and travel time
how much walking is involved
what kind of environment you’re drawn to
Because in Wyoming, the location doesn’t just sit behind you.
It shapes the entire experience.5. Location, Location, Location:
Wyoming’s landscapes are incredibly beautiful, featuring sage plains, Badlands, deserts, alpine meadows, forests, mountains, and rivers. Western Wyoming offers a diverse range of stunning backdrops for your photoshoot. In our Pre-Session planning and creative consultation meeting we go over options for locations to make sure we get what you envision.
How to Prepare for Wind, Weather, and Light
If there’s one thing that defines photos in Wyoming, it’s this:
THE WIND
Wyoming is known for it, and there’s no real way around it.
But here’s the truth:
the wind can be beautiful
it adds movement and life
it creates that wild, untamed feeling people are drawn to
It can also be unpredictable.
For hair, I always recommend having options:
start with it down
bring a hat, hair ties, or clips
consider a loose braid or updo for part of the session
Bring a small hair kit:
brush
pins
a little product
Flexibility is everything.
I’m pretty sure that when people said “it’s about to get Western,” for the first time they were talking about the wind.
Weather in Wyoming can shift quickly—especially in higher elevations.
Even in summer, temperatures drop fast once the sun sets.
That’s why I always recommend:
bringing layers
incorporating pieces like jackets, wraps, or blankets
A blanket, especially, is one of my favorite additions:
it adds texture
gives you something to interact with
and becomes incredibly practical as the temperature drops
Preparing for the environment doesn’t take away from the experience.
It allows you to fully settle into it.
What to Expect During Your Session
A Wyoming photo session is a little different than what most people are used to.
It’s not fast-paced or overly structured.
We move slower.
There’s often:
some walking
uneven terrain
pauses to let the light shift or the wind settle
Sometimes we’ll drive between spots. Sometimes we’ll stay in one place and let it unfold.
There isn’t a rigid timeline we’re forcing things into.
Instead, we’re paying attention to:
light
space
how you’re interacting with each other and the environment
Your session is a collaboration.
If you have ideas, bring them.
If something feels off, we adjust.
The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s to create space for something real to happen—and to document it as it does.
Props and Personal Touches
Some of the most meaningful photos in Wyoming come from the things you bring with you.
Not staged props—but pieces of your life.
Over the years, clients have brought:
trucks, jeeps, and old cars
horses and dogs
fly rods and hunting gear
saddles, bridles, and hides
guitars, sketchbooks, cameras
champagne, beer and picnics
These aren’t just objects—they tell part of your story.
And they help anchor your photos in something personal.
If you’re considering bringing something, the simple answer is:
BRING IT
Even if we don’t use everything, having the option allows the session to evolve naturally.
Why Wyoming Photos Feel Different
There’s a reason people are drawn to having their photos taken here.
It’s not just the scenery.
It’s the feeling of it.
The distance between things.
It all creates images that feel less staged—and more lived.
That’s what makes a Wyoming photo session different.
Final Thoughts + Booking
If you’re planning a photo session in Wyoming, the best thing you can do is come prepared—but open.
Prepared for the environment.
Open to what unfolds within it.
That balance is where the best images come from.
If you’re drawn to places like this—the quiet, the openness, the wild edges of it—
I’d love to help you experience it.
You can learn more about sessions here:
→ Portrait Sessions
Or if you’re planning something more immersive, like an elopement:
→ Elopements & Wilderness Experiences
Originally published June 2024 · Updated April 2026
