SESSION DETAILS & BASIC STYLING TIPS
Firstly, I am so excited for your photo session and I’m so honoured to help you create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Good styling is important and choosing what to wear for your family or couples/engagement session can be an overwhelming thought which is why i've created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos! You organise your outfits and i'll take care of the rest! Your only other job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create photos you’ll love forever. I can’t wait to get you in front of my camera!
The location of your photo session is up to you, some ideas include a beautiful grassy field, a quiet country style dirt road or the beach. I love shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the light is divine, especially during the golden hour, which usually falls around 4pm or 5pm, depending on the season.
Before choosing your outfits, you first need to decide what kind of style you're wanting to achieve for your photos and also what the weather will be like. Will it be warmer or cooler? Do you want something classy and glamorous, nice and natural or a nice, soft boho look (I'm a lover of the boho look)?
It's also important to choose coordinating colours for your outfits. Consider your location choice, your home decor and where you may display your images. Do you want soft, neutral colours or something a little bolder?
As you're coordinating your outfits, keep in mind that you will all look the most cohesive when the colour palettes coordinate but don't necessarily match. You should aim to wear a different dominant colour, while staying within a similar colour palette. I usually recommend choosing your outfit first and then putting together the other outfits based on that.
To help you choose coordinating colours, consult the colour wheel below. Colours opposite each other on the wheel are complimentary. If you love the pairing of orange and blue, for example, I suggest some pops of orange amongst varying tones of blues in cotton and denim.
STYLING TIPS FOR HER
Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Cute, shorter-length, flowy dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body. If you're aiming for more of a natural, boho look for your photos, I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two!
In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self conscious about, so recognising what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colours that compliment your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.
Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.
When it comes to shoes, what you choose will depend on your chosen location. If you've decided on a beach location then shoes aren't necessary but if you've chosen a grassy field (or similar) then pretty, flat sandals always look great! If you've decided on a location with flat ground, like a road or city location then heels are always a winner, they elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous!
If you're not confident at doing your own hair and makeup, I always recommend having it done professionally. This will alleviate the stress of having to do it yourself and will always leave you feeling your best. When it comes to your hair, I always find that soft curls/waves are a winner!
As women, we usually always love a bit of colour in our skin however I highly recommend that you avoid a spray tan before your session as it tends to photograph orange even when it's applied subtly and by a professional. Your images will be retouched with warmer tones which will add some depth and colour to your skin, so your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
STYLING TIPS FOR HIM
If you're after a natural or boho theme for your photos, long denim or black jeans, or chinos look great for the guys teamed with either a button up, pullover or nice polo shirt. However, if you're after something a bit more dressy, you can't go wrong with black or grey dress pants or a casual suit.
If your mans up for a little extra styling then have a look at adding a complimentary blazer, jacket or sweater; depending on the weather.
The shoes he wears will depend on the outfit and location but for the most part, you can't go wrong with a nice pair of all black Vans or some dressy-casual shoes that compliment his outfit (just avoid wearing a pair of thongs or old, daggy runners).
If you've chosen a beach location then shoes won't be necessary.
STYLING TIPS FOR KIDS
Choosing outfits for the kids doesn't have to be over whelming, in fact the basics of their outfits can mimic their parents.
For girls, I recommend a pretty, flowy dress in a coordinating colour. If your session will be in the cooler months you can can add in layering pieces like cute footed tights, a denim jacket or a cardigan.
For boys, you can't go wrong with jeans, chinos or shorts (depending on the weather) and a cute button up shirt. And same as the girls, if your session will be in the cooler months you can definitely add in a jacket or cardigan.
For the shoes, ballet flats or a nice pair of sandals look super cute for girls and a nice pair of coordinating, closed in shoes for the boys.
For young babies/newborns, you want to keep it simple! Putting bub in an outfit that is a litter big for them can be a bit over whelming and almost "swallow them up." A nice neutral onesie and leggings or a thin cotton dress (with footed tights and a skivvy for winter) looks super cute!
DO'S & DONT'S
- Do choose a complimentary colour palette
- Do dress comfortably
- Do keep nails clean (and nail polish neutral)
- Do bring hair ties and clips for kids and long hair (but avoid putting hair ties on your wrist)
- Don't wear harsh patterns
- Don't wear logos
- Don't be matchy matchy
- Don't put young babies and newborns in overwhelming outfits
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AT YOUR PHOTO SESSION
During your photo session, I will absolutely help guide you into poses. My only expectation for you is that you come open to ideas, and are ready to have fun, laugh, and snuggle in front of my camera! While I will give you direction throughout the session, I like to let you fall into a version of the pose that is comfortable for you! There will also be plenty of times when I will let you do your thing, and capture your natural interactions. I may ask you to move, walk, and fake laugh- which coincidently always results in real laughter!