tips & tricks, do's & don'ts on
What to wear to your photo session;
I know planning outfits for the entire family can seem overwhelming and stressful and that is definitely not what we want! So I am happy to help with planning and share some tips on what looks best!
Neutral, earth tones look best in photos.
The colors, textures and patterns really make a huge difference on how your photos will look!
First, think about what kind of look/vibe you're going for.
Are you wanting a warmer color palette? Think about trying some colors like mustard, taupe, burgundy, brown, rust and cream.
If you're thinking you'd like more of a lighter, pastel palette, try colors like cream, white, gray, beige, muted purples and pinks, maybe some corals, rose and light blues.
If you have a picky person in your group, start with their outfit and build off of that.
Do's:
- Be yourself
- Wear something you feel confident and comfortable in!
- Coordinate colors and styles, don't match
- Always add in those neutral colors if you use a pop of color
Don'ts:
- Avoid large logos, neon colors, and words on clothing as this steals the eye when looking at the photo and just does not look good
- Avoid stripes that are small and/or very close together as this creates an odd effect in photographs
- Avoid too many dark colors as you don't want it to look too dull, try only to use black if it's someone pants
- Try to avoid too much plaid, hints of it works, but not on every one in the family
Shoe Tips:
Don't forget to coordinate shoes! Brown is never a bad color to default to.
If it's fitting for you and yours, in the summer we can run around with bare feet if you'd like!
Winter, Spring and Fall, be sure to come prepared with proper footwear, as it can be snowy, muddy or slushy.
Hair Tips:
Keep it loose and flowy rather than too tight and slicked back. If it's windy it's really fun to photograph hair blowing in the wind but if you or your child has thin hair, never be afraid to pull it back somewhat.
Ideas:
Pinterest always has many great examples on outfit ideas
and how to blend and put together color palettes!
Summer:
Flowy dresses/skirts are super fun for mom and little ladies, as the flowing of the dresses are super fun to photograph. We have a lot of room to move and play within the summer time!
I do not recommend tight dresses or skirts, they're harder to move/play in. The flow is way more fun!
A lot of clients have been getting beautiful, fun, flowy dresses on Joyfolie.com
Please bring a sweater for everyone to your session, even if you can't match it quite how you like it, it's just something to wear in between photos to stay warm if needed.
The temperatures change fast as the sunsets or clouds roll in.
Winter:
I always recommend things like vests, winter hats, mittens, and scarfs as a great way to bring in some color. Plan your outfits but also be prepared to wear thermals under these outfits to keep everyone happy and outside as long as possible. Bring jackets and gloves to stay warm in between photos. We can always take warm up breaks as needed too! Bring gloves for the whole family if you like the idea of ending the session with a little snowball fight or just playing with the snow a bit in general.
*Be sure to wear proper footwear! We will most likely be walking in and on the snow, specially if we just had a snow storm the day before your session. In the winter we'll use location that are used frequently so the snow is packed down, but you never know what the weather will bring the day/night before your session, we could get a fresh foot of snow. Which is alway so beautiful!
If you have little kids:
If you feel like your little isn't quite cooperating during the session. Please don't stress it. We will go with their flow and laugh it off. Try your best not to tell them "no" or discipline them during the session as no body likes teary eyes and this tends to make things much worse. We'll roll with it.
Bringing along their favorite snacks/treats is a great idea. Totally understand that snack breaks are needed from time to time!
*I recommend bringing water (no colors to spill on themselves) and DRY, COLORLESS, easy to clean snacks, (things like yummy crackers, marshmallows, etc) keeps it easy if we need a little snack break! Save the chocolate for after the session ;)
Senior Portrait Note:
Follow all the same color and tips + tricks as above. Know you're welcome to bring up to 3 outfit changes. I recommend 3 just due to changing much more than that tends to cut into photographing time. If you really can't decide between 4 outfits, bring them all and see what you are feeling like is best suiting you in the moment of your session!
Feel free to bring a brush and things for quick, small makeup touch ups. I will bring a small hand held mirror, it'll be in my bag so never be shy about asking for it! You are also welcome to bring any sports jerseys/jackets, rings, guitars, etc. anything that are meaningful to you for a few photos.
As for the actual changing of clothing, if we're close to a car, you can use that, some are totally comfortable with running into the trees for a quick change, otherwise I do bring a blanket which family members and myself would be happy to hold up so you can change behind it. Whatever you are comfortable with, we will make work for you!
