If you have an upcoming photoshoot with me and you’re wondering what to wear for your Drakensberg photos, then you are in the right place!
As a Drakensberg photographer, I’ve seen just how much the right outfit can elevate your images. But it’s not just about looking good… it’s about feeling comfortable, confident, and being able to easily navigate the incredible landscapes in and around the Champagne Valley, Monks Cowl, Injisuthi and beyond.
This guide is packed with tips on colours, fabrics, footwear and there is also seasonal advice sprinkled in to make sure you look and feel your best, whether you’re planning a wedding, elopement, family photoshoot or portrait session.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi, I’m Niki M – a wedding and portrait photographer based in Hillcrest, KZN. My work is filled with emotion, unposed moments and real-to-life colour. Photoshoots out in nature and unique outdoor weddings/elopements are my jam. The Drakensberg is truly one of my favourite places to capture them!
Looking for an amazing wedding and portrait photographer in the Drakensberg? Check out my work and reach out to learn more.
Choosing a Colour Palette: What to Wear For Drakensberg Photos in Each Season
Autumn In The Drakensberg
🍂 March – May
Photoshoots are incredible during this time of the year. The oak and plane trees around the Champagne Valley turn burgundy and then gold. Afternoon golden hour is absolutely spectacular and the temperatures are perfect. Plus, cosmos flowers burst to life from late March to mid-April.
The colours that look amazing in the Drakensberg autumn are rich, warm jewel tones that pull out the colours of the changing landscape. These colours also photograph particularly well and bring a richness to final images that make them my favourites by far. Velvet and soft knits were made for Autumn, so if you are a fan then go wild!
Winter In The Drakensberg
❄️ June – August
The Drakensberg winter is the most peaceful of all the seasons. Most days are still warm, unless a cold front is moving through, so you can head out and enjoy the mountains, trails and low rivers. Snow frequently dusts the higher peaks in Winter, creating magical photo opportunities. If you are lucky, the snow may even reach the lower slopes, giving couples and families a rare chance for snow-filled photoshoots.
The Drakensberg winter palette is filled with beautiful tones that pop off the browner landscape. Should snow fall, these colours will create an earthy vibe that offsets the white wonderland. Layer up with lots of textured clothing, and let’s have some fun!
Spring In The Drakensberg
🌸 September – November
Spring… A time of life, growth and excitement! The Berg slowly turns back into a lush and vibrant area as we travel through the spring months. Grasses turn green and suddenly everything is budding. If you’re after wildflowers, blossoms, and fresh greenery, then spring is one of the best times for Drakensberg photography.
Drakensberg spring is the season of soft, joyful colour. A palette of pastel shades is the perfect way to create dreamy, whimsical photos in a landscape humming with energy. Choose linen and textured fabrics, layered with knits.
Summer In The Drakensberg
☀️ December – February
As we head into summer the days get longer and balmier. The Drakensberg’s temperatures climb, clouds build, and thunderstorms happen almost every afternoon. If you love adventure, variety, and dramatic scenery, then the hot summer is the best time for your Drakensberg photography session.
The colours that compliment Drakensberg in the summer are vivid and full of life, just like the season! White, blues, and their complimentary warmer tones pick up the feshness of the landscape. They pair together beautifully and remind me of a day next to the pool. On that note… pack a hat and a costume. The local rock pools and rivers are calling!
Styling Principles For Any Mountain Photoshoot
Comfort above everything
Being comfortable means you’ll be relaxed, and that is super important for photographs!
The ability to move around easily without having to readjust your outfit a million times is worth it’s weight in gold.
HOW TO: Don’t wear tight clothes that accentuate areas you are self-conscious about. Pick shoes that will let you move around easily. And the most important advice… wear your outfit before the day and make sure you are comfy in it, or select your look from clothing you already own and love.
REMINDER: The way your clothing makes you feel shines through in your photos.
Think about prints AND texture
Simple, bold prints are absolutely awesome! And if you have a cool print, try adding even more interest with texture!
HOW TO: Find a print, and locate any of your favourite colour/s in that print. Then search for items, in the colours you have chosen, that feel and look different. Think thick comfy knits, flowing tulle or netting, shimmering velvet, or even intricate lace. Put them together and see how creative you can get!
REMINDER: You can also bring texture in through your accessories! Leather, woven hats, hair accessories and head bands, jewellery, pashminas… the sky is the limit.
The bravery to combine different prints and textures can really pay off at a photoshoot! The key is combining a range of colours that work together.
Coordinate, don’t match
Dressing everyone in matching clothing brings tight structure to photographs. It is sometimes cute to match, but it also means everyone is put into the same box and can’t express their style.
When couples and families choose coordinating colours instead, it helps me create dreamy and whimsical photos to match the landscape.
HOW TO: Choose a palette of colours from the section above and and let everyone pick one or more colour/s from the palette for their outfits. These colours already go together, so the overall look will still be cohesive.
Another way to achieve a coordinating look is to pick a colour (like pink) and then let everyone choose their own shade of that colour, lighter or darker.
REMEMBER: Giving people the freedom to be comfortable and let their own personality shine through really makes a huge difference to the end result.
If choosing a colour palette feels overwhelming, narrow it down to one colour and use different shades of that colour. Incorporating a light neutral also works well (white, beige, or light grey).
Layers Are Essential
Not only can a jacket, jersey, beanie or scarf save the day when it comes to ever-changing Berg weather, but you can create entirely new looks just by playing with layers.
Whilst we’re chatting about what to wear for Drakensberg photos, layers don’t just apply to Winter either! Add a lightweight scarf, a camisole, a cute hat or even a flower crown for summer photoshoots. Think texture, complimentary colours, and vibrance.
HOW TO: Aim to achieve two different looks with your base outfit by adding or subtracting a layer of clothing, and then add accessories to create more interest.
REMINDER: Shoes count as accessories too!
I have broken down the Drakensberg season by season, so if you’d like to know what to expect, head on over to my article and read all about the best time of year for Drakensberg photography.
This couple have chosen three layers of clothing to create a lot of variety in their images: A comfy base layer, a textured knit layer, and finally jackets to bring in different colours.
Ready, Set, Go!
Choosing what to wear for Drakensberg photos doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of it as setting the scene: the mountains already bring the drama, so your outfits should add to the mood without taking away from the magic.
Warm, berry tones always photograph beautifully on my camera, but I promise you – with the right styling, even earthy neutrals can look breathtaking against the changing Berg backdrop. Bring coordinated clothes that you love, with lots of texture, pack smart, and let’s create photos you’ll treasure forever!
If you want more info about the the different seasons so that you can choose what to wear for your Drakensberg photos, then head over to the next article to find out what the best time of year for Drakensberg photography is.
Velvet is an incredible choice for a photoshoot in the mountains. Velvet’s dense fibres absorb light instead of reflecting it, which is why velvet colours always look rich and luxurious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drakensberg Photography
If we’ll be taking photos at your hotel or resort, then yes, you can definitely wear heels for part of the photoshoot. Choose block heels or wedges. However, I always suggest bringing flat backup shoes in case we go exploring.
Absolutely! Black is timeless and in the right setting it looks gorgeous! In super bright mountain light it can sometimes look flat, but pairing it with textures (lace, velvet, denim) or chunky jewellery makes it pop beautifully.
Yes, but keep them purposeful. A wide-brim hat for summer, a cozy blanket for winter, or even a guitar if you’re musically inclined can add personality. The key is choosing items that feel like you and also make sense in a mountainous setting.
Comfort first! If the little ones are comfortable, they’ll be happier in front of the camera. Avoid stiff fabrics and instead choose soft, breathable clothes in natural tones. TIt is also a great idea to pack a spare set of clothes so that they have the freedom to have fun and get a little dirty.
Keep it natural but defined. The Drakensberg light is gorgeous but strong, so a little extra mascara or lip colour helps.
I have an entire article about all my favourite Drakensberg wedding venues! Head on over, and feel free to get in touch to chat about your wedding photography 🙂
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