WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE
Coordinates but Don’t Match
You want to avoid everyone doing “matchy matchy” clothes. That means no white shirts and jeans, no tan pants and blue shirts and nobody wearing the same color on top. Instead, you want them to coordinate colors. 3-4 colors that go well together is ideal!
Accessorize
Accessories are one of the biggest contributors to visual interest in your look.
Jewelry - earrings, layered necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings, leather wrapped bracelets.
Sunglasses, Belts, Scarves, - all add variety to your images and also give you more posing options. Bring whatever you have and we can add them, or not, based on the look.
Suspenders, Bowties, Hats - don't stray too far from your usual style to the point that you aren't comfortable, but think outside the box. Try things you like but wouldn't always wear that might give your images that extra wow factor.
Think about Movement
Choosing clothes that show movement in photographs can make a world of difference for your shoot. Dresses that catch the wind behind you, or jackets that you can work into your poses - open, closed, or wrapped around you. Clothes that show movement not only make images more impactful, but also help your posing to give you more variety and options for what to do with your hands and posture.
Use Colors & Patterns
Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family! When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!
Subtle, Meaningful Props
Bringing things that represent you can also add variety and visual interest to your images. Play an instrument? Bring it! Love to paint? Let's come up with a concept that incorporates your work. Books, sports equipment, balloons, flowers, pets (we love to include your furry family members!) are all welcome. Just be sure to tell me ahead of time so we can come up with a great way to include them in your shoot.
Shoes Do Matter!
You don’t want to show up to your photoshoot looking gorgeous in your clothes but ruin your look with your 10 year old sandals that clearly show their age.
I tend to take pictures on a pathway to a beach to get different background or ask clients to get on spiky rocks, you will need nice shoes/sandals even for your beach photoshoot!
Grooming
This section may go without saying, but it’s important to groom before your session.
Manicured nails: Hands show in many poses. Remove any chipped polish or treat yourself to a manicure pre-shoot.
Sort out your hair! Stray nose hairs? trim them. Beard? shape it. Gloriously bushy brows? Clean up the center/use a brow brush to shape. And touch up those roots if you dye!
Keep Make Up Natural
You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well.
Some Clothing Ideas for your couple photoshoot.
Don’t Match, Coordinate.
START WITH A FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING
I usually suggest clients first look through their wardrobe and find one article of clothing that is their favorite. This can be a solid color or a pattern. Plaid and argyle are great patterns to use in photos because they incorporate at least 3 colors which can be used to build your outfits around.
COORDINATE OUTFITS AROUND YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF CLOTHING
Now that you’ve chosen your first article of clothing, you can build all of the other outfits around it, using colors that coordinate well together.
To do this, take your one piece of clothing and start going through your other clothes that you already own. Chances are, you have some that will coordinate well.
FILL IN THE MISSING PIECES
After you’ve pulled the clothes that you currently have together, start looking at the gaps that need to be filled in. I like to lay all the pieces on my bed and look at everything together. That way, I get a clear idea of what I still need. Remember, we want 2-4 colors. Take a picture and send it to me, if you want!
When I figure out what I'm missing, I usually make a shopping trip to Old Navy, GAP, ROSS, you name it. They have clothing for mom, dad and children, so I know I will be able to fill in my clothing gaps with colors that coordinate.
I get it! I have a family of 5 so I know I can’t buy everything new for a photo session. So, again, look through what you have. If shoes need to be cleaned up or scuff marks taken out, do that to bring new life into them and make sure to choose shoes that are right for your outfits.
Any questions? Feel free to message me!