what to wear for your photos
How to choose
what to wear for your photos
Depending who is coming to the shoot, we may have some logistics to consider as well. For any shoots with expectant moms, little kids, or people with mobility impairments or the elderly, lets not pick anywhere that requires clambering over giant boulders or hiking up a canyon. In face, the closer to the parking lot, the better.
I love a location with lots of variety to ensure we capture a wide range of images. Below you'll find some of my favorite locations.
If you have a special location in mind that you don't see listed, lets' talk! I love trying new places!
One of the most important elements of each session is the location. It's the anchor point around which everything else is organized. It's how you decide what to wear. Its what I refer to before I start planning out poses and prompts. It sets the stage, the vibe, and the theme.
If you've booked this shoot because you've got a space with white walls that need some smiling faces on them, consider the colours your print will be sitting with in that room. Do you want the lush green of a forest? Or the muted cool tones of a beach? Do you want wide open spaces with lots of blue sky? Of the urban concrete of the city?
Hello!
Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt or wide brimmed hat but never had an occasion for it? This is your chance! There is no such thing as too dressed up when it comes to your session, don't be afraid to have some fun!
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they flatter every body type, especially on camera. Long, full length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring movement to the photos. Especially when paired with nature, like the beach, forest or park.
Consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle which allow for flowy movement. Take into consideration the length when choosing a skirt or dress as well. If you have small children its likely I may ask you to kneel or sit, so midi length or full length work best for these.
Style tips for her
Long, fitted pants and closed toe shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. Its best to leave the shorts and sandals at home, as well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants or fitted coloured pants work best on camera. Solid shades of gray or navy are a solid complement to most women's outfits, whereas pinstripes, polyester or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether hes wearing a full suit, or a blazer and coloured pants.
Style Tips for Him
When choosing colours for your outfits, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colours, 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, creams, leather brown and white.
I recommend avoiding colours like bright red and neons, as these cast a colour onto your skin that is unnatural.
Choosing Colours
In my experience, everyone has something that they are self conscious about, regardless of your shape. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colours that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the way you look in photos.
Three quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, and skinny straps have the opposite effect on arms in front of the camera. Heels elongate legs as well. If you're wearing sandals or peep toe heels, consider a pedicure before your session, so you don't regret letting your feet show. If you're having engagement photos done, chances are I'll be taking a few pictures of your hands, so make sure your polish isn't chipped if you're wearing any.
Flattering Features
Professional hair and makeup is on top of most of my clients checklists because it looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. A great time to do this would be your hair and make up trail day, if you're having one! Professional hair and makeup will give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the camera as well. Its also a great way to try out that wedding day makeup, and most of my clients turn their photos into a date night afterwards as well, since you're already dressed up!
Hair and Makeup
With Canada being a multi-climate location this is bound to be a question you will ask. What do we do if the weather isn't cooperating? My answer is, you get to decide if we proceed or not. I definitely watch the weather closely as we approach your session and make sure it's perfect but I understand it's not always the case. If you want to reschedule we can do that, as long as I have availability in my schedule.
If The forecast shows less of a chance of rain than twenty percent we usually have a good chance that it's not going to rain your entire session. We may have overcast skies but that is okay. In fact overcast skies are perfect for hitting all of your favorite locations because you won't have to worry about squinty eyes in your images. One obstacle we can face with overcast skies would be locations with lots of tree coverage and not a lot of access to the sky. These scenarios can cast dark circles under your eyes and unflattering shadows So if we go for it we'll want to make sure we're in a spot that makes you look your best.
Are you wanting a dreamy winter wonderland for your session? This is extremely difficult to guarantee so if your goal is to have a lot of snow in your session and on the trees I highly suggest watching the weather every week and staying in contact with me on your availability. The best time to shoot snowy portraits after a fresh snow fall is in the morning just after sunrise. As soon as that sun hits the trees all of the snow will begin to melt off of the trees.
lets talk about weather
As you're coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the colour palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don't actually 'match'. The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colours and shades so that you're not all wearing the same colour on top and bottom.
I recommend selecting those softer, lighter tones and avoiding those ultra bright bold colours. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. Feel free to vary the shades of the colours too. That softer colour palette fits beautifully into a natural environment, and can easily be paired in so many different ways.
Prepping your little ones: Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water and any small objects (like toys or lollipops) that might help us get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behaviour. A lot of families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat after the session if they’re good listeners, like an ice cream cone, for example. It also helps if their bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest beforehand.
Once you prepare them physically and mentally, then feel free to give them (and you!) grace! They’re little, and we know that some days don’t always go as planned. I've seen it all and will make sure to get you great photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family! Plus candid shots are my favourite thing to photograph.
Family styling
DO make sure you dress how you feel most comfortable. Don't wear a super form fitted dress if you normally rock jeans and a tshirt. It will come across as unnatural in your photos.
DON'T choose super bright neon colours that will create a colour cast on your skin
DO think about where you want these photos to be used. Will they be on your wall? Used for your wedding invitations or save the dates? Wedding guest book? Consider the vibe you want for your art when choosing your outfit
DON'T be afraid to bring more than one outfit! I love when clients bring different options to be photographed in!
Styling Do's and Dont's
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