Style Guide
It’s the question I hear all the time: “What should I wear?”
Choosing outfits for a photoshoot can feel daunting – trust me, I get it! But I promise you don’t have to break your back – or the bank – looking for the “perfect” attire.
Read on for a few tips that’ll help you look and feel your best at your session.
1. Avoid bold colours and patterns
The key is to choose an outfit that keeps the focus on the subject (that’s you!) not on what you’re wearing.
I typically recommend sticking with neutrals and earthy tones. ‘Neutrals’ aren’t just creams and browns – they can also be mustard yellows, forest greens, navy blues and burnt oranges! Stay away from bright, fluorescent colors. The only specific colors I recommend avoiding are pinks, bright oranges and reds.
Avoid loud patterns! The more subtle, the better. If the pattern is too loud, it will distract from your face. If you’re planning outfits for a group session, pairing too many patterns together makes for very hectic shots!
2. Comfort is key
What makes you feel most like yourself? Whatever it is – wear that (within reason). The comfier you are in what you’re wearing, the more easily you’ll be able to relax into our session. And relaxed subjects are photogenic subjects!
This tip is especially important if you have kiddos! Kids usually aren’t thrilled about putting on a collared button-ups with dress shoes. They’ll be way happier if they’re wearing something they don’t hate – and that’ll show in the photos!
3. Bring options
4. Make sure your outfit suits the location
Think about the conditions and locations we’re going to be shooting in and plan around it. If we’re going on a hike, bring shoes with good grip. If we’re hitting the beach, barefoot might be the way to go. Heels are almost always a bad idea in most scenarios, unless you’re freakishly good at walking in them!
If it’s freezing cold outside, bring lots of layers and warm clothes with wool socks and boots. If the forecast is calling for heat, bring clothes that can breathe more so you don’t look sweaty in the photos.
5. Accessorize
Feel free to bring hats, sunglasses, scarves, jewelry or jackets that compliment your outfits! Ballcaps are a big no-no in most cases (sorry, ballcap fans), and be sure to remove watches and hair elastics from your wrists ahead of time!
Bloomers or tights for toddlers wearing a dress are a good way to limit diaper exposure!