Make Your Photography Session a Success
Whether I am capturing your sweet family, or celebrating a special moment in your life, like an engagement, graduation, birthday, anniversary or new baby, or even giving you new headshots and portraitsI for your portfolio, I am honored to help you create memories you will cherish for a lifetime. This tips page is to give you helpful information to ensure you are prepared and ready for a successful and fun shoot. From there, I take care of the rest. Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot, and let me create photos you will enjoy endlessly.
What to Wear for Your Photo Session
Choosing what to wear for your photo session can be fun, but tricky. Here are some tips to help you and your family look the best and have great session!
Color Coordinate Your Outfits
+ Plan your outfits so that the colors coordinate with each other and complement the colors in your environment.
+ Select solid bright colors or neutral colors depending on the look you want to achieve.
+ Minimize patterns or avoid them completely.
+ Stay away from anything too dark or too light.
Plan For The Weather
+ If the weather changes last minute, you may want to have back-up outfit options available.
+ Dressing in layers helps ensure you are not too hot or too cold.If it is cold outside, dress accordingly. Wear more layers instead of jackets and coats. Taking them off results in lost photography time.
+ If your session is on a very hot day, bring an extra shirt in case your shirt gets damp.
Create a Fresh Look
Select clothing that does not easily wrinkle.
+ Make sure your outfits are ironed or steamed.
+ Don’t wear anything too tight or too loose.
+ Stick to simple makeup or have a makeup artist help you with your look.
+ Keep your hands looking great by trimming or painting your nails.
+ Moisturize your skin before your session and also bring hand cream for any dry skin touchups (this is especially important during the fall and winter).
+ Don’t forget a spit-up towel for your baby and an outfit change just in case additional cleanup is necessary.
+ Tissues or baby wipes can fix a runny nose and come in handy during allergy season or during cooler temperatures.
Wear Appropriate Footwear For The Environment
+ Bring a pair of walking shoes and then change into your “picture shoes.”
+ Coordinate your shoes with your outfit.
Accessorize With Taste
+ Keep any accessories to a minimum.
+ Wear simple jewelry if you wear jewelry at all.
+ Don’t forget about socks that match your clothing or personality.
+ Belts can add a polished look.
+ Keep it classic and timeless over trendy.
Bring Two Outfits For Variety
+ During a family portrait session, you may have time to change into a second outfit.
+ Bring something dressy and change into something casual or vice versa.
+ Select an outfit that you can change into quickly. You might need to change in your car, a restaurant, or a coffee shop.
Pets Are Welcome
+ Bring a solid color leash that can be attached to a nice collar instead of a harness.
+ Remove any distracting tags on your pet’s collar, or bring a fresh collar specifically for the session.
+ Treats or squeaky toys are sometimes very helpful in getting your pet to look at the camera. Please bring both with you.
What To Do With Bags, Phones, Wallets, and Sunglasses
+ Bring a bag to carry anything that will not be in your photos.
+ Cell phones and wallets should not be kept in your pockets.
+ Make sure you have a case for your sunglasses; you don’t want to be the only one wearing sunglasses during your session.
Color Schemes Inspirations
Here are a list of schemes based on the seasons to help you and your family choose the colors that will compliment your style and look.
Fall Color Schemes
Fall outfits are all about layers. Wear warm tones such as:
- Maroon and Brown
- Tan and Denim
- Cream, Navy, Tan
- Denim, Crimson, Yellow
Winter Color Schemes
Winter’s the perfect time to bundle up and bring out those family sweaters and furry scarves! Holiday season highlights cold tones like:
- Glitter and White
- Crimson and Navy
- Crimson, Tan, Blue
- Grey, Black, Red
- Green, Rose, Copper
Spring Color Schemes
Spring is all about vibrancy. Try colors such as:
- White and Blush
- Teal and Blush
- White, Tan, Light Blue
- White, Navy, Yellow
Summer Color Schemes
Find outfits with the warmest of colors like:
- Teal and Orange
- White and Tan
- Green, Yellow, Blue
- White, Tan, Light Blue
Stick To Neutrals
Neutral colors are always a great option, not only because they go well together, but because they are classic. Matching outfits in colors such as grey, tan, cream, blue, lighter browns, white are also great.
