Why what you wear matters…
Not every outfit that looks great in life, looks great in photos. So I’m going to help you navigate your closet to put you in the best outfits that make you feel comfortable, while looking amazing! The wrong outfits can become so distracting in photos, that they can take away from the best part - YOU. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be loving every image and looking killer.
Options
For your shoot, you’ll want to bring a few options, and by a few I mean at least 2-3, but no more than 5 - this allows for some variety! Be aware that outfit changes are a part of your shoot, but the more time you take changing the less time you have for photos. Just keep that in mind for when you want to outfit swap! When you get to the shoot and your outfit isn’t jiving we can take a look at the other options and make a quick change with no worries. Fare-warning! Changing during the shoot sometimes means having to change in the cab of my truck or roadside - I’m totally cool with it, if you are.
Dress Up (or don’t), be comfortable
Never sacrifice comfort or personality.
Dress like you
Perfection comes with authenticity and confidence, and staying true to you and your authentic style can bring out both, effortlessly.
Personality
Make sure when you’re choosing outfits that they reflect you and your personality. For instance, if you’ve picked out a glam dress and heels but you’re more of a jeans + t-shirt kind of gal, than go with your favorite pair of jeans + coolest T, and ditch the heels. Always choose comfort and what looks like YOU rather than trying to recreate a look that you probably wouldn’t ever wear otherwise. None of this means you have to be boring; infuse as much personality into your outfits as you want! If your life screams sequins - rock it out, or that leather jacket that makes you feel like a king - sport it like a champ.
Accessories
Infusing different elements like hats, scarves, flower crowns, and jewelry can add variety to your session. Accessories can be added in or taken off so easily and can deliver so many options in your final album!
Props
I don’t have a closet full of props, but if there are special items you’d like to include - let’s do it! Examples could be signs, PETS, special handwritten notes, or even incorporating your favorite drinks.
Location plays a part
The location we shoot at can impact your outfit choices significantly, so here are a few things to think on.
Footwear - be smart. If we’re traipsing through the woods, maybe rethink the heels for a cute pair of sandals or boots. If we’re on the beach, makes more sense to ditch the shoes all together and dig those toes in the sand. You want to be comfortable and able to move around with ease without your footwear being a distraction or hinderance. Same with the rest of your outfit - remind yourself that you want to have the most time spent getting photos, and less time thinking of anything else.
If it’s snowing outside maybe rethink the mini skirt you picked out and trade in for an adorable sweater with boots, paired with a cute hat/mitten combo to keep you warm and looking good. On the flip side, Michigan humidity is real and summers can get hot. So, if you’re like me, breezy and lite is my mantra. So when you choose outfits in the summertime think of what will keep you cool and unrestricted.
If we’re sticking to only indoors - white is your best friend! White is a reflector, especially in rooms with low-light.
Movement
Movement creates energy in a shoot, and make your final images so engaging and fun! Make sure the outfits you choose allow you to move freely and feel comfortable. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had girls wear a cute dress that creeps up the whole shoot and she spends the whole session constantly pulling it down, or guys that wear shirts too tight on the arms making it difficult to comfortably wrap their arms around their partner. Being restricted or uncomfortable can show on your face, and I promise - it’s not going to be your best look. Avoid all of that by wearing outfits you can move in, feel comfortable, and no matter what you’re doing can feel + look amazing.
Colors
I typically tell my couples/families to stick to neutrals, and you’re probably thinking that means, white, black, or grey. Absolutely not, and while I don’t mind a simple white T, every color has a neutral. We’re staying away from bright/loud colors while taking say your favorite color and applying the toned down version to it. For example: Navy vs. Turquoise, Blush vs. Neon Pink, Eggplant vs. Ninja Turtle Purple, Mustard Yellow vs. Bright Yellow. Also be conscious of your skin tone, if you have a fairer complexion, I typically steer clients away from reds, pinks, and oranges since these colors can interfere with editing and can throw off your natural skin tone.
Remember these are just guidelines - there are always exceptions to every rule.
exceptions to every rule
Typically, I advise away from bold patterns, especially if more than one person in the photo sports it, but I will be the first to support a classic flannel. And if bold patterns are what you love and feel most like you, rock it. Worst case, you bring a more subtle backup to change into.
Remember
If you’re planning to be in low-light situations, lighter colors, such as white, help reflect and bring in more light, while darker colors absorb and remove it.
Complimenting vs. matching
Outfits that compliment one another - stellar. Matching - not in all cases. Matchy matchy tends to blend together a little too much. Matching too much can make it hard to distinguish one person’s body from another, but by complementing one another with different colors, tones, textures, accessories, and patterns you begin to harmonize while still keeping separation from one another and from the background.
Hair + makeup
If you feel you want to look extra amazing the day of your shoot, I highly encourage reaching out to that special salon in your life for a “treat yourself” moment. When you know you’re going to have beautiful photos done, why not look and feel ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS? Now. This is NOT a requirement and certainly you do not have to look all done up for your shoot, but again, this is your moment. If you feel and look your best with just having had a little pampering - go for it! If you feel your best with hair thrown up and an all-natural face, I’m here for it. You do you babe!
Looking to buy new?
If you still need a little more to go off of or are thinking you need a closet revamp for your session - I went wild on Pinterest to build out some inspiration and help you find the perfect look.
Or…
If you’re like me and always feel you need to buy new for something like photos,
here are some of my favorite + affordable shops to find something perfect.
IVY CITY CO. / LULUS / AMAZON (newborn) / AMAZON (family/portrait) / ROOLEE
getting excited?!
I hope so!! The planning process can be stressful, but also build excitement. If you’re more on the - this shit is hard and not my thing- I’m here for you. I will ALWAYS make myself available to help you pick outfits, locations, colors, and all the inbetweens as you prepare for your session. I want you to feel confident and look amazing for the day so DO NOT hesitate to reach out so we can pull this all off together with plenty of time to help you relax on the big day.