Welcome!
I am so excited for your session! I feel so honored to capture these special moments in your life. I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos, and by the time you’ve read through it, I hope you’ll have all your questions answered and feel excited and prepared for your session. Then, I’ll take care of the rest! Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create beautiful photos you’ll love forever.
Let's talk styling.
I know choosing your outfits can be a real challenge and I am here to help you every step of the way. Coordination is so critical to amazing photos! We have a few options!
1) I will do all the work! :) Let me know your style and I will provide you the links to purchase.
2) You can use Style & Select to choose your colors and outfits. It gives you lots of options in different price ranges and provides links to the outfits to purchase. Use and code 'Style2023'.
3) You can choose your outfits without my assistance. I recommend using one of the color pallets on this page or on my Pinterest Board. They photograph well and coordinate. The general idea is to choose a pattern, and use those colors for the remainder of the family.
Find more color pallet ideas here on my Pinterest Board.
Check out my Client Closet!
General Styling Guidlines
My number one principle for dressing a family for their photo session is coordinating, not matching.
Use the tips below to make sure everyone's outfit looks amazing individually, and as a group.
1. Style tips for HER - DON’T BE AFRAID TO DRESS IT UP
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera. What's more, a full and flowy skirt is like a built-in "prop," giving you something to twirl and swirl, and adding effortless movement and interest to your photos. I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress instead.
2. HAIR & MAKEUP
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my 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 or 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. PRO TIP FOR SMART GALS ON A BUDGET - If there is a Sephora store in your area, I hear you can get a free mini makeover from one of their amazing beauty experts, no purchase or appointment necessary.
3. Style tips for the rest of the family
Different textures, fabrics, and patterns will make your photographs stand out even more! Do not be afraid to mix and match different patterns as long as they are all in the same EARTHY TONE COLOR PALETTE. I recommend for at least one person to come wearing a pattern in their clothing whether: your kids romper, your husband V-neck or your little ones flowy boho dress. Patterns in clothing add some fun and spark to your photos!
4. LAYERED LOOKS FOR THE GUYS - IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS!
Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera. Even if it feels overdressed, adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests, and sweaters up the level of any look. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers! Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests, watches, and statement rings are sharp complements to any outfit for men and boys alike.
5. WHAT TO AVOID
Please avoid: matching outfits, bright neon colors, glitter or sparkles on clothing, logos, characters, such as (cartoons) on kids clothing, sneakers, workout gear, polo shirts, big hair bows or other hair accessories, and baseball hats.
6. KEEPING EVERYTHING NEUTRAL, EARTHY & JEWEL TONES
Let's keep it clean, simple, and elegant!
7. My go-to shops to make your life easier
https://www.target.com/
https://www.zara.com/
https://www2.hm.com/
https://www.jenspiratebooty.com/
https://www.freepeople.com/
https://www.forever21.com/
https://www.joyfolie.com/
https://balticborn.com/
https://ryleeandcru.com/
https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime
https://oldnavy.gap.com/
DON'T FORGET
Steam your dress so you don't have any fold lines or wrinkles
Cut the tags and ribbon hanger straps out of it, so there aren't any oopsies peeking out from under your arms.
Try it on—with the underwear you plan to wear—and make sure there aren't any gaps or obvious lines.
PRO TIP FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS:
If you have smaller children, we’ll likely have you sitting or crouching down on the ground to interact with them on their level. Dresses of any length photograph beautifully, but if you have little ones in your photos, a knee-length or longer flowy dress or skirt will make moving around with your kids much easier.
If you have more questions when you’re done reading through this guide, please don’t hesitate to ask!
