TIPS + TRICKS FOR YOUR SESSION
WHAT TO WEAR (& NOT WEAR)
THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE IS TO WEAR SOMETHING YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE IN OR GIVES A BOOST TO YOUR OUTER CONFIDENCE. TRUST ME, WHEN YOU FEEL GOOD, IT SHOWS.
START WITH YOU (THE LADIES)...
Many women find picking out outfits for themselves the hardest. They find adorable little outfits for their kids & partners but then they are stuck when it comes to themselves. My best advice on this is… Make sure YOU feel confident and good about yourself in what you are wearing!! When you pick something you feel great in, it will show through in your expressions and the way you interact in photos. Then pick the other outfit(s) off yours! My poses are based on playfulness and movement. Pick clothes that will allow you to move freely and happily. Want a maxi/midi dress? Do it girlfriend! I’m a sucker for long flowy dresses and skirts because it shows movement and can be tossed around and played with during your session. Feel like flaunting Levis jeans, boots, and a pretty blouse? You’ll rock that too!
next up…THE GENTLEMEN - I suggest neutral colors with no pattern (white, grey, taupe, beige, ivory, white or black). You cant go wrong with a chambray/denim button up with sage, khaki or black pants as they match with almost everything you choose!
COORDINATE OVER MATCHING
Coordination is key, but there is such a thing as matching too much. Don't choose identical outfits. Instead, choose a color palette that each person can make unique with variations of texture and style, accessories, or a subtle pattern. Wear colors that compliment each other, but aren’t exactly the same. And if someone is going to wear a print, it should be one or a max of two people. Everyone else should wear a solid color.
KEEP IN MIND the season and your location!
For example: If you are taking photos in the summer on the green grass, it will probably not be the best idea to dress everyone in sage/green because the images colors will be blended and their wont be that special "pop"!
Here and some ideas below of coordinating colors - click here to see more inspiration on my pinterest board!
SUBTLE, MEANINGFUL PROPS
Bringing things that represent you can also add variety and visual interest to your images. Play an instrument? Bring it! Love to paint? Let's come up with a concept that incorporates your work. Books, sports equipment, balloons, flowers, pets (we love to include your furry family members!) are all welcome. Just be sure to tell me ahead of time so we can come up with a great way to include them in your shoot.
LAYERING & ACCESSORIES
Adding layers and accessories can bring interest and a pop to your images. Pick an accessory to be a statement piece (if you so choose), but don’t overdo it. One statement is all you need and the rest should compliment, but not stand out.
Ideas: Cardigan throw over, bowtie, vest or jacket over the boys solid tee, belt, jewelry for women or nice wristwatch on the men, suspenders, bows in the hair for little girls...etc.
GROOMING
This section may go without saying, but it’s important to groom before your session.
- Manicured nails: Hands show in many poses. Remove any chipped polish or treat yourself to a manicure pre-shoot.
- Sort out your hair! Stray nose hairs? trim them. Beard? shape it. Gloriously bushy brows? Clean up the center/use a brow brush to shape. And touch up those roots if you dye! They’re a real pain to photoshop.
Can't you just photoshop it out?
What to avoid/no-no list:
- ball caps (dressier fedora type hats, bennies for boys are cute though!)
- logos or prints (especially on kids clothing)
- patterns, especially large patterns such as that hawaiian shirt hubby got on the cruise last year.
- neon, fluro, and other super bright colours (pops of colour are ok, but a solid tangerine shirt will be jarring in a photograph)
- running tennis shoes
- very short skirts (it limits poses)
A NOTE ON GLASSES: If you always wear them, plan to wear them in your photos. We can always do some photos with & some without so you have options. Do not wear transition lenses to your session. There will be a fee per image for retouching dark lenses.
CHECKLIST:
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PHOTO SESSION
A few tips to prep for your photo session:
- Hydrate: In the days leading up to your photo session, make sure to drink lots of water for your best, most hydrated skin.
- Get your sleep: This one's obvious, but try to get a good night sleep before your shoot.
- Choose your outfit: choose outfit(s) that help you feel your best.
- Press your clothes: Wrinkles are a photoshoot's worst, most avoidable enemy! Iron, steam, or dry clean your clothes, to ensure your 'fits are wrinkle-free.
- Have kids, bring necessities: For family photo sessions with kids, make sure to bring snacks to keep tummies full, and comfort items for those occasional meltdown moments.