STYLING YOUR SESSION
Want your photos to look more unique? Bring a little extra something with you! Fresh flowers bring an extra “wow” factor to just about everything. Whether you want to incorporate larger items like classic cars, bikes, or guitars, or smaller ones like blankets, hats, and your favorite sunglasses, even planning for just one extra styled item could be a fun way to make your session more unique. And of course, your pup is always welcome!
Styling Tips For Her
DON’T BE AFRAID To Dress it up!
Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt, or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun!
Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they flatter all body types and they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like florals, woodsy areas, or a lake. Consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle which allow for beautiful movement in the images.
Choosing colours
When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, cream, leather brown, and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
In the winter darker neutrals like burgundy, plum or dark greens and blues can also be a great juxtaposition against the icy lakes, bare trees and white snow.
FLATTERING YOUR FEATURES
In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.
Heels elongate women’s legs making them look fabulous. Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the different.
Hair & makeup
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of clients’ checklists because it looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions of blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist, have her apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of my clients feel like their professional makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day, or that their false lashes look too big, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it all just right for the camera - and my clients always love the final result!
FASHION TIPS for him
The best fit
Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw the attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts and sandals at home as well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants, fitted colored pants, or fitted dark jean work best on camera. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripe or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
Mix it up
Many of the guys love to mix a suit coat, blazer, or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and breakup the color tones. I’m a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
It’s in the details
A clean shave, fresh haircut, polished shoes, it’s the little things make all the difference!
Quick Tips
• Coordinating colour THEME rather than exact matching outfits (ie- NO 90’s portraits with everyone in blue jeans and a white t-shirt!)
• Iron clothes to avoid wrinkles, clean off shoes, bring a lint roller if you have pets (especially if they are joining us).
• Avoid patterns, logos and fluorescent colours
• Moisturize to avoid dry skin, mani/pedi to clean up nails, have makeup/hair done (bring a touch up kit with you)
• Bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes that are practical for your location (Will we be walking/hiking? Will there be snow, rough terrain,etc)
• Bring extra weather appropriate attire ie) jackets/umbrellas (mittens and boots in winter) to keep you warm and dry between shots.