Dressing yourself in the morning is hard enough when you don't have to stand in front of the camera and be your best self. Choosing what to wear for a photoshoot can trigger even the most confident, fashionista to pull their entire wardrobe out onto the floor in search of the perfect outfit.
Number one thing to remember? Being comfortable is everything!! You should look and feel like yourself, first and foremost. It's not uncommon for people to shop for new, sparkly, fabulous clothes to wear to a photoshoot. And that's totally fine…. If that's your jam. Do you think you would be more comfortable in your favorite t-shirt and jeans or a new clingy little black dress? The best route is usually to go with something that's tried and true. Something that you know moves with you and hugs you in all the right places. Don't get me wrong, it does not have to be a t-shirt and jeans. Glam it up more, if that's your fancy! But if authenticity is what you’re after, then show up as yourself. It's all about the feeling of being in your own skin!!
Let's Talk Location and Season…
Match your outfit to the season. Plan your outfits around what you know about the conditions at the location we will be shooting at. You’ll want to be warm enough (or cool enough), have pain free feet and look native to your environment. Think through your clothing choices logically based on location, vibe and comfort level. Gather up 2 or 3 outfits that you feel amazing in and we can play around with different combinations on the day. Bring things that help express yourself. I want you to grace my lens with your true, full personality!!
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that add a cozy texture, or get picked up by the wind, filter the later afternoon sun and glow in the morning light. Aim for neutrals, earthy tones and metallics. By neutral, I mean softer tones. These colors compliment the outdoor environment almost anywhere you go and look amazing printed as a framed photograph!
Primary colors are incredibly striking but can sometimes have the effect of detracting from the main subject. For example, instead of electric blue, go for something closer to sky blue. Instead of bright orange, opt for an apricot shade. A rule of thumb here is to choose to either complement your natural environment or contrast it. A mustard dress in a deep green forest will look epic, whereas a bright pink, patterned dress doesn't really fit in with your surroundings. It totally depends on what you’re looking for.
For families it's best to keep your color scheme limited to four colors. You can choose one person to wear a feature color and have everyone else’s outfits compliment that. Be careful with patterns and prints. Avoid large bold patterns as they often dominate the photograph and detract attention from your beautiful face. Usually, smaller patterns work best. Flannels or a light floral print are GREAT when they compliment the location. But less is definitely more with this one. Try and limit yourself to one pattern at a time.
The Fine Art of Accessorizing.
Hats, sunglasses, socks and jackets are a great way to jazz up your accessory game. Throw some fun extras into your bag but avoid large distracting pieces. (This is also great for Seniors sessions) However, watches could be distracting. If it's the fancy kind and sentimental, then let's go for it… but if it's the fit bit, apple kind. Let's leave them off for the photoshoot.
Shoes. Shoes. Shoes.
Obviously, you’re planning shoes to match your outfits. Again, plan according to location. Leather is great for boots, and know that sandals win over flip flops by a long shot. Always consider footwear for both aesthetic appeal and practicality. If you wear heels like a pro, I definitely don't have the authority to tell you not to. But in most cases we could be stomping around in uneven levels and no one wants sprained ankles.
Makeup and Hair (Do’s and Don’t)
This is totally your call! But, if I could suggest a few things…I want you to look like you!! So do whatever you need to do to feel confident and beautiful! Subtle natural makeup is always best.
Hands tell a story about who you are and where you’ve been. And plays a crucial part in portrait photography. No need to rush out and get an expensive manicure with fake nails. Bright colored, chipped nail polish will show up in a photograph and it's really distracting. So, treat yourself with a subtle at home manicure and make sure your nails look neat and tidy. As for hair… I love natural as much as possible!! Let it flow, let the wind take it. With your hair down, you get movement, you get interest, you get some perfect slices of imperfection in the best possible way!